Get free entry to SA’s national parks next week

South Africans usually get free entry to a selection of the country’s national parks for one week every September, to coincide with Heritage Day, but this is happening next week instead.

The free-entry access for South African citizens will form part of SANParks’ 15th annual SA National Parks Week from Monday to Friday 16 to 20 November.  

FREE ENTRY LIMITED TO DAY VISITS ONLY

Granting South Africans free access to SANParks in this way is aimed at promoting appreciation for the country’s diverse landscapes and natural assets.     

Under lockdown level 2 regulations, there were limits on the number of people permitted in public spaces. SANParks therefore decided to postpone National Parks Week to November.

South Africans will be able to visit most of the country’s 21 national parks for free during the open week. Free access is applicable to day-visitor entry only and does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

PARKS THAT ARE EXCLUDED

The parks which will not offer free access during SANParks Week are: Boulders Penguin Colony, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Table Mountain National Park and Namaqua National Park.

SOME PARKS TO EXTEND FREE ENTRY

A limited number of national parks will extend the free access granted under SANParks Week by also offering free entry on Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 November.

Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo and the West Coast National Park will be extending their parks week free entries until next Sunday 22 November.

COVID-19 MEASURES IN PLACE

As a result of COVID-19, all the parks will be operating under capacity constraints. A first come-first served principle will apply. Several parks will have limits on the number of visitors allowed to enter each day. More info about this can be found on the SANParks website.

SANParks has implemented extra visitor management procedures to manage visitor volumes in line with COVID-19 regulations.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY

South Africans over the age of 18 must produce an SA identity document or an SA driver’s licence to qualify for free access during National Parks Week.