Free week: Dates announced for SA National Parks Week

SANParks to kick off National Parks Week 2024

South African National Parks (SAParks) recently revealed the dates for their annual free access to national parks week.

In a statement, SANParks said that they would be hosting a celebratory event at Marakele National Park to kickstart the 19th annual SA free access week which will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks.

“During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.” the parks body said in the statement.

It also should be noted that free access to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

What is free week?

Each year, SANParks hosts the free week as an initiative aimed at linking the SA national parks system to the global national movement and to showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks. The free week also provides all South Africans with the opportunity to explore their local National Park at absolutely no cost.

Free Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

Here’s where and when:

The 18 parks that will be offering free access and their dates can be found below: