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Not Only For Rich Tourists

If you have wanted to visit one of the local National Parks but have been scared off by expensive access fees, then we have some good news for you. 

The SA National Parks are opening free access to locals once again this year and the time period has been extended to now cover 9 days (incl 2 weekends – when most people have time off).

September 16th till Sunday September 24th

“The week was established in a bid to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage, protected by the national parks system. It is also in line with the SANParks vision statement of ‘A Sustainable National Park System Connecting Society,’’ – SANParks CEO Hapiloe Sello

The initiative started back in 2006 and SANParks has held the open week since. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken advantage of the chance to get to see what tourists normally get to enjoy.

 Some of the most notable parks include: Addo Elephant National Park, Agulhas National Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, Bontebok National Park, Camdeboo National Park, Garden Route National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, Mokala National Park among others.

Western Cape

In the Western Cape area,  the Agulhas, Bontebok and Tankwa National Park will all extend the free access until September 24.

 In the Cape Town area, picnic and braai sites within Table Mountain National Park, as well as the West Coast National Park, will only extend free access until September 22.

So, why not behave like a tourist and get to see some of the best that SA has to offer?

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NOTE: Boulders Penguin Colony, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, as well as the  Cape Agulhas Lighthouse in Agulhas National Park, are excluded from the free access.

Please also note that access to the parks included does not cover special fees and costs, there may be extra costs involved for things like accommodation so do a little homework about your preferred destination before you go. Also, you will need your SA ID document to gain free access. Don’t forget that.