2026 Kruger National Park free access week dates announced

SANParks has announced the dates for this year’s free access week at the Kruger National Park and other selected national parks.

The free access applies to park entry only and does not include accommodation, guided activities, game drives or other tourist activities, which will remain subject to their normal fees.

To qualify for free access, South African citizens must present a valid identity document. Children under the age of 18 will not be required to provide identification.

Since its inception in 2006, SA National Parks Week has become one of SANParks’ flagship public awareness initiatives.

It attracts hundreds of thousands of day visitors and helping to strengthen public appreciation of South Africa’s national parks and the vital role they play in conservation. In 2025 alone, more than 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free-access initiative.

Individual parks may also have different entry conditions and visitor limits. For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026 

Kruger & Northern Region Free Access Week

Kruger National Park: 7–11 September 2026

Golden Gate Highlands National Park:* 7–11 September 2026

Mapungubwe National Park:* 7–11 September 2026

Marakele National Park:* 7–11 September 2026