South African National Parks is trumpeting all across social media this week, as it announces dates for annual SA National Parks Week.
The initiative, which offers free entry to most of the 21 national parks across the country, will run from 22-26 September 2025, with selected Parks extending free access into the following weekend (27-28 September). But remember that free entry applies only to day visits, and does not include accommodation or activities.
In the Cape, locals can look forward to free entry to the following National Parks on specified dates:
- Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 (hold up: this excludes Boulders Penguin Colony, and use of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
Although getting anything for free is welcome these days, it’s not hard to feel that SANParks could have been a little more generous in offering the public free access to what is, don’t forget, our shared natural heritage.
I guess we’re fortunate that SANParks Week in 2025 will coincide with the 24 September Heritage Day public holiday (last year it was held from 9-13 September), but check those dates above and you'll find that entry to the two most accessible Parks – West Coast and Table Mountain – will be limited to weekdays only. Monday to Friday. Those days when, y’know, most of us are working or studying?
That’s especially annoying when it comes to the West Coast National Park, where the spring flowers are in full bloom and I’m sure loads of locals would love to head out and see them without paying the R116 entry fee.
SANParks says it is limiting access to weekdays and “not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season”. Well, yes, that’s all the more reason to make it easier to go, right?
And excluding the ever-popular Boulders Beach penguin colony from access to Table Mountain National Park? For families who can’t afford the R50pp entry fee, this would be the perfect opportunity to offer a day out in nature. Making locals stump up the entire week feels a little short-sighted.
If SANParks is truly hoping to “encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership” as it says, then it should be willing to throw open the gates a little wider.