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Spending time in nature, surrounded by breathtaking scenery, and interacting with wildlife is one of the most rejuvenating experiences, and nature reserves offer just that. Although Johannesburg does not have a national park, it is blessed with several nearby ones that make for the perfect day trip.
These include the Pilanesberg National Park which is located less than 200 km from Johannesburg. This is where you can get to see Africa's Big Five. The park is also in an area that has eroded mountains, valleys and plains. The entrance fee is R80 per adult and R30 per child. The park offers a three-hour open-vehicle guided safari, and prices range from R450 per child to R 900 per adult. Read more about the park here.
You can also take another day trip and visit Marakele National Park, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg. The park has elephants, rhinos, and lions among other wildlife. Read more about it here.
Visiting these two parks gives you an opportunity to experience the beauty of wildlife, connect with nature, view amazing sights, see a range of South African plant species, and enjoy time out.
Free access to national parks
South Africa is blessed with 21 national parks, and from 22 to 26 September 2025, locals will be able to visit some of them for free.
This is in celebration of the South African National Parks Week, which runs from 22 to 26 September 2025.
SANParks made the announcement on 13 August.
"Week Of Free Access To National Parks Announced. On 21 September 2025 South African National Parks (SANParks) will host a celebratory event at Kruger National Park to kickstart the 20th annual SA National Parks Week which will be held from 22 to 26 September 2025 and extended to 27 and 28 September at selected national parks. During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of SANParks," read the statement on Facebook.
This will allow locals to explore 'breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage' that the parks offer without paying a cent. However, SANParks warned the offer does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
Locals can visit the following national parks for free during 22-26 September:
Kruger National Park
- Launch date: 21 September 2025, Mopani Rest Camp, Limpopo
- Free access 22 – 26 September 2025
Northern Region
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Mapungubwe National Park: 20 – 28 September 2025
- Marakele National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
Cape Region
- Agulhas National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Bontebok National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Table Mountain National Park: 22 – 25 September 2025 [Extension TBC] (excluding Boulders Penguin Colony section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- West Coast National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025 (not extending to the weekend, as it is active Flower Season)
Frontier Region
- Addo Elephant National Park: 22 – 27 September 2025
- Camdeboo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Karoo National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Mountain Zebra National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
Garden Route Region
- Garden Route National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
Arid Region
- Augrabies Falls National Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
- Mokala National Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: 22 – 28 September 2025
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: 22 – 26 September 2025
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