Free access to National Parks near Johannesburg

Next week is the annual National Parks Week and South Africans are invited to enjoy this part of their country, free of charge. What sets this event apart is its ability to intermarry National Tourism Month and Heritage Month, which are both celebrated in September.

What is National Parks Week?

This year is the 20th commemoration of the annual National Parks Week, where South Africans have free access to these establishments. This was initiated not only to showcase this country’s best national parks but to also link them and the entire ecosystem to the global movement to preserve scenic and ecologically vital areas.

This year’s edition takes place from 7 to 13 September and the only requirement to access the participating national parks is your valid South African ID.

Families, communities, schools, nature lovers and first-time visitors can take advantage of this yearly opportunity to be out in nature, learn about preserving the environment and contribute toward spreading awareness. Children under 18 are not required to provide any form of identity.

Accommodation, guided activities, game drives and other tourist activities are not included in the complimentary access as these carry their own additional charges, but visitors at national parks during the dedicated week can enjoy general access to explore public roads and park infrastructure.

Namaqua National Park, the Boulders Penguin Colony Section of Table Mountain National Park and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are not included in the free access week, and Kruger National Park, West Coast National Park and Augrabies Falls National Park only have the free access options from 7 to 11 September.

Which parks are participating?

Spanning across the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, the Kruger National Park is a great option for Gauteng residents because it’s a four- to five-hour drive from Johannesburg, giving you an opportunity to take a road trip and make a meal of it. Kruger has been recognised as the ultimate African safari destination because its wildlife experience is second to none.

At the intersection of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe is the highly sought-after Mapungubwe National Park. Situated about 500 km from Johannesburg, this park is a favourite because of its rich ancient African history and it also boasts more than 450 bird species.

The Richtersveld Transfrontier Park rests on the border of South Africa and Namibia and is co-managed by the local Nama community. This scenic mountain desert is loved for its volcanic landscapes, ancient desert flora and other features that are just not within your reach if you live in the city.

Mokala National Park will need you to be a bit more deliberate about your planning as it is all the way in the Northern Cape. From Johannesburg you’ll pass through Potchefstroom, Klerksdorp and Kimberley, making this a great 'sho't left' to get to know other parts of the country.

It serves as SA’s premier "endangered species sanctuary” where resident herbivores are able to enjoy iconic trees and transitional plant life, safe from predators as lions and other such animals are not available in this part.

There are multiple parks that are participating in the Western Cape and other parts of South Africa, and this information can be accessed on the SANParks website. But don’t just limit yourself to complimentary access; these facilities are available throughout the year.

Make this a tourism and heritage month to remember by really allowing yourself to be immersed in the parks holistically.

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