The 2019 edition of the South African National Parks Week (SANPW) will run from 8 to 15 September. During the Parks Week, South Africans are allowed free entry to 19 of the country’s national parks. And for the first time, the week-long celebration will extend free access until Sunday instead of the Friday, as was previously done in the past. If you’re unsure of which parks to visit, here’s our 3 favourite parks that will be free during the South African National Parks Week.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north eastern Free State in South Africa, lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park is famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds. The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is named for the glowing golden cliffs lit by the sun, particularly the imposing Brandwag rock. The park is great for hiking, horse riding, and exploring caves.
Augrabies Falls National Park
About 120km west of Upington in the Northern Cape is a landscape that could be from another planet. Picturesque names such as Moon Rock, Ararat and Echo Corner are descriptive of this rocky region, characterised by the 18 kilometre abyss of the Orange River Gorge and craggy outcrops dominating scrub-dotted plains. Although it’s the Augrabies Falls that lures visitors here, you’ll also find arid-adapted animals and plants, fascinating rocks, hikes and more. If you have a 4×4, hit the Wilderness Road, a 94-kilometre stretch of endless beauty. There is a scenic picnic spot halfway along the road with ablution and braai facilities.
Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park lies in the malaria-free Sundays River valley in the Eastern Cape. The Park stretches from the semi-arid karoo of the north, over the Zuurberg Mountains and down through the Sundays River valley to the coast, to between the mouths of the Sundays and Bushman’s rivers. Addo is home to one of the densest African Elephant populations on earth, roughly 550 of them. Lodges and tented camps are just some of the options when it comes to Addo Elephant National Park accommodation, which is a fantastic wildlife experience for visitors to South Africa. If it is elephants you want to see, then head to Addo Elephant Park.
Make sure you take advantage of the 19 national parks that you will be able to visit for free during the South African National Parks Week.
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