The South African National Parks Week in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and other National Parks will take place this year from 22 to 26 September 2025. The purpose of this initiative is to continue to encourage citizens to know their parks and enjoy their natural heritage, especially communities that border the protected areas, as they might not ordinarily be able to afford the general entry fees.

The KNP will open its gates only during weekdays (22 – 26 September 2025) and implores people to make online bookings as quotas will be implemented to avoid congestion both at the gates and other public areas within the park. People must note as follows:

• This free entry applies to South Africans who will be requested to present their South African identity documents when making bookings.

• No alcohol will be allowed, and the free access is only for entry and no other tourism activities.

• Conditions applicable to the free entry are that access will only be granted to day visitors upon presentation of an identity document; only children below the age of 16 years gain entry without proof of identity.

• Groups regarded as commercial ventures: private open safari vehicle operators, tourists who come to the park on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in this free access arrangement (except on 24 September, which will be a holiday).

• Visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly to avoid having to rush back as there are speed limits within the park. Park rules will be enforced as always to ensure that visitors enjoy their visits.

• No alcohol may be brought into the park. No loud music, alcohol consumption will be allowed at any area close to the park. Braais will only be allowed at designated areas in the picnic sites.

• The use of drones in the KNP is strictly prohibited in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA) and SANParks regulations. Unauthorised drone use poses safety risks to visitors, disturbs wildlife, and compromises security operations.

There are planned activities for invited guests as follows:

• 22 – 26 September 2025 – Walk and Learn on the Wild Side
  • KNP will host the event in conjunction with Limpopo’s Department of Education – Vhembe and Mopani Districts. The project targets high school pupils specifically, Grade 10 and 11 from neighbouring communities, exposing them to conservation and tourism-related careers. 200 learners will be hosted, and the learners are divided into groups of 40 alternating daily.

• 23 – 25 September 2025 – Road safety awareness in the park

o  To keep tabs and highlight safety management with visitors on the roads inside the park, the law enforcement officials will conduct awareness with a focus on areas such as vehicle roadworthiness, valid licences check, speeding etc.

• 24 September 2025 – Cultural Heritage celebration in Matsulu
• As September is both Tourism and Heritage month, there will be a cultural heritage celebration at Matsulu, a township outside Numbi Gate. The event will allow park management an opportunity to strengthen relations with key stakeholders from around the park.

·     26 September 2025 – Gingirikani Greening project launch

• As part of the Corporate Social Investment programme, the launch of a greening project with communities will take place at Gingirikani, a village in Giyani.

·     26 September 2025 – Disability Inclusion programme

• Over the past few months, South African National Parks (SANParks), in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), empowered 34 young people with disabilities through an entrepreneurship development course and wil,l on 26 September hand-over cheques to celebrate this milestone of the Disability Inclusion Programme.