Every September, we celebrate South Africa’s rich heritage and cultural wealth. Heritage Day on the 24th of September is a public holiday, and many nature reserves and national parks offer free entrance during this time.
CapeNature is once again opening its gates to the public for the 11th edition of Access Week. Day visitors can enjoy free entry to selected reserves from 20 to 26 September 2025, giving everyone a chance to explore and reconnect with South Africa’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Free Entry: These CapeNature Reserves Are Participating
- WEST COAST – Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island (excluding 21 & 22 Sept), Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan
- WINELANDS – Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch (picnic area), Vrolijkheid, Limietberg (hiking only)
- OVERBERG – Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay, Geelkrans, Stony Point
- GARDEN ROUTE – Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Outeniqua
- KAROO – Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg
Free access is granted during regular daytime opening hours only. Visitors do not have to pay conservation fees during this period and can enjoy picnic spots, hiking and mountain biking trails, and other permitted daytime activities. Please note this offer does not apply to overnight stays, and the Whale Trail at De Hoop Nature Reserve is excluded from the promotion.
No pre-booking is required, but entry is subject to daily visitor limits, so arriving early is recommended.
CapeNature also offers facilitated access programmes, where they host nature-based experiences for community groups who may not otherwise have the means to visit. These guided and educational visits are designed to strengthen participants’ connection to nature, inspire conservation awareness, and even offer healing and grounding experiences.
Those interested in arranging a facilitated group experience can contact the Learning and Awareness team at:
Between 19 and 29 September, CapeNature is also running a social media giveaway, with a daily prize of fynbos-themed stationery. You can follow them at @capenature for updates and details.
SANParks: Free Entry During National Parks Week
SANParks runs a similar special. During South African National Parks Week, from 22 to 28 September 2025, South African citizens can enjoy FREE entry to most national parks for day visits only. Accommodation, guided tours, and other paid activities are excluded.
Participating parks in the Western Cape include:
- Agulhas National Park
- Bontebok National Park
- Table Mountain National Park (excludes Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway)
- West Coast National Park (offer only valid until 26 September due to Flower Season)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
- Karoo National Park
- Garden Route National Park
For information about additional parks (e.g. Kruger, Addo Elephant Park, etc.), visit:
🔗 SANParks National Parks Week 2025
Heritage Day: Free Access to City-Managed Nature Reserves
In addition to CapeNature and SANParks, the City of Cape Town is also joining in the celebrations by offering free entry to its municipal nature reserves on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.
The City manages 16 different conservation sites across Cape Town. While most are always free to access, four reserves usually charge an entrance fee and that fee will be waived for one day only on Heritage Day. Please note that this offer does not include paid recreational activities, such as sandboarding, quad biking or off-roading at the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve (Atlantis Dunes).
These are the four reserves with waived entry fees:
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
- Helderberg Nature Reserve
- Table Bay Nature Reserve
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
This offer is a great opportunity to explore a reserve you haven’t visited before, go for a hike, admire the spring blooms, or enjoy a family picnic or braai. For the best braai spots, consider the Eerste Steen braai facility at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve for a beautiful beachside braai, or the Zeekoevlei braai area at False Bay Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views over the water.
You can view the full list of City-managed nature reserves here.
Quick Summary
CapeNature
What? Free daytime access to selected nature reserves (open to general public, including tourists)
When? 20–26 September 2025
SANParks
What? Free daytime access to most national parks (SA citizens + permanent residents only, bring ID book/card)
When? 22–28 September 2025 (West Coast National Park is only included until 26 September)
City of Cape Town
What? Free daytime access to four municipal nature reserves that usually charge an entry fee (Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay, and Tygerberg)
When? Wednesday, 24 August 2025 only (Heritage Day)
I would like to book for the 27th, for the free visit. please advise how
Hi Abigail! No booking needed. Just show up early on the day and bring your South African ID (but do note: 27 September falls outside the free entry dates for some parks. Check carefully which reserve or park you’re planning to visit). All the details are in the article above including dates and exceptions. Hope that helps!
Hi. Is Kirstenbosch included?
No, Kirstenbosch is not included as it is not managed by SANParks or CapeNature. They did offer free entry during National Gardens Weeks in March 2025 but I am not sure if this is an annual event. Worth keeping an eye out next March though!
Good day is Helderberg nature resorts of the free one?
Hi! 👋 Helderberg Nature Reserve isn’t part of the CapeNature or SANParks network, so unfortunately it’s not included in the free entry specials. It’s owned and managed by the City of Cape Town, with support from the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Still a beautiful spot but not participating in Access Week and SA National Parks Week.