South Africa’s cheapest national parks for a summer getaway

A summer getaway in South Africa doesn’t have to involve expensive accommodation or luxury safari lodges. The country’s national parks offer affordable opportunities to explore beautiful natural landscapes, spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.

South African National Parks (SANParks) introduced its latest conservation fees on 1 November 2026, with the rates applying until 31 October 2027.

For South African citizens and residents, daily entrance fees start at just R54 per adult. Here are some of the cheapest national parks to visit this summer.

The cheapest national parks in South Africa

The following are daily conservation fees for South African citizens and residents with valid identification.

National park or section	Adult	Child
Garden Route – Knysna	R54	R27
Agulhas	R63	R32
Bontebok	R63	R32
Camdeboo	R63	R32
Garden Route – Wilderness	R63	R32
Tankwa-Karoo	R63	R32
Namaqua	R65	R33
Mokala	R66	R33
Augrabies Falls	R73	R37
Golden Gate Highlands	R76	R38
Karoo	R76	R38
Mapungubwe	R76	R38
Marakele	R76	R38
Mountain Zebra	R76	R38

Children are aged between two and 11. Fees cover park entry only.

1. Garden Route National Park – Knysna

Entrance: R54 per adult

The Knysna section of Garden Route National Park is the cheapest option on this list. It’s known for its indigenous forests, estuaries and beautiful coastal scenery.

Visitors can enjoy nature walks, birdwatching and exploring the surrounding environment.

2. Bontebok National Park

Entrance: R63 per adult

Located near Swellendam in the Western Cape, Bontebok National Park was established to protect the endangered bontebok.

Visitors can spot these antelope alongside other wildlife while enjoying the park’s mountain scenery. Activities include hiking, birdwatching and picnicking.

3. Camdeboo National Park

Entrance: R63 per adult

Surrounding Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, Camdeboo National Park is best known for the spectacular Valley of Desolation.

Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, wildlife viewing and impressive viewpoints overlooking the Karoo landscape.

4. Tankwa-Karoo National Park

Entrance: R63 per adult

Tankwa-Karoo offers a very different experience, with vast open landscapes, rocky mountains and remarkable night skies.

It’s particularly popular with photographers and stargazers. Wildlife includes gemsbok, springbok and red hartebeest.

5. Mokala National Park

Entrance: R66 per adult

Situated south-west of Kimberley, Mokala is a great option for visitors interested in wildlife.

The park is home to black and white rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, roan antelope and sable antelope. Visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing and guided activities.

6. Augrabies Falls National Park

Entrance: R73 per adult

Augrabies Falls National Park is home to one of South Africa’s most spectacular waterfalls.

The Orange River plunges approximately 56 metres into a rocky gorge, creating an impressive natural attraction. Visitors can explore viewpoints, hiking trails and the surrounding landscape.

7. Mountain Zebra National Park

Entrance: R76 per adult

Located near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, Mountain Zebra National Park was established to protect the endangered Cape mountain zebra.

Other wildlife includes cheetahs, black rhinos, buffalo and various antelope species. Visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing, guided activities and hiking.

8. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Entrance: R76 per adult

Golden Gate Highlands National Park is known for its dramatic sandstone formations, green grasslands and mountain scenery.

Situated near Clarens in the Free State, it is particularly popular with hikers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails and wildlife viewing.

How much does a family visit cost?

For a family of two adults and two children aged between two and 11, entrance fees at some of these parks remain relatively affordable.

National park	Family entrance fee
Garden Route – Knysna	R162
Bontebok	R190
Camdeboo	R190
Tankwa-Karoo	R190
Mokala	R198
Augrabies Falls	R220
Mountain Zebra	R228
Golden Gate Highlands	R228

These amounts cover daily conservation fees only, excluding accommodation and other activities.

What about Kruger National Park?

Kruger is more expensive than the parks listed above, but remains one of South Africa’s most popular safari destinations.

South African citizens and residents pay R140 per adult and R70 per child per day for the 2026/27 season. A family of two adults and two children would therefore pay R420 in daily conservation fees.

There are a few ways to keep the cost of a national park getaway down:

• Choose camping: Campsites can be cheaper than chalets and bungalows.
• Pack your own food: Self-catering helps reduce restaurant expenses.
• Consider a day trip: Avoid accommodation costs if you live nearby.
• Look into a Wild Card: Frequent visitors may save through annual access to participating parks, depending on their membership category.

Visitors should check SANParks’ website for the latest entrance fees, accommodation availability and park-specific conditions before travelling.