Park "Mahala" Week 2025: Free Access to North West Provincial Reserves

Karen Scheepers
Sep 11
4 min read

The North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) has announced that during Park Mahala Week 2025 (28 September to 05 October 2025), entry fees will be waived for South African citizens at 13 provincial game and nature reserves in North West Province This free-access initiative is aimed at encouraging locals to explore the province’s natural heritage. Madikwe Game Reserve is explicitly excluded from the offer, but all other NWPTB-managed parks will welcome visitors at no cost during that week. To qualify for free entry, visitors must present a valid South African ID or passport at the reserve gates (The promotion is typically for day visitors only, so standard rules like no commercial tours and normal operating hours may apply, per usual practice.)

Image: North West Dept of Economic Development, Environment Conservation & Tourism

Participating Reserves in North West Province

According to the NWPTB announcement, the following 13 reserves in North West are included in Park Mahala Week 2025 .

Each site is briefly described with its notable features:

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary ( Delareyville and Sannieshof)
Renowned wetland sanctuary famous for exceptional birdwatching, home to diverse waterfowl and migratory birds It is one of South Africa’s important birding areas, ideal for ornithologists and nature lovers.

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve (Bloemhof)
A large dam-based reserve offering expansive aquatic landscapes, angling opportunities, and abundant birdlife around the Bloemhof Dam. It’s popular for fishing competitions and scenic waterside picnics.
Borakalalo Nature Reserve (Brits)
A tranquil wilderness area characterized by woodland and bushveld habitats, known for serene nature experiences and opportunities to see plains game in a quiet setting. “Borakalalo” means “place of relaxation,” reflecting its peaceful atmosphere.
Boskop Dam Nature Reserve (Potchefstroom)
Centered around Boskop Dam, this reserve features wide dam views and is a peaceful haven for picnics, canoeing, and birding. The surrounding veld supports various antelope species, making it a pleasant spot for casual game viewing.

Botsalano Nature Reserve (Mafikeng)
A scenic game reserve on the Botswana border, prized for its conservation efforts and charm, where one can enjoy game drives and wildlife photography It has open Kalahari bushveld terrain and is known for its white rhinos and plains game.
Kgaswane Mountain Nature Reserve (Rustenburg)
A mountainous reserve near Rustenburg offering dramatic terrain and hiking trails Visitors can hike to waterfalls and enjoy panoramic views. Kgaswane’s rugged habitat is home to species like sable antelope and offers a different experience from the bushveld parks.
Mafikeng Game Reserve
A 4,600 ha reserve on the outskirts of Mahikeng (Mafikeng) known for “fast and rewarding” wildlife circuits. Despite its modest size, it harbors white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, and various antelope; visitors can often spot game within a short drive.
Molemane Eye Nature Reserve (Lichtenburg – Zeerust Road.)
A smaller reserve built around a natural spring (“eye”), valued for its conservation importance and scenic charm. Molemane has historical significance and a variety of wildlife; its pleasant scenery makes it a hidden gem for picnics and birding.
Molopo Nature Reserve
A remote Kalahari-region reserve offering tranquil wilderness in semi-arid savanna surroundings. It is known for species adapted to dry conditions (like gemsbok and springbok) and gives visitors a taste of the Kalahari’s solitude.

Pilanesberg National Park (Pilanesberg Nature Reserve)
A flagship Big Five park set in an ancient volcanic crater, renowned for sweeping game drives and rich wildlife viewing opportunities. Pilanesberg’s diverse habitats support elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, leopard and more, making it a must-visit for classic safari experiences.
S.A. Lombard Nature Reserve ( Bloemhof)
A restricted-access reserve notable for its historical significance in wildlife breeding (it was instrumental in breeding programs for rare species). Normally not open to the general public, during Park Mahala Week it allows visitors to appreciate its contribution to conservation history.
Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve (Rustenburg)
A nature reserve encompassing Vaalkop Dam, beloved by anglers and birdwatchers It offers fishing spots and is known for its waterbirds and tranquil environment. The reserve’s mix of water and bush makes it a relaxing getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Wolwespruit Nature Reserve (Bothaville)
A quiet reserve along the banks of the Wolwespruit (a tributary of the Vaal), known for peaceful bushveld scenery and intimate wildlife encounters. Its dam and acacia veld environment attract birdlife and smaller game, ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.

Link to view Parks :https://www.getaway.co.za/travel-news/park-mahala-week-2025-north-west-opens-doors-to-nature/#:~:text=These%20protected%20areas%20are%20renowned,Kgaswane%20impresses%20with%20its

Each of these provincial reserves will have free entry during the 28 Sept–5 Oct 2025 Park Mahala Week, allowing South African visitors to explore everything from bird sanctuaries and fishing spots to Big Five game reserves at no charge.

This initiative not only helps citizens save on fees but also encourages them to reconnect with the outdoors and appreciate the North West’s rich biodiversity getaway.co.za.

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