27 August 2013
For one week in September, South Africans will once again be allowed to enjoy their natural heritage free of charge, with day visitors getting free access to the Kruger National Park and almost all other national parks in the country.
The eighth annual South African National Parks (SANParks) Week runs from 9 to 13 September, and offers South African citizens free entry into almost all 19 national parks, with the exception of the Namaqua National Park and the Boulders Penguin Colony in Table Mountain National Park.
“A number of events have been lined up to encourage South African citizens to visit the park and experience the beauty,” Kruger National Park spokesperson William Mabasa said this week.
Mabasa said the aim was to encourage South Africans to take care of the country’s conservation areas.
South African day visitors who present their green bar-coded identity documents will be allowed free entry that week. Children under the age of 12 will not need proof of identity.
Groups regarded as commercial ventures, such as private open safari vehicle operators, tourists who come to the park on tour buses, and overnight visitors will not qualify for free access.
“The normal daily quota at the gates will still apply during that week, and preference will be given based on first come, first served basis,” Mabasa said.
As part of the week, Kruger Park management will be engaging with neighbouring communities in Limpopo and Mpumalanga province.
“We will be visiting sick children at Maphutha L Malatji Hospital in Phalaborwa and hosting a group of individuals with visual disabilities, affording them an opportunity to touch and feel the bush.”
Mabasa said that nature conservation should not be out of anyone’s reach as it formed part their culture and heritage.
For Capetonians, there’s the opportunity to visit Cape Point – part of the Table Mountain National Park – and spend the day exploring the majestic most south-westerly point in Africa.
Free guided walks along the coast of the Cape of Good Hope will be available from Tuesday, 10 September to Thursday, 12 September on a first come, first served basis.
Walks are scheduled for 10h00, 11h00 and 12h00 from Tuesday to Thursday and are two to three hours in length. Early registration is essential, as there is only space for 20 people per walk – email lauren.howard@sanparks.org before Thursday, 5 September to sign up.
Metrorail and their preferred bus-service provider, HGTS Tours, are offering daily return train-trips from Cape Town to Simons Town, followed by a luxury coach journey to Cape Point for the duration of SA National Parks Week (including Saturday 14 September).
The cost for this transport package is R120 per adult and R60 for children up to the age of 12, students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Meghan Horne of Metrorail’s Rail Tourism Promotions Department on 021 449 3018 / 2366 or email promotions@metrorail.co.za.
SAnews.gov.za and SAinfo reporter
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