South African National Parks will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park to kick-start the 19th annual SA National Parks Week which will be held from September 9 to 13 and extended to September 14 and 15 at selected national parks.
During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.
According to the SANParks website, special note must be taken of the fact that free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006.
ALSO READ: City of Ekurhuleni public swimming pools ready for spring
SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.
SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.
Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.
Participating national parks:
- |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Agulhas National Park
- Augrabies Falls National Park
- Bontebok National Park
- Camdeboo National Park
- Garden Route National Park
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- Karoo National Park
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
- Kruger National Park
- Mapungubwe National Park
- Marakele National Park
- Mokala National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Namaqua National Park
- Table Mountain National Park
- Tankwa Karoo National Park
- West Coast National Park
ALSO READ: Stap vir Bybels skilderyprys word aan Sonneveld Akademie oorhandig