Free day for all in parks

SKUKUZA – South African day visitors will have free access into the Kruger National Park (KNP) as part of South African National Parks Week in September.

From September 9 to 13, day visitors will have free access into all national parks in the country.

“The purpose of this initiative is to continue to familiarise and create awareness about the understanding of environmental conservation among South African citizens,” said Ms Laura Mukwevho, KNP spokesman.

In celebration of this special week, KNP management will connect with society by engaging with various community groupings, such as the park forum members in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, visit sick children at Maphutha L Malatji Hospital in Phalaborwa and host a group of individuals with visual disabilities; affording them an opportunity to touch and feel the bush.

“From a distance, the experience of nature conservation looks like it is out of reach, whereas in fact it forms part our culture and heritage” said Mr William Mabasa, KNP general manager of communications and marketing.

Conditions applicable to the free entry are that access will only be granted to visitors upon presentation of a green bar-coded identity document, but all children below 12 gain entry without proof of identity. Groups regarded as commercial ventures, such as private open-safari vehicle operators, foreigners on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in this free-access arrangement.

“The normal daily quota at the gates will still apply during that week and preference will be given based on first come, first served. Know your parks and act in their best interest by conserving nature,” concluded Mabasa.