South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed the dates of its 16th annual SA National Parks Week, due to take place from November 22-28. During the week, all South African citizens can enter most, but not all, national parks throughout the country free of charge.
The offer applies only to entry fees, and does not extend to accommodation facilities or tourist activities within the parks.
“The week is meant to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa's natural, cultural and historical heritage and a deeper appreciation of biodiversity. It is important for South Africans to visit and know the importance of national parks,” explains SANParks Acting CEO, Luthando Dziba.
“Through our socio-economic transformation programmes and our expanded public works programme, we work closely with communities living adjacent to national parks in a quest to be more inclusive in our management of protected areas. This inclusivity encompasses providing access to parks for cultural use as well as exposing young people to the different career options in conservation and tourism,” Dziba continues.
The free access will be valid at the following national parks: Addo, Kgalagadi, Kruger and the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park. The Boulders section of Table Mountain National Park is not included in the free access week.
