South African National Parks (SANParks) will soon make an announcement on the opening of accommodation in individual parks following the Minister of Tourism’s declaration permitting accommodation to open for leisure travel intra-provincially.
SANParks acting head of communications, Reynold Thakhuli, told Travel News that a finalised statement was in the works and would be made public soon. However, there is already a stipulation in place that guests must provide proof of residence at the time of booking accommodation and again when checking in. Interprovincial visitors will be prohibited entry into the parks.
In a press release issued on July 31, SANParks ceo, Fundisile Mketeni, said: “We appreciate that after four months of confinement, the public is keen to engage with nature, however we are obligated to ensure that the opening of our national parks for accommodation is done under the strictest health protocols to safeguard both our staff and guests.”
While the measures needed for the opening of accommodation are under review, the parks are open to tour operators wishing to conduct guided tours in open safari vehicles, subject to directives that are still to be communicated and gazetted.
Self-drive guests are restricted to 70% vehicle capacity as per the Department of Transport’s regulations published on April 2.
