The first-ever South African National Parks (SANParks) Week took place in 2006. And since, each year a week is set out to bring global awareness to the SA national parks system and to showcase the best of the country’s parks.
What is SA National Parks Week?
Since 2006, people have been eagerly waiting for SANParks to open its doors free of charge. And this year’s free access week will be taking place from the 22nd to 28 November 2021.
“SA National Parks Week is an annual campaign that gives all South African citizens the opportunity to enter most of the parks managed by SANParks for free, with the exclusion of Boulders section at Table Mountain National Park as well as accommodation facilities and tourist activities.
“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.” – Luthando Dziba, SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer
SANParks want young people to get involved
SANParks is also hoping that the week of free entrance will make national parks relevant again, especially amongst young people and communities living along the borders of the parks.
“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.”
Four National Parks will take part in the Free Access week
The free access will only be valid until Friday, 26 November, at the following national parks:
- Addo Elephant National Park (Eastern Cape)
- Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (Northern Cape)
- Kruger National Park (Mpumalanga)
- Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park (Western Cape)
Every year SANParks aims to increase the number of visitors that are granted free access, however, due to the pandemic, the number of free access guests will be subject to gate quotas. Extra visitor management procedures will also be in place to manage visitor volumes.
