NATIONAL PARKS OPEN FOR FREE THIS WEEK
If you’ve been putting off going to one of South Africa’s national parks because of the entry fee, start packing your bags.
As part of its annual free week, SA National Parks (SANparks) will be running their SANparks Week from 16 to 24 September.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said at the launch on Friday that it’s a great way for all South Africans to enjoy what the country has to offer.
“National Parks Week is an ideal opportunity for us to introduce the majesty and beauty of the country’s national parks to the people, especially to communities who seldom get to experience and enjoy these areas of conservation, cultural heritage and biological diversity, right on their doorstep.”
The first National Parks Week took place in 2006 during which it allowed around 620,000 South Africans to visit the parks they wouldn’t have otherwise visited.
Although entry into the parks is free, the offer doesn’t include accommodation on commercial activities within the park. This includes safaris and guided walks.
To qualify for the free entry offer, visitors must present their valid South African IDs. Children under 16 years of age won’t be required to provide identification.
Image credit: TripSavvy