The 15th annual South African National Parks Week will be celebrated with free access for South Africans from November 16 to 20.
The week was traditionally held in September but had been postponed due to the COVID-19 alert level two regulations, which restricted the number of people allowed in public spaces, said SANParks CEO, Fundisile Mketeni.
“Additionally, we have implemented extra visitor management procedures in the parks to manage visitor volumes in line with regulations, to further mitigate the risk of the spread of coronavirus.”
The annual campaign gives all South African citizens free access to most of the parks managed by SANParks. This does not include access to accommodation and other tourist activities.
SANParks aims to increase the number of citizens who visit the parks during this week each year. Since the programme began in 2006 over 500 000 South Africans have entered the national parks free and SANParks hopes to see this number grow.
“The week, held in partnership with Total South Africa and First National Bank, 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,” said Mketeni.
