A group of antelope hides in the bushes as a leopard is on the prowl at Kruger National Park. Picture: Unsplash
With September being South Africa’s Tourism Month and Heritage Month, South African National Parks (SANParks) announced that National Parks Week will take place from September 9 to 13.
South African National Parks Week is a week when South African citizens are granted free access to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.
SANParks also said that it will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park, part of the Waterberg Biosphere in Limpopo Province to kickstart 19th annual SA National Parks Week on September 8, 2024.
“National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system,” said the national parks authority.
SANParks also added that national parks week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.
Though park week provides free access to national parks, it does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
Some of SANParks national parks include Addo Elephant National Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, Camdeboo National Park, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and Table Mountain National Park.
“While offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, business, scientists and tourists,” said SANParks.