Simon Nare
THE South African National Parks will be opening its gates for domestic tourists to access all the 21 national parks for free across the country as the tourism month kicks in gear during September.
Every year, SANParks allocates a week during which locals can go to any park and enter for free. This year there is no exception as the company has set aside the week starting September 9 to 15.
“During this period free access is granted into most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks,” said SANParks spokesman Rey Tlhakuli.
Tlhakudi clarified in a press statement released in the week that free access does not include accommodation or excursions in the parks.
Those planning to take advantage of the free access week are encouraged to visit http://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/ for information on dates each of the 21 parks will be observing the SA National Parks Week.
Tlhakuli said since its introduction in 2006, the National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks and parks companies have taken advantage of the week to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.
“SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.
“Whilst 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,” he said.
He added that the parks company had deemed necessary to introduce such an initiative because before the dawn of democracy most parks were enjoyed by a certain population and therefore it was important to make sure all citizens were afforded such an opportunity.
“The aim is to instil a sense of pride and patriotism to national parks in our country in the same way that the national anthem and other national symbols. These national parks are managed on behalf of all South Africa. They are the right owners and have to make use of them,” he said.
Recently, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille appealed to provincial governments to come up with initiatives to enable the less fortunate such as homeless people and orphanages to be sponsored to go to national parks and other tourist destinations and enjoy the beauty of their countries.
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