Nature enthusiasts across South Africa can start gearing up to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the country’s national parks. This comes with the 18th annual SA National Parks Week set to take place from 16 to 24 September 2023, allowing free access to selected parks.
South African National Parks (SANParks) stated that it is proud to join hands with partners Total South Africa and FNB to celebrate this extraordinary event.
This year, SANParks is extending the joy of SA National Parks Week by including weekends at select national parks, allowing even more people to partake in this exceptional experience.
Since its inception in 2006, National Parks Week, under the theme ‘Know Your National Parks,’ has attracted an impressive influx of over 691,418 day visitors to participating parks.
During the week, visitors can enjoy free access to 18 national parks, making it an ideal opportunity for local communities to explore these natural wonders. However, it’s essential to note that while park access is complimentary, this does not extend to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.
Some of the parks will be extending the week to include the 2 weekends.
Participating Parks & Individual Park Dates:
For further information, please visit: https://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/default.php
Furthermore, SA National Parks Week has proven to be a resounding success in terms of educating the public and raising awareness about conservation issues.
“It’s important for South Africans to visit and know the importance of national parks. They act as spaces to practice sustainable conservation, as spaces that preserve and celebrate our culture and heritage, and we now see national parks playing the critical role of empowering communities living adjacent to parks through job creation and we continue to explore ways of creating business opportunities particularly for small business owners,” explained Sello.
He added that this initiative aims to give the public an understanding of the role that SANParks plays as custodians of the country’s natural heritage.
“If we are to create a sense of ownership of the natural heritage of South Africa in all South Africans, then all South Africans must be able to have access to such. Visit a national park this year for free during SA National Parks Week, to see what it has to offer and do your part by getting to know your national parks, celebrate your rich heritage offering and experience first hand the iconic beauty and plethora of natural flora and fauna.,” concluded Sello.
Don’t miss out on this annual event to connect with South Africa’s stunning natural heritage. Share your thoughts on this remarkable initiative in the comments section below and plan your visit to a national park during SA National Parks Week to revel in the nation’s ecological treasures.
