The annual South African National Parks Week in Kruger National Park (KNP) will take place this year from 18 to 22 September. The purpose of this initiative is to continue encouraging citizens to get to know their parks and enjoy their natural heritage, especially communities bordering these protected areas as they might not ordinarily be able to afford the general entry fees.
KNP will open its gates only on weekdays (18 to 22 September) and encourages people to make online bookings as quotas will be implemented to avoid congestion at both the gates and other public areas within the park. This free entry is applicable to South Africans, who will be required to present their South African identity documents when making bookings.
Alcohol will not be allowed, and the free access is only for entry and no other tourism activities. Visitors are urged to plan their trips accordingly to avoid rushing speed limits apply within the park. Park rules will be enforced as always to ensure visitors enjoy their visits.
"The free access week takes place during September, which is both Tourism and Heritage month. Therefore, it makes sense for us to have National Parks week during this period, especially for our neighbouring communities. In celebration of National Parks Week, KNP will have activities lined up to raise awareness around conservation and tourism, including available careers and universal access for persons with disabilities. These activities will provide us with an opportunity to strengthen relations with key stakeholders from around the park," said KNP spokesperson Mr. Isaac Phaahla.
Conditions applicable to free entry are that access will only be granted to day visitors upon presentation of an identity document; only children below the age of 16 years gain entry without proof of identity. Groups considered as commercial ventures, such as private open safari vehicle operators, tourists who visit the park on tour buses, and overnight visitors, are not included in this free-access arrangement.
For more information, visit www.sanparks.org.