Free Week of Entry to SANParks in September

Experience South Africa’s stunning national parks for mahala!

In celebration of spring and in a bid to stoke Mzansi pride, South African National Parks (SANParks) is launching a week-long campaign that will give South African residents free access to nearly all of the 19 national parks from Monday, 10 September to Friday, 14 September 2012. 

In the Cape Region, Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, Tankwa National Park, Table Mountain National Park (excluding Boulders) and West Coast National Park will waive their costs and will usher in visitors for less than even a pretty penny. What’s more, as a special inclusion, Table Mountain National Park will extend the admission-free policy until Saturday, 15 September, and Tankwa National Park and Bontebok National Park will do so until Sunday, 16 September. 

This year, marks the seventh SANParks Week – the initiative’s formal title – and as in the past, organisers will look to better acquaint locals with their culture and heritage, draw attention to conservation issues and cultivate more of a knowledge base about the country’s wild and wonderful natural spaces.

To qualify for this stunning seasonal offer, it’s merely necessary to present an official, green SA ID at the time of entry. Though, as the campaign particularly looks to drive adolescents to the parks, young persons under the age of 16 will be granted free access even without proof of identity. 

What’s more, recognizing that many Capetonians don’t have easy access to private transport to take them to the national parks, SANParks Cape Region partnered with Metrorail and HGTS Tours, who have arranged specialized return train-trips from Cape Town Station to Simons Town (followed by a luxury coach to Cape Point) at R75 p/p. For more information, email promotions@metrorial.co.za.

Various events will be taking place for the local communities in each park, including soccer tournaments, educational tours and game drives. Aside from these fun activities though, here’s some great reasons to visit the three SANParks closest to Cape Town:

SANParks Closest to Cape Town

• Table Mountain National Park – explore the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point and take along a picnic to enjoy on one of the many beautiful beaches; walk to a magnificent view-point in Silvermine; or spend the day having a braai by the sea at Oudekraal . 
• West Coast National Park – it’s flower season, so make the most of the Postberg section of the park, which is only open during August and September every year. Grab something to eat at Geelbek Restaurant, and then go off to experience the spectacular colourful carpets of wild flora.
• Bontebok National Park – Take a drive through the park and spot some game; unwind alongside the Breede River; or take a walk through hills of aloe.

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