South African National Parks winter specials

SANParks accommodation specials: wild, wonderful and wallet-friendly

Wake up and smell the fynbos! South African National Parks (SANParks) is slashing its Cape Region reserve prices from 15 July to 31 July 2013, and that means one thing: thanks to the lekker winter accommodation special, you, your friends, your family and even your dog (in some cases) can afford to treat yourselves to a wild, wonderful escape in the Western Cape.

South African residents and internationals alike can get away to Agulhas, Tankwa Karoo, West Coast, Bontebok or Table Mountain national parks for 20% off the already affordable price of accommodation; the discount applies to camping sites as well.

Regardless of whether you’d prefer to curl up next to blazing fireplaces in the Tankwa Karoo or West Coast national parks, wander along Agulhas National Park’s moody, wintry coastline, or simply unwind and recharge at Bontebok and Table Mountain national parks, with a vast and varied repertoire of dramatic landscapes, impressive biodiversity and comfortable, cosy accommodation options, SANParks boasts a reserve bound to make for the perfect getaway.

Not to mention, as there are an array of activities available in each location – think mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, game viewing and stargazing – even if sitting quietly isn’t your cup of tea, you can still take solace in these free and easy natural distractions.

Plus, groups are welcome!

SANPARKS ACCOMMODATION SPECIALS

West Coast National Park (accommodation with fireplaces)
Just over an hour outside of Cape Town, this little strip of rugged coastline is as much a sanctuary for terrestrial and marine life as it is for those in need of serious serenity. Snug against the Langebaan lagoon, the park features wetlands, salt marshes, sandy shores and coastal dune fields, and is home to impressive populations of bird species: flamingo, ostrich and black harrier, to name a few.  So, whether you prefer to inhale the idyllic setting on a houseboat or from beside the cosy hearth of one of the beach cottages, you’ll be privy to privacy, seclusion and breathtaking surroundings. Activities include birdwatching, cycling, mountain biking and more. 

• Accommodation Tip-off: The 11 self-catering Duinepos Chalets each have fireplaces and braai areas, amenities perfect for fending off the frigid weather. Not to mention, book a weekend stay and receive 50% off the cost of Saturday’s overnight, or book a three-night midweek stay and get two nights free (valid from Sunday to Thursday, excluding long weekends and public holidays). These offers are valid until 31 July 2013.
• Driving time from Cape Town: roughly one hour
• Read more about the West Coast National Park 

Tankwa Karoo National Park (accommodation with fireplaces)
Hemmed in by the Cederberg mountain range and the Roggeveld escarpment, the Tankwa Karoo National Park and its 143,600 hectares of veld is a testament to space, solitude and tranquility. The big skies, arid plains and unconventional moonscapes make for an authentic, if not slightly unusual, winter escape bound to take the edge off. From cottages to guest houses to informal camp sites, the park boasts a wide selection of accommodation options, and activities range from stargazing to birdwatching (there are 174 species) to 4x4 driving. 

• Accommodation Tip-off: The Elandsberg Wilderness Camp self-catering cottages each boast their own glowing hearth, covered braai, private splash pool and seemingly endless Karoo vista. Similarly, the family-friendly Tanqua Guest House also boasts self-catering units with fireplaces ideal for fighting the cold.
• Driving time from Cape Town: four hours.
• Read more about a stay in the Tankwa Karoo National Park 

Agulhas National Park
As famous for its jagged coastline and ghostly shipwrecks as it is for its position as the southernmost point on the tip of Africa, this windswept coastal plain, with its rugged beauty, is the ideal backdrop to a cosy weekend away. Within easy reach of both the Cape Agulhas lighthouse and the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the reserve’s accommodation options – they range from quaint cottages to stylish chalets – provide visitors with a peaceful place to call home while they holiday by the sea. Activities in the area include fishing, hiking, birdwatching, whale spotting and more. 

• Accommodation Tip-off: The seven Agulhas Rest Camp chalets are perfect for those looking for a less than rustic getaway in the middle of nature. The two-bed and four-bed self-catering houses are more on par with four-star accommodation.
• Driving time from Cape Town: two hours.
• Read more about a stay at the Agulhas Rest Camp 

Bontebok National Park
The smallest of the South African national parks, this little patch of veld was initially established as a conservation effort aimed at preserving the dwindling bontebok population. These days, the park boasts flush herds and offers nature lovers a chance to unwind at the foot of the Langeberg mountains near Swellendam. The simple but well-appointed self-catering accommodation is the perfect place to retire after a long day of winter activity: hiking, game viewing and mountain biking.

• Accommodation Tip-off: SANParks is offering an additional 20% off overnights (to make a total of 40% off) in one of the 10 gorgeous new units that make up Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp.
• Driving time from Cape Town: three hours.
• Read more about a stay in Bontebok National Park 

Table Mountain National Park
Stretching from the hump of Signal Hill to the bluffs of Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park and its bays, beaches, slopes and sandy flats is unquestionably the pride and joy of Cape Town. With a range of accommodation on offer to complement the area’s unrivalled biodiversity and geographical variation, the famous reserve makes it as easy to enjoy a modest winter retreat atop the Cape of Good Hope as it is to indulge in a stay at a luxurious, eco-friendly camp in Silvermine. Activities vary with location, but no matter where you stay, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed, recharged and re-energised. 

• Accommodation Tip-off: If keen to start a getaway off on the right foot, opt to stay at Platteklip Wash House or Overseers Cottage; it’s possible to hike to both and each comes with a warming fireplace.
• Driving time from Cape Town: 10 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your choice of camp.
• Read more about accommodation in Table Mountain National Park 

Terms and conditions for the SANParks accommodation specials 

• Discounts are only available to the public and don’t apply over long weekends, public or school holidays.
• Discounts are only valid from 15 July to 31 July 2013. 
• Discounts apply only to the cost of accommodation and camping facilities managed by SANParks.
• No discounts are available on conservation fees, Wild Cards, activities, meals, etc.    

Booking details for the SANParks accommodation specials

Tel: +27 (0) 12 428 9111
Email: reservations@sanparks.org
Website: www.sanparks.org

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