From the 8th to the 13th September 2014 SANParks welcomes the public free of charge with the only exceptions being Namaqua National Park and Boulders Beach Penguin Colony as well as Table Mountain Aerial Cableway within Table Mountain National Park. For individual park dates please visit: http://www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week/default.php
The feature element of this campaign is the free access granted to all South African day visitors carrying their official Identity Documents. Young persons under the age of 16 will be allowed free access without proof of identity. It should be noted that the free access to the parks will not include accommodation and any commercial activities in the park such as guided safaris in vehicles or guided walks, etc.
Grab the opportunity that SA National Parks Week provides to get out and explore your province with the five western provincial parks closest to you namely Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa-Karoo and West Coast – for FREE! These Parks have extended the offer of free entry to include Saturday the 13th of September 2014. Here are some ideas of what to see and do in the aforementioned Parks during SA National Parks Week:
Table Mountain – visit Cape Point and spend the day exploring the majestic most south-westerly point in Africa. Free guided marine walks along the coast of the Cape of Good Hope have been arranged and are available to the public for bookings on Monday, 8th and Wednesday 10th September on a first come first serve basis.
Walks are scheduled for 10:00am and are 2 – 3 hours in length. Early registration is essential, as there is only space for 25 people per walk. Email [email protected] no later than Friday 5th September to sign up and secure your spot in the group.
Similarly, the City of Cape Town will be hosting a walk in conjunction with Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) during September celebrating Heritage month. The City will be hosting heritage walks for TMNP staff on 16, 17 and 18 September that will include the Slave Walk, Company Gardens and Prestwich Memorial. At the same time, the Park will be hosting City staff on a marine walk at Cape Point.
The Two Oceans restaurant at Cape Point will be running a promotion for the duration of SA National Parks Week. Along with their free entry they also get a free trip on the legendary Flying Dutchman Funicular and while parents enjoy a scrumptious meal over a picture perfect setting, children will receive a free meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant, if accompanied by a paying adult. Children also qualify for 20% off on a kid”s Big 5 dinner set at the Cape Point Lighthouse and Out of Africa retail stores.
Your transport needs will be seen to by Metrorail, Rail Tourism Department and their preferred bus-service provider HGTS Tours whom are offering daily return train-trips from Cape Town to Simons Town, on their four coach exclusive train followed by a luxury-coach journey to Cape Point for the duration of SA National Parks Week (including Saturday 13 September). The cost for the transport package is R130 per adult and R70 for children (0 – 12yrs), students and senior citizens. Tickets can be purchased via Esmeralda Isaacs: Metrorail”s Rail Tourism Promotions Department on 021 449 – 3018 / 2366 or email [email protected]
West Coast, close to Langebaan – it is currently flower season! Head to the Postberg section of the Park right now as this section is only open during August and September every year. Have something to eat at Geelbek Restaurant and then head off to experience the spectacular colourful carpets of wild flowers. The Seeberg Lookout Point, Mooimaak (by bicycle only) and Postberg are but a few must-see sites. To save time in the queue at the gates, be sure to download the gate registration and fill it out before arriving; use both the R27 and Langebaan gates as this will ease congestion at either one gate; head to the park early in the morning, especially if travelling on a weekend or sunny day as these are the more popular days for visitors.
Bontebok, just outside Swellendam – Take a drive through the Park and spot some game; unwind alongside the Breede River; or take a walk through hills of Aloe, one of many scenic hiking trails.
Please remember to bring along your green bar-coded SA ID to gain free entry into any of the Parks. If you”re an avid instagrammer (@san_parks) or tweeter (@TableMountainNP / @BontebokNP / @WestCoastNP) – remember to tag us in your photos! For more information, please contact Tarcia Hendricks via email: [email protected].
South African National Parks (SANParks) Cape Region Communications
Media queries:
Tarcia Hendricks
Public Relations Officer – Cape Region, South African National Parks
Tel: 021 712 2337; Cell: 078 945 9235
Email: [email protected]