News

This is a global benchmark for hiking trails and includes the following criteria: Conservation status, health and safety measures, cleanliness and maintenance, sustainability, management and others.

The GRNP is an open access Park spanning over 155, 000 hectares from Wilderness to Tsitsikamma. The well-being of all societies depends on healthy ecosystems. Protected areas can conserve healthy ecosystems and improve our health and well-being.

Area Manager for Knysna, Johan de Klerk has received news of the accreditation with excitement. “This is great for the Park and also for Knysna.” He adds that Victor Cunningham, SANParks Ranger who is based in the Tsitsikamma section of the GRNP was recently chosen as the Regional Chairperson of HOSA. This is a newly established body including most landowners with hikes in the area, including SANParks, Cape Pine, Cape Nature and others.

Cunningham says his duties will include “assisting in the development of existing trails to reach globally acceptable Green Flag standards and objectives. He will also advise trail owners how to become involved in HOSA activities.”

De Klerk is also enthusiastic about recently trained staff from the Knysna section to manage trails. They are Hilton Wildeman and Shandro Jordaan.

At least five benefits of hiking according to the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa (HOSA)

• Losing weight
• Can prevent heart related diseases
• Decreases high blood pressure
• Improves and maintains mental health
• Slows the ageing process

Day walks in Knysna are refreshing and either have a pool of fresh water close by or a picnic spot for resting. For more information on hiking trails in Knysna, call 044 302 5600.

Pictures of fynbos provided by SANParks scientist, Johan Baard