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Media Release: Karoo National Park extends free access week
The 13th annual SA National Parks Week kicks off on Monday 10 September to Friday 14 September. Karoo National Park’s management has again decided to extend the campaign to include the first 100 South African day visitors through its gate the following Saturday and Sunday.
The initiative is in conjunction with partners, Total South Africa and FNB, under the established theme ‘Know you national parks’. SA National Parks Week is an annual campaign during Tourism month, geared towards getting locals into the participating parks to enjoy and appreciate their natural and cultural heritage. It should be noted that the free access does not include accommodation or paid-for activities.
There are a number of free activities guests taking up this offer can participate in. The 400m fossil trail is a must-see. The wheelchair accessible trail showcases the geology and the palaeontology of the Karoo and uses genuine fossils and petrified wood in the displays.
For birding enthusiasts, Karoo has over 200 recorded species of birds. A visit to the bird hide at the rest camp will surely deliver some great sightings. The Ou Schuur Interpretive Centre with its lush garden can also not be missed. Here visitors get an insight into the Park’s history, culture and ecology.
A scenic, self-game drive is a great way to experience the Park, while the 4×4 trails allow participants to delve even further into the expanses of Karoo National Park. Visitors should pack a picnic basket and enjoy the facilities at the Doornhoek and Bulkraal picnic sites, as well as the swimming pool at Bulkraal if the weather allows.
Other parks in the region who are also participating in the campaign include Garden Route, Camdeboo (Graaff-Reinet) and Mountain Zebra National Parks (near Cradock). Mountain Zebra will also allow the first 100 people through their gate free access on both Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September, Camdeboo will have free entry for the entire weekend after SA National Parks Week and Garden Route will extend to include Saturday 15 September.
Issued By
South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region Communications
Enquiries
Fayroush Ludick
Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks
Tel: 082 888 0201
Email: [email protected]