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The event was attended by Government officials, entrepreneurs, small business owners, tour operators, tertiary institutions, civil society organisations, SANParks Honorary Rangers and communities. Conservation initiatives (terrestrial/ forestry areas as well as those in the Knysna estuary) were shared with attendees. An hour and a half was dedicated towards the business development and business opportunities in the Park. Entrepreneur and small development agencies set up to boost local small business also shared valuable resources they offer to capacitate small business owners (SEDA, SATSA and Anglo American).

According to Acting General Manager for the Garden Route National Park, Johan de Klerk, “conservation fees will be waivered at all entrance gates of the GRNP from the 14-19 September 2015”. Gates in the Knysna section of the GRNP include the Garden of Eden, Diepwalle, Harkerville. In Wilderness: Ebb & Flow Rest Camp, Goudveld, Farleigh and Storms River Rest Camp and Natures Valley (Tsitsikamma).

Although SANParks gives free entrance to various groups including schools via an intiative known as “the Kids in Parks Programme” and other open days (Holiday Programmes), this week is viewed as significant as it allows all South African citizens free access into the GRNP. Communities attending the main event were bussed in from local townships.

Other events planned during the campaign week include:

Visitors to Knysna can be treated to various edutainment including trips around the estuary (thanks to the Featherbed Co). Guided tours will be offered into the mystical Knysna forest. To skeptics: The Knysna seahorse really exists, to see, visit the Park”s Thesen Island jetty.

Wilderness: The Half-collared Kingfisher trail will be opened up to the first 20 people every day during the campaign week. An orchestra in the Park is set to mesmerize visitors on Saturday the 19thSeptember. Please bring your own picnic basket and blanket.

There is also a potjiekos competition on Sunday, the 20th September at Island Lake.

Tsitsikamma: The focus will be on youth development and related activities. These will include an information session, guided tours to the famous suspension bridge. There is also a planned picnic in the Park for the 20th September.

Visitors must provide proof of ID and are welcome to either join planned activities or enjoy the Park outside of these. See you there.

Special thanks to Chairperson of Honorary Rangers (Knysna), Baden Hall for managing the Programme of the day as the MC.

For more information:
Facebook: SANParks-Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna &Wilderness) National Park
Twitter: @SANParksGRNP
044 302 5600 (activities in Knysna)
044 877 0046 (activities in Wilderness)
042 281 1607 (activities in Tsitsikamma)