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06 September 2023

Visit Garden Route National Park For Free in Celebration of SA National Parks Week

South African National Parks (SANParks) is excited to announce the celebration of the 18th SA National Parks Week, set to take place from 16 – 24 September 2023 in partnership with Total Energies Marketing South Africa and First National Bank (FNB).

Garden Route National Park comprising of Knysna, Tsitsikamma and Wilderness Sections invites families, school groups, social clubs, churches, senior citizens, friends, nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike to discover the beauty of this Park during the focus week. Ms Vuyiswa Radebe, General Manager for Garden Route National Park emphasises the significance of the fee free week, “This week is a time to connect with nature and appreciate the biodiversity found within our national parks. It is an opportunity for communities living next to our parks to know and enjoy their parks. This is the time to come wild in your backyard, our national parks are ready to welcome you during this long focus week on national parks.”

It should be noted that free entry to parks does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

Throughout the week, a series of exciting activities and guided tours will be offered to visitors, including educational programs, hiking adventures and cultural experiences.

Garden Route National Park encourages everyone to join in this celebration of South Africa’s natural heritage, promoting a sense of pride in preserving the nation’s treasured ecosystems. SA National Parks Week is a reminder that these protected areas are not only essential for biodiversity conservation but also provide interconnectedness, enriching mind, body and soul as well as recreational opportunities for all South Africans to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, pack your binoculars and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Garden Route National Park during this week of exploration and appreciation.

All the Sections of the Garden Route National Park will open from 16 to 24 September 2023. Bring along your SA ID to gain free entry. Children below 16 will gain free entry without proof of identity.

  • Knysna Section
    • Visit the Seahorses at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
    • Guided Tour of Harkerville Forest and Fynbos Trail at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
    • Forest Legends Museum, elephant room, and Tea Garden visit.
    • 30 minute Self-Guided Tour at 10:00; 11:00; 12:00 and 14:00
  • Wilderness Section
    • Forest Fun – The Woodville Big Tree is a short drive from Ebb & Flow Rest Camp and an easy walk from the parking area to the 810 year old Outeniqua yellowwood tree. Self-guided.
    • Casual Canoe – Canoe on the Touw River to Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher trail to the waterfall. Special Offer: 6 Canoes per day will be free for 1 hour. First Come, First Serve basis. Bookings to be made prior to arrival.
    • Bird Watching – From lush indigenous forest to sparkling rocky shores, and pristine sandy beaches, Wilderness is a birders paradise. Some of the bird hides you can explore are Gallinule Bird Hide, Malachite Bird Hide.
    • Picnic Time – Explore the hidden wonders on the banks of the jubilee Creek in the deep forest, as you walk through the old mining trails or bask in the sun while the kids splash in the nearby creek. Adventurous souls can take a swim in the natural pools. Do not forget to visit the Dalene Mathee Big Tree & Memorial at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site.
    • Mountain Bike Fun – Try out one of the three mountain bike trails at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains all starting from the parking area at the Farleigh Forestry Station
  • Tsitsikamma Section
    • Suspension Bridge – Visit the famous Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge with one of our knowledgeable rangers
    • Big Tree Walk – The Tsitsikamma Forest is home to the Big Tree. Explore the forest on your own or join a guide on the path to learn more about these colossal trees.
    • Otter Trail Wate
    • rfall – Take a leisurely hike to the Otter Trail Waterfall with a guide on hand to answer all your questions.
    • Mild 2 Wild Adventures – Visit the Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park and receive a 15% discount at Mild 2 Wild Adventures. Provide proof of entry in to the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.
    • Segway Tours – Visit Tsitsikamma Section of Garden Route National Park and receive a 20% discount at Segway Tours. Provide proof of entry into the park during SA National Parks Week to claim the discount.

Garden Route National Park encourages everyone to join in this celebration of South Africa’s natural heritage, promoting a sense of pride in preserving the nation’s treasured ecosystems. SA National Parks Week is a reminder that these protected areas are not only essential for biodiversity conservation but also provide interconnectedness, enriching mind, body and soul as well as recreational opportunities for all South Africans to enjoy. So, mark your calendars, pack your binoculars and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Garden Route National Park during this week of exploration and appreciation.

All the Sections of the Garden Route National Park will open from 16 to 24 September 2023. Bring along your SA ID to gain free entry. Children below 16 will gain free entry without proof of identity.

Issued By

Garden Route National Park Communications

Media enquiries:
Phokela Lebea
Regional Communications Manager
Tel: 012 426 5023
Cell: 071 2121 330
Email: [email protected]