SKUKUZA – In celebration of  the annual South African National Parks (SANparks) week which will take place on September 8-12, South African day visitors will be afforded free access into the Kruger National Park (KNP) and all other national parks in the country.

The purpose of this initiative is to continue to familiarise and create awareness about the understanding of environmental conservation amongst South African citizens.

In celebration of this special week, KNP Management will “connect to society” by engaging with various community groupings as follows:

Day 1. Host Political Parties from areas under Vhembe and Mopani District Municipalities
Day 2. Management to host people with disabilities from around Phalaborwa and Tzaneen areas
Day 3. Youth Seminar involving young people from areas under the Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Day 4. Host political parties from areas under Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Day 5. Visit sick children at Themba Hospital

“From a distance, the experience of nature conservation looks like it is out of reach, whereas in fact it forms part our culture and heritage”, said KNP’s GM: Communications and Marketing, William Mabasa.

Conditions applicable to the free entry are that access will only be granted to day visitors upon presentation of a green bar-coded identity document; only children below the age of 12 years gain entry without proof of identity.

Groups regarded as commercial ventures: private open safari vehicles operators, tourists who come to the park on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in this free access arrangement.

“The normal daily quota at the gates will still apply during that week and preference will be given based on first come first served basis. Know your Parks and act in their best interest by conserving nature”, concluded Mabasa.