SOUTH African day visitors will have free access to most national parks in the Cape from September 22 to 26 in celebration of SA National Parks Week, SANParks announced yesterday.

This year the focus falls on the Cape and communities surrounding the parks are invited to visit them. Adult day visitors must produce their South African ID, but children under 16 will be allowed entry without proof of identity. Commercial activities, such as safari guided tours, will not be free, because they are operated by independent tour operators. Three of the Cape’s five national parks – Tankwa Karoo, West Coast and Namaqua National Parks – will charge their normal tariffs during the week because of the flower season, the only time in the year when they have a sustainable income. Boulders at Table Mountain National Park will also charge normal entry fees. SA National Parks Week was launched in 2006 to encourage all South Africans to visit the national parks, particularly the majority of the population who are not ordinarily able to do so. The aim is to cultivate a pride in the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage under the theme ‘Know Your National Parks’.
 
SANParks said furthering understanding of the importance of conservation and an appreciation of the natural heritage among young people and communities would ensure the survival of South Africa’s natural parks. SANParks added that SA National Parks Week was an opportunity to showcase all national parks as affordable local holiday destinations, especially for families.