South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the Harkerville area, the largest part of the Garden Route National Park, which was affected by the Knysna fires in June.

Zoned-off areas for tourism include hiking and cycling routes. All cycling and hiking routes are open except the two-day Harkerville Coastal hiking route.

Status of activities in Harkerville:

-Kranshoek picnic area

• The picnic area is open for use, however there are portable toilets for visitors to use after the fire burned the old toilet block.
• SANParks is fast-tracking the procurement process of new water tanks to provide drinking water by December 15.

-Kranshoek Trail

• The Kranshoek Trail is still closed, and maintenance work is under way.
• About 90% of the route is complete and the rest should open shortly.
• Rebuilding and rehabilitating the route will continue until around the end of December. The trail should be up and running by the end of January.
• There is a clear sign at the entrance and parking area to inform the public of closure and maintenance of routes.

-Kranshoek Viewpoint

• Currently still closed and not accessible to visitors until management and scientists have finalised urgent deliverables pertaining to the area.

-Harkerville Trail

• The coastal portion of the trail is still closed.
• An alternative scenic route was opened along the coastal ridge.
• Bookings for the trail will open from November 20.

SANParks reports that additional efforts to assist Knysna after the fires include post-fire assessments with Geographical Information System (GIS).