GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - With September marking National Tourism Month, CapeNature is inviting members of the public to join in on their celebrations.
The entity will provide free access to the public during its seventh annual Access Week, from 13 to 20 September.
"In celebration of Heritage Day and Tourism Month, CapeNature offers the public an opportunity to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations," reads a media release issued last week.
"This once-in-a-year opportunity gives visitors a chance to participate in a number of activities ranging from experiencing historical cultural sites, hiking, picnicking to mountain biking and birdwatching."
Visitors to CapeNature will enjoy free day entry (excluding overnight stays) at reserves ranging from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and the Klein Karoo. In the Garden Route the participating reserves are Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma and Geelkrans.
CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, encouraged all South Africans to spend a day in nature and explore their natural heritage, free of charge. "As part of Tourism Month and Heritage Day celebrations, Access Week provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy our natural spaces and our unique natural heritage," she said.
Zero-rated permits will be given to everyone accessing CapeNature reserves during this time, to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded.
Free access will not apply when booking through the call centre or when making an online booking; the public must visit the reserves.
The week-long offer excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking). Free access will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. All health and safety protocols will be in place, including the mandatory wearing of masks.
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