KNYSNA NEWS - South African citizens can explore the Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections of the Garden Route National Park free of conservation fees from 7 to 13 September as part of the 21st South African National Parks Week.
The Garden Route National Park is ready to welcome visitors during the annual initiative, which gives South Africans an opportunity to experience the region’s natural landscapes, biodiversity and heritage without paying conservation or entry fees.
Visitors aged 18 and older must present a valid South African ID, while those under 18 must provide identification in the form of a valid birth certificate. The free-entry initiative applies to conservation fees only. Accommodation and activities remain subject to the applicable fees, although selected special offers will be available during the week.
Explore Tsitsikamma
Visitors to the Tsitsikamma Section can explore the newly refurbished Storms River Mouth suspension bridge, discover the indigenous forest surrounding the Big Tree or take on the Waterfall Hiking Trail.
Untouched Adventures is offering a 10% discount on its kayak and lilo activity, while Stormsriver Adventures is offering 20% off its zipline activity. Visitors must produce proof of entry to the national park to qualify for the zipline discount.
Discover Knysna
In the Knysna Section of the park, visitors can learn more about the endangered Knysna seahorse at the SANParks Thesen Island office, take a self-guided stroll through the Garden of Eden or visit the Forest Legends Museum and its elephant room.
The section also offers forest and fynbos landscapes, with visitors able to enjoy a picnic at the Kranshoek viewpoint. For adventure seekers, Knysna Ziplines, situated at the SANParks Kranshoek picnic site, will offer a 50% discount on its ziplining experience during the SANParks week.
Visitors can also explore the historic mining trails and natural pools of Jubilee Creek or visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree and Memorial at the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site.
Wilderness attractions
The park’s Wilderness Section offers opportunities to canoe along the Touw River towards Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher Trail to the waterfall. As part of the special offers, six canoes per day will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Garden Route National Park encourages school groups, youth, families and senior citizens to make use of the week to reconnect with nature and experience the biodiversity, landscapes and heritage protected within the park.
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