The Garden Route is a South African favourite, with its abundance of beauty, diverse landscapes and incredibly scenic ocean views. The treasured National Park has announced its 2019/2020 tariff increase ahead of the December holidays.
The Park spans across 128,000 hectares, 1/3 of this landscape are indigenous forests and some 2/3 of fynbos. Its waterscapes are of significant value for the conservation of biodiversity including Knysna’s estuary which is ranked number 1 by independent researchers for its biodiversity and Swartvlei ranked 6 out of 250 in South Africa.
The GRNP has adjusted its entrance fees, also known as conservation fees, for most of its gates to include CPI (Consumer Price Index) this year. Suggestions from local cyclists were considered. A day’s pass for cycling the world-famous Harkerville trails and Homtini costs R53.
There is an introduction of monthly, seasonal and a family permits for cycling.
There is also a 20% discount applicable to vessels that are kinder to the environment such as 4-stroke engines, provided there is proof thereof.
Likewise, tariffs for canoes, rowing boats and electric boats get a discount to encourage more use of environmentally friendly activities. 30 day-permits cost R100 and annual permits R200.
Image: SANParks
Image: SANParks
Image: SANParks
Image: SANParks
Image: Dolphin Point Lookout/ Imogen Searra
