The annual South African National Parks Week will take place from 12 to 16 September 2022, an initiative to encourage South Africans to know their parks and enjoy their natural heritage for free, especially the communities bordering these protected areas as they might not ordinarily be able to afford the general entry fees.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) will open its gates only during weekdays and implores people to make arrangements as quotas will be implemented to avoid congestion both at the gates and other public areas within the park.
‘We want people to be able to connect to nature and appreciate their natural heritage, hence the decision to restrict it to weekdays and to have quotas at every gate. In celebration of National Parks Week, Kruger Park also has planned activities lined up to highlight the interpretation of some of the Cultural Heritage products available for tourists,’ said the Spokesperson of the Kruger National Park, Isaac Phaahla.
Here are some activities to enjoy in the park
12 September -Launch of the new interpretation displays at Rabelais Interpretation Hut
Found near Orpen Camp, the hut is a museum and the interpretation display has been upgraded recently. The hut marks the spot of the old entrance gate and contains photographs and the history of James Havelock Orpen and his wife Eileen as well as other contributors who helped establish the Park on that side of the Park in the past.
13 September -Launch of the Mount Tshikumbu Interpretation Site
Found near Phalaborwa Gate, the site is linked to Chief Tongogara whose Kingdom once flourished in its era. Mount Tshikumbu is regarded as a shrine, a place of holiness. When Chief Tongogara passed away, his body was laid to rest on Mount Tshikumbu.
14 September -Hosting of Persons with Disabilities at Letaba
SANParks aims to promote access to all South Africans; whilst creating an inclusive environment; extending it to persons with disabilities such as mobility, visual and hearing challenges for a touch, smell and feel wildlife experience. KNP will showcase the Letaba Elephant Hall to persons with disabilities coming from the local communities bordering the Park.
14 September -Visit the Letaba archaeological sites
Archaeologists from the University of Pretoria in conjunction with SANParks have embarked on a project to rescue and mitigate two important archaeological sites along the Letaba River in the Kruger National Park; believed to have been occupied between 1 500 and 1 000 years ago. The sites contain some of the earliest evidence for trade between South Africa and countries such as Asia.
Conditions
Access will only be granted to day visitors upon presentation of an identity document; only children below the age of 16 years gain entry without proof of identity. Groups regarded as commercial ventures: private open safari vehicle operators, tourists who come to the park on tour buses and overnight visitors are not included in this free access arrangement.
For more information on National Parks Week and participating parks and dates, visit www.sanparks.org/about/events/parks_week
Picture: Getaway
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