Marakele National Park situated just outside Thabazimbi, Limpopo Province will be in the spotlight as the host of this year’s launch of South African National Parks week. The event which will be officiated by the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa will be held on Sunday 13 September 2015.
South African National Parks (SANParks) initiated SA National Parks week in 2006 to afford South African citizens free access to all the national parks that are under its management country wide. Since its inception, National Parks Week, under the theme “Know Your National Parks” has seen well over 170 000 day visitors in all participating parks.
According to Mr Property Mokoena, General Manager of the Northern Region “Last year we saw an increased number of visitors at all our parks in the Northern Region, and we are hoping that this year will be better. Again this year we have a full program ranging from traditional dances and walking trails to keep our visitors entertained throughout the week.”
At Marakele National Park, the Minister will officially open the long awaited Bontle tented units, which are a new product SANParks is offering to its clients. This Park is home to Africa’s Big five and the largest colony of the Cape vulture.
Other Parks in the region such as Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site as well as Golden Gate Highlands National Park will also be open to the public during the week. Mapungubwe situated about 70 km out of Musina remains one of the most celebrated World heritage sites and an array of activities awaits people who will visit this park during SA National Parks week. Mapungubwe hill, the Interpretation Centre and the Confluence are usually some of the highlights at this magnificent Park.
Those who wish to visit the jewel of the Free State; Golden Gate Highlands National Park can enjoy guided walks and educational tours around the Park. Visitors can also bring along picnic baskets to enjoy in the lovely sun rays whilst appreciating the scenery in this Park. “Whilst there, it will be worth your while to visit the vulture hide and make a turn at the Basotho Cultural village.” said Mr Mokoena.
Access to the parks is free during the SA National Parks Week. Free entry excludes accommodation and any activities that people may want to participate in whilst in the park. However, all South Africans will have to produce their green bar-coded identity documents when visiting any of the parks.
Enquiries:
Divhani Maremba
Tel: 012 426 5304
Cell: 074 588 5789
E-mail: divhani.maremba@sanparks.org
