SANParks records increased numbers at annual free Parks Week

South African National Parks (SANParks) has recorded a marked increase in visitors at national parks for 2023’s free Parks Week.

More than last year: South Africans celebrate National Parks Week

The annual National Parks Week took place this past month from 16 to 25 September and according a recent update from SANParks, the free week was massive success.

With approximately 94 203 day trippers visiting during the weeks, the campaign gave South Africans the unique opportunity to visit the country’s many beautiful national parks for free.

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What’s more is that this figure shows a wonderful increase when compared to last year’s 72 166 visitors, signalling that South Africans really did attempt to get to know their national parks.

According to SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello the objective of the week is to give all South Africans a chance to enjoy and experience the beauty and majesty of the breathtaking National Parks.

“We had just over 94,000 people visit the parks during the focus week this year which is 30% higher than 2022’s numbers. National Parks Week aims to create a culture of pride in all South Africans in their relationship with the country’s natural, cultural and historical heritage. When people start to take pride in the national parks, then we believe that they will start to understand the importance of conservation.” Sello said.

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This year, 18 national parks participated in the free week, including popular parks like the Garden Route National Park, Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park and the Addo Elephant National Park.

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