GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Visitors to the Plaatbos and Goesa forest trails in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park will soon be required to pay an entry fee.
According to SANParks, the new system will take effect on 1 December and forms part of ongoing efforts to improve visitor management and protect the park’s natural heritage.
A new fence and staffed pay point will be set up at the trails, similar to those already in place at the Big Tree and Storms River Mouth gates.
What visitors need to know:
• Daily entry fees will apply to all visitors entering the Plaatbos and Goesa trails.
• The daily permit will include access to Plaatbos, Goesa and the Tsitsikamma Big Tree.
• Gates will be manned daily (Monday to Sunday) by SANParks staff.
Entrance times:
Summer (Sep – Apr): 07:00 – 18:00
Winter (May – Aug): 08:00 – 17:00
No entry will be permitted outside of these hours.
All funds collected will be directed towards the conservation and maintenance of the area.
From 1 December to 31 October 2026, entry fees will be as follows:
International visitors will pay R96 per adult and R48 per child, SADC visitors R45 per adult and R22.50 per child, and South African citizens (with ID) R27 per adult and R13.50 per child.
SANParks has thanked the public for their continued support in helping to preserve these unique forest areas for future generations.
For more information, contact the Tsitsikamma SANParks office on 042 281 1607 or 021 741 2044.
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