What to do in the Garden Route this Parks Week

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS – The Garden Route National Park is ready to welcome visitors during the 21st South African National Parks Week, taking place from 7 to 13 September.

South African citizens can explore the Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma sections of the Garden Route National Park free of conservation and entry fees during the week.

Visitors aged 18 and older must present a valid South African ID, while those under 18 must provide identification in the form of a valid birth certificate.

The free-entry initiative applies to conservation fees only and excludes accommodation and activities, which remain subject to the applicable fees. Selected special offers will, however, be available during SANParks Week.

In the Tsitsikamma Section, visitors can explore the newly refurbished Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge, discover the indigenous forest surrounding the Big Tree and hike the Waterfall Trail.

Untouched Adventures is offering a 10% discount on its Kayak and Lilo activity during SANParks Week, while Stormsriver Adventures is offering a 20% discount on its Zipline activity. Visitors must provide proof of entry to the national park to qualify for the zipline discount.

In the Knysna Section, visitors can learn more about the endangered Knysna seahorse at the SANParks Thesen Island Office, enjoy a self-guided walk through the Garden of Eden or step back in time at the Forest Legends Museum and its elephant room.

Visitors can also enjoy the area's forest and fynbos landscapes and have a picnic at the Kranshoek Viewpoint.

For those seeking adventure, Knysna Ziplines, located at the SANParks Kranshoek Picnic Site, will offer a 50% discount on ziplining during SANParks Week.

The Wilderness Section offers visitors the opportunity to canoe along the Touw River towards Wilderness Beach or follow the Kingfisher Trail to the waterfall.

As part of the week's special offers, six canoes per day will be available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors can also explore the historic mining trails and natural pools at Jubilee Creek or visit the Dalene Matthee Big Tree and Memorial at Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site.

The Garden Route National Park encourages school groups, youth, families and senior citizens to take advantage of SANParks Week to reconnect with nature and experience the biodiversity, landscapes and heritage protected within the Garden Route National Park.

‘Ons bring jou die nuutste Tuinroete, Hessequa, Karoo nuus’