SANParks ready to receive visitors for the 2024 festive season

The South African National Parks (SANParks) outlined a number of interventions in place and underway at its 21 functional national parks in preparation of the 2024 festive season.

SANParks spokesperson JP Louw says the focus is primarily on safety and security, infrastructure refurbishments, and activities visitors can undertake at the national parks based across seven of South Africa’s nine provinces.

“The Kruger National Park (KNP) will implement various actions through joint operations with the Cross-Border Management Authority, SA National Defence Force, SA Police Service and Mbombela Traffic. Victim-support programmes are already in place and KNP is working closely with strategic partners such as the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation, Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, and Bushbuckridge Municipality’s Tourism and Safety Forum.

The Kruger National Park will be going cash-free from Friday at five of its entrance gates in the southern part of the park, as well as at filling stations.

KNP will run a communication campaign through various media platforms focusing on what visitors can experience, rules to follow to enjoy their safari, and what to do in times of emergencies,” he says.

Significant infrastructure work has commenced and some completed in KNP, with developments such as the refurbishment of the Skukuza Rest Camp’s rondavels and the Wild Fig Guesthouse, as well as the implementation of a cashless payment system.

SANParks made an appeal to visitors to be patient whenever affected by infrastructure refurbishments at its national parks.

“We appeal to visitors to take the necessary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Please visit our website for specific information on the park that you will be visiting,” Louw concluded.