Thursday, 13 February, 2025

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The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced that Parks Week, when access to selected nature reserves around the Mpumalanga Province will be free of charge to the public, will take place from 11 to 15 September this year.

Ten Mpumalanga nature reserves you can visit for free during Parks Week

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced that Parks Week, when access to selected nature reserves around the Mpumalanga Province will be free of charge to the public, will take place from 11 to 15 September this year.

This initiative forms part of the province’s Tourism Month programme to encourage locals to explore the various tourism attractions on offer.

Parks Week is among the Tourism Month programmes that were launched by Finance, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Nompumelelo Hlophe, at The Essence Resort in Fenie near Empuluzi in the Gert Sibande District.

“Due to economic imbalances in our province most of our communities are unable to explore the province. We are appealing to the public to take advantage of the free-access week to enjoy the wildlife at selected parks on their doorsteps. We further encourage tourists to use tourism products in townships and rural areas adjacent to our nature reserves to boost economic activity in these areas,” she said.

Blyde River Canyon.

A total of ten provincial nature reserves throughout the province will be open to the public during Parks Week. This is for day visitors only. Accommodation for those who want to stay overnight will be at the normal cost. Free access is also applicable to groups of school learners.

ALSO READ: Dates for South African National Parks Week 2023 announced

The MTPA has partnered with Extreme Adventures to offer adventure activities at a minimal fee at the Kromdraai Camp at Songivelo Nature Reserve. This special package will be available during the Parks Week and visitors are encouraged to book in advance.

The following nature reserves will offer free access during Parks Week: Andover, Ohrigstad Dam, Nooitgedacht, Loskop Dam, Mkhombo, Manyeleti, Songimvelo (Kromdraai Camp only), Mahushe Shongwe, SS Skosana and the Blyde River Canyon.

Different dates will be applicable for the public and school groups. 

Visitors will be required to present their South African identity document or valid South African driver’s licence to gain free access to nature reserves.

To make group bookings, please contact the MTPA’s central reservations office on 013 065 0865 or reservations@mtpa.co.za.

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