Even the ellies are celebrating! SAN Parks saw a big increase in visitors this National Parks Week with almost 100 000 people embracing South Africa’s natural heritage:
South Africa (13 October 2023) — South African National Parks (SANParks) recently had its 18th annual SA National Parks Week, and the number of visitors that came to explore has gone up significantly from last year!
In case you missed it, National Parks Week (AKA, Free Week’) allows South Africans to adventure through our many gorgeous national parks all over the country at no cost. This year, nature lovers’ favourite week took place from 16-24 September.
Running since 2006, Parks Week began as a way to connect more South Africans with their natural, cultural and historical heritage. It’s also a means to inspire more appreciation for conservation efforts, especially for those who may never have had the opportunity to experience a Park Day adventure before.
This year saw some special highlights, both individual and national. In individual good news, three women got to see elephants for the first time thanks to Parks Week, with one of the women being 65 years old; having gone her whole life without seeing an elephant in person.
In national good news, SANParks recently shared the wonderful results of Parks Week which saw an abundance of foot traffic.
“We had just over 94 000 people visit the parks during the focus week this year which is 30% higher than 2022’s numbers,” shared SANParks CEO, Hapiloe Sello.
Last year’s number saw over 72,000 people visit the parks.
“The survival of the South African national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa, and we are focused on involving young people and comunities, to cultivate knowledge of the importance of conservation and an appreciation for the country’s natural heritage,” Sello added.
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