Jenny is 76. She’s visited the Kruger many times. This week, she had an interaction with visitors who had not visited the park before. She penned the most incredible story about it!
Kruger National Park, South Africa (09 September 2026) – Last week, we shared that SANParks would be giving free day access to South Africans across many of South Africa’s most popular national parks throughout National Parks Week, from 7 to 13 September.
This week, we get to share a heartwarming example of the impact these ‘free passes’ have on those who might have never had the opportunity to visit a national park like the Kruger before.
The below was shared by Jenny Mun-Gavin to the Kruger Sightings group on Facebook.
This time, the story did not involve someone bragging about spotting a leopard, or a hair-raising account of a too-close-for-comfort meeting with elephants.
Instead, it involved smiles, happiness, excitement, and all of the enchanting feelings that come with experiencing the bush for the very first time.
Jenny writes:
“I am sitting quietly on our Crocodile Bridge camp verandah -with my heart full to overflowing about our experiences today.
We left Satara early this morning and to be honest – we were a little apprehensive about what the ‘free week’ would contribute to our travels South.
We saw little evidence on the road down to Skukuza – but here we were met with 3 busses and about 10 taxis in the carpark.
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Stretching our legs and buying a coffee – the sight before us was absolutely enchanting.
Groups of beautifully attired school children of all ages were sitting in groups – enjoying what looked like home packed lunches.
They were so disciplined as they chatted amongst themselves.
I asked one of the teachers if I may interact with them to which she gleefully answered ‘yes please do.’
The next 10 minutes were an absolute delight as I heard about the animals that had been seen – they were beyond words excited to share with me.
A treasured time that will live with me forever.
We then travelled to Lower Sabi where I happened across a combi – filled with about 12 ‘Gogos’ all of them laughing and chatting but being very respectful of others in the carpark.
Again I asked the driver if I could chat to them.What has humbled me profoundly is when the one lady said with such animation
‘I am 76 years old and I have seen my first elephant in real life – I can’t actually believe that this has happened to me’ – her smile wider than I’m sure it’s ever been.
Why I’m so emotional tonight is that I am 76 too and yet I have had the huge privilege of visiting many Game Parks (mostly Kruger) from the age of 5 years.
Her beautiful face will forever be with me as I ongoingly have the blessing of feasting my eyes on the wonder of Creation several times annually.
My apprehension of being here at the same time as the free week has instilled a totally different perspective in me – well done SANParks and thank you for reawakening something within me.”
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Good Things Wrap Up: South African Stories Worth Celebrating!We share many of our protected spaces with the world-famous big 5 and so many other beautiful creatures and critters that people travel the world for the chance to see here in South Africa. Yet many (read: millions) of South Africans rarely get the opportunity to experience what it is like to visit these special places. This is the difference that a free day pass makes!
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