The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is pleased to announce that it will be opening some of its selected nature reserves for the public to access for free. This forms part of the Mpumalanga Parks Week initiative, which will commence from 14 – 18 September 2020 as part of the province’s Tourism Month programme.
The Mpumalanga Parks Week is an annual event taking place in September aimed at encouraging locals to visit the nature. The free entry visits’ intention is to create awareness and expose our communities to their natural resources as well as instilling the culture of travelling locally.
“With Level 2 lockdown and leisure travel open, the MTPA is excited that this opportunity will allow members of the public to come and explore the natural wonders of this province. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a rippling effect on the tourism sector and with this initiative, we look forward to welcoming visitors to come and rejuvenate”, said Mr. Johannes Nobunga, Chief Executive Officer of the MTPA.
“A total of nine provincial nature reserves throughout the province will be open to the public during the Parks Week. This is strictly for day visitors only. Accommodation is at the normal cost if people want to sleep over. We trust that the public will take advantage of this opportunity to travel again and appreciate the wildlife and natural heritage in the province”, added Nobunga.
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The following nature reserves will take part in the Mpumalanga Parks Week initiative:
1. Manyeleti
2. Andover
3. Songimvelo
4. Nooitgedacht
5. Kromdraai Camp
6. Loskop Dam
7. Ohrigstad Dam
8. SS Skosana
9. Blyde River Canyon (Free entry only applicable on 18 September 2020)
The free access into the selected nature reserves is strictly for day visitors only and does not include accommodation and other tourism activities on offer at those reserves. The free access is also applicable to groups of not more than 20 people.
In order to be allowed free access, visitors will be required to present their South African Identity documents or valid South African driver’s license. The set terms and conditions for this duration will apply.
“We invite everyone not to miss out on this opportunity to travel again. We are ready to welcome you as our nature reserves are all compliant with the COVID-19 health and safety protocols. We appeal to our locals to comply with the safety protocols that have been put in place at all our reserves”, concluded Nobunga.
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