Blog

Thrilled to once again welcome inter-provincial travel throughout South Africa, the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency decode travel and accommodation regulations under alert level 2 (two).

As the country shifted from alert level 3 (three) to level 2 (two) effective from 00h01 on 18 August 2020 the South African Tourism industry have come up for air for the first time since lockdown regulations were put in place in March. Having been one of the hardest hit industries to endure the debilitating disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, the MTPA now welcome domestic travellers to the province.

While the shift to alert level 2 (two) sees a number of previous restrictions now lifted, including leisure travel and tourism, the MTPA will continue to observe all health and safety protocols that ensure the safety of not only our guests and visitors but our staff and community members as well.

To follow, lets understand more about what travel and accommodation regulations look like under alert level 2.

Travel capacity, Public Transport and International Travel

All modes of public transport will see a gradual return to operations including;

• domestic air travel
• rail, bus services, taxi services
• e-hailing services
• private vehicles

Where trips of 200 Km's and more are considered long distance, service providers offering long distance travel solutions will need to adhere to a 70% capacity rule but trips taken under 200km's including tour operators and guides  may be done so at 100% of  the licensed vehicle capacity.

While alert level 2 accounts for a number of revised travel allowances, while the country remains in a national state of disaster all borders of the Republic will remain closed to international travel with exception of those individuals who have been granted a permit and special travel permission as outlined  in the Disaster management act - determination of alert level 2.

Curfew

The movement of persons remain regulated by a curfew that will require all individuals with exception of essential workers to remain confined to their homes or leisure accommodation from 22H00 until 04H00 daily.

Public Spaces and Gatherings

The following Protocols will need to be observed when visiting any public space or social gatherings;

• All individuals visiting public places are required to wear a face mask at all times. These spaces include, all forms of public transport, as well as buildings and public premises that, should any one wish to enter may not do so unless adhering to facemask and social distancing protocols.

• Social distancing efforts are also to remain in place where measures to limit exposure to Covid-19 are continuously observed.

• In-person conference gatherings and meetings taking place at all Mpumalanga conference centres and events venues will also be limited to no more than 50 people in attendance.

• Cinemas, theatres, concerts and other live performances will also remain subject to a limitation of 50 guests or less while also taking into account social distancing measures.

• Casinos will be restricted by the number of guests allowed in the establishment accounting for no more than 50% of the available floor space.

Ensuring that the province is fully prepared to welcome travellers to the many travel highlights now open to day visits and overnight guests,   the MTPA nature reserves that will open their facilities to all categories of travellers will  continue to account for the ongoing health and safety protocols that safeguard both staff and guests from the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

We encourage all visitors to make bookings ahead of time and use online payment facilities made available through our central reservations office at reservations@mtpa.co.za or +27 13 759 5432,  proactively assisting with social distancing protocols and  avoiding unnecessary contact with our park’s employees.