The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency's (MTPA) will again open some of its nature reserves as part of the Mpumalanga Parks Week from 18 – 24 September 2017.
The Parks Week is an annual event aimed at encouraging locals to visit the Nature Reserves during the month of September in order to promote a culture of travel.
"We are excited that since MTPA introduced the Parks Week concept in 2015, a number of people have taken advantage of this offer. We have a total of 11 provincial nature reserves throughout the province which will all be open to the public during that week. This is strictly for day visitors only. We trust that the public will take advantage of this opportunity to explore and appreciate the wildlife and natural heritage surrounding some of our communities", said Mr Johannes Nobunga, Chief Executive Officer of MTPA.
The SANParks introduced this initiative in 2006 after seeing that most South Africans do not have access to the national parks. The idea is to encourage South Africans to take pride of the environment and our heritage sites. By so doing they will start to take care of the natural resources and understand the importance of conservation.
"We trust that this initiative will afford us an opportunity to showcase our provincial Nature Reserves. During this period day visitors will be allowed to enter the reserves free of charge. The intention is to create awareness and expose our communities to our natural resources at the same time instil the culture of travelling locally", added Nobunga.
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 licence. The set terms and conditions for this duration will apply and we appeal to our locals to comply and support us with this initiative.
The following Nature Reserves will be open during the Parks Week:
- Manyeleti
- Songimvelo
- Kromdraai Camp
- Loskop Dam
- Ohrigstad Dam
- Mahushe Shongwe
- Mthethomusha
- SS Skosana
- Mdala
- Mkhombo
- **Blyde River Canyon (NOTE: only applicable on 21 September 2017)
"We invite everyone, young and old not to miss this opportunity to be in touch with nature and explore the natural wonders of Mpumalanga. Our
Reserve Managers and staff at the respective Nature Reserves are ready to welcome you", concluded Nobunga.
For more information contact Londy Dos Santos on 082 092 3913 or visit us on www.mpumalanga.com
