SANParks prepped and ready for 2024 festive season

SANParks ready for festive season visitors

The South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced a number of interventions that it has put in place at its 21 functional national parks in preparation for the 2024 festive season.

According to the parks body, it has focused primarily on safety and security interventions, infrastructure refurbishments to date and activities visitors can undertake at the national parks.

“Various interventions will be conducted during the festive season such as safety campaigns, intense routine patrols, fire safety awareness, water saving and safety initiatives, aerial support (air services) and emergency centre service activations.” SANParks said in a statement.

Table Mountain National Park Volunteer Safety Services

SANParks also announced the introduction of the new Table Mountain National Park Volunteer Safety Services (VSS) which is a partnership with interested and affected civil society organisations to improve response to crime.

It will operate as a coordinated and collaborative system that ensures civil society’s contributions are embedded in the national park’s overall safety and security strategy and approach.

It will also assist SANParks with a structure for the ongoing establishment, governance and operation of joint efforts with civil society in promoting both visitor and park user safety in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

“This effort is intended to streamline innovation and organise the mobilisation of resources and expertise in support of crime prevention. Victim support and organising trauma counselling will also be central to VSS.” SANParks said.

Table Mountain National Park also revealed that 25 new recruits will be added to the SEAM (Sea, Mountain, Air) team to ensure the environment’s safety over the festive season this year.

“SANParks also appealed to visitors to take necessary measures which are intended to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. These include visiting their website (www.sanparks.org) for specific requirements of the national park you wish to visit, doing early bookings online,  where hiking is allowed, doing it in groups of four or more, making sure that your phone is fully charged, and carry a fully charged power bank along on your hikes, carry sufficient water and other supplies whilst wearing appropriate gear and to always be vigilant, especially when visiting known crime hotspots.” the parks body added.