SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - SA National Parks Week is well underway in the Garden Route National Park (GRNP) having kicked off on Sunday with a Knysna Forest Spring Walk.
The walk was postponed from Saturday to the following day due to rain.
The focus on educational tours with SANParks People and Conservation Officers is well underway with offerings including forest and fynbos excursions, guided mine tours and water activities.
There is a drive to reach learners who have never set foot in a National Park for all three areas of the Garden Route National Park.
Doors are open to all South African citizens, even outside planned activities.
This weekend, the focus is on cultural heritage, which includes an open day at the Tsitsikamma Sports Field (Storms River Village). This will be a cultural dance competition and a feast of sporting activities for the youth and young at heart.
SANParks Honorary Rangers will guide a possible 4X4 trail with guests and have organised an exhibition area at the Common, Wilderness.
The week-long campaign week closes off with a relaxed serenade. A popular saxophonist, guitarist and a popular Quartez are expected to mesmerize visitors.
Entry is free, visitors are expected to bring own food, camp chairs or blankets and drinks. Camping sites and chalets in the Camp can be booked online www.sanparks.org or by calling 044 877 0046.
This weekend, the focus is on cultural heritage, which includes an open day at the Tsitsikamma Sports Field.
The Knysna Historical Society, stakeholders and SANParks launched a self-drive route to 10 historical areas in the Knysna forest.
The forests were exploited prior to 1939 when the Government of the day decided to close them to the woodcutters’ system. Between 1940 and 1964 the Government focused largely on plantations.
The Knysna Historical Society’s Phillip Caveney, introduced various key players and events in recorded colonial history as: 1864-1868 Thomas Bain and the Uniondale Road, 1882 and the Deep Walls Forest, Sawmills at Deep Walls, James Henry Templeman, the Building of the Stone Cottage at Deep Walls, the Early occupants of the stone cottage, Oudebrandpad and the naming of the King Edward VII Tree and the South Western Railway.
To find out more about the route, drive up R339 to Diepwalle.
All South African citizens are encouraged to take full advantage of the free access week!
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