SANParks: Here is what you need to know under adjusted level 4 lockdown

Have you booked a trip to one of the South African National Parks? Here is what you need to know about the changes that SANParks announced under the adjusted level 4 lockdown. 

AMENDMENTS PARTICULAR FOR TRAVELERS FROM GAUTENG

Reynold Thakhuli, SANParks spokesperson said in complying with government regulations SANParks has made the requisite amendments particularly for travelers to our national parks originating from the Gauteng province.

The rules for clients from Gauteng with exiting reservations are as follows:

• There will not be a blanket cancellation of bookings for guests residing in Gauteng. Instead, those holding current reservations valid for the period 28 June to 11 July 2021 will be contacted directly via telephone and email to establish whether their bookings should be postponed or cancelled. 
• Guests are also encouraged to contact reservations on 012 428 9111 or 082 233 9111 or email reservations@sanparks.org if they are unsure about their current reservation. 
• Where cancellation is the only option, cancellation fees will not be charged and clients will be provided with the option to claim a full refund or for their deposit to be kept on credit-on-hold for use on future reservations.
• Gauteng residents currently in occupation of SANParks accommodation facilities will be permitted to remain in the parks for the duration of their reserved stay as the regulations permit for persons who were outside the province when the regulations came into force, a once-off trip to return to their places of residence.

This follows the announcement made on Sunday 27 June 2021 by President Cyril Ramaphosa that the country will move to Adjusted Level Four with effect from Monday, 28 June 2021. 

ALSO READ: Level 4: Everywhere you CAN and CANNOT go ‘until 11 July’

ALL GATHERINGS AT BEACHES AND PICNIC SITES PROHIBITED

All gatherings at beaches and picnic sites within the national parks are prohibited. The dining facilities and restaurants within the national parks will operate on the basis of off-site consumption and therefore no sit-down dining will be allowed. 

More information will be shared on the compliance with the regulations regarding occupancy levels once SANParks has finalised the necessary logistics.

SANParks Acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Luthando Dziba said that while SANParks understands the inconvenience and the frustration this may create, the reservations and park teams on the ground are on hand to assist in adherence with the law. 

In conclusion, Dziba said the spread of COVID-19 has affected all South Africans and in order to minimise the spread every one of us have to make sacrifices. 

He urged guests to the national parks to appreciate that the regulations and SANParks own protocols, as inconvenient as they may seem, are towards a greater and common good.

ALSO READ: It’s Level 4: Ramaphosa confirms hard lockdown – here are the changes