Following an announcement by South Africa National Parks (SANParks) today, nature-lovers will once again be able to visit Cape Point for self-drive excursions during the day as of Wednesday, July 8.
During the lockdown, SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni says the time was used to prepare for welcoming guests once the go ahead was given.
“We appreciate that after three months of confinement, the public is keen to engage with nature and the excitement as shown by enquiries from our loyal visitors is encouraging. We are obligated to ensure that the opening of our national parks for self-drive excursions is done under the strictest health protocols to safeguard both our staff and guests,” said Mkenteni.
A daily quota of a maximum of 250 vehicles a day must be adhered to with no more than 75 vehicles being allowed at once.
At later stages of the lockdown, the daily quota could be revised in terms of compliance with regulations.
Cape Point will be open daily from 8am to 4pm and visitors will need to complete a COVID-19 health related questionnaire upon arrival at the gates. Mandatory temperature screenings will be conducted by staff as well.
Visitors with a temperature screening of 37.4°C and above will not be allowed access. Wearing of face masks are compulsory. No mask, no entry.
Permitted activities include self-drive vehicles limited to three persons per vehicle of the same household, and motorbikes limited to one person per bike only. Activities such as surfing, cycling, fishing, hiking/walking, trail running, launching of vessels, braaing and picnicking are not permitted as per COVID-19 alert Level 3 regulations.
Olifantsbos and Bordjiesrif roads; Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre; restaurant/shops, the funicular and accommodation facilities within Cape of Good Hope section are still closed to the public.
“We encourage our guest to adhere to the speed limits within the park and only stop to take pictures from your vehicle, in designated areas provided. Everything as we knew it has fundamentally changed by COVID-19, therefore we are requesting guests to adhere to all official alert Level 3 regulations when inside the parks including wearing masks, keeping social distance, and following transport capacity directives,” said SANParks in a statement.
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