Garden Route National Park prepares for a safe, smooth and visitor-friendly festive season across Wilderness, Tsitsikamma and Knysna. Picture Credits: Supplied
By Thulane Madalane
Knysna — Garden Route National Park has completed its preparations for the 2025 festive season, ensuring all three sections—Wilderness, Tsitsikamma, and Knysna—are ready to welcome visitors with improved services, upgraded facilities, and robust safety protocols during the busy holiday period.
The Wilderness Section currently operates at about 60% occupancy, with numbers expected to increase as the holidays approach. Recent infrastructure enhancements include the replacement of the Family Cottage deck and renovations to the North Ablution Block E. To manage the anticipated visitor influx, the park has brought on board 8 Tourism Monitors and 14 temporary workers, supplemented by the SANParks Honorary Rangers, who will provide support across all camp nodes.
Phokela Lebea, Regional Communications Manager at Garden Route National Park, commented on these efforts: “We are committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors this festive season. The addition of temporary staff and our partnership with the SANParks Honorary Rangers will ensure operational efficiency, while the ongoing upgrades to our facilities will enhance comfort and convenience.”
In collaboration with the Garden Route Tourism Office, the park will actively participate in festive holiday activation events on 17 December and 5 January. These events aim to foster visitor engagement and showcase the tourism offerings of the Wilderness area. Additionally, a pop-up shop vendor will serve guests at the Rest Camp, Lagoon, and Island Lake from 10 December through January 2026.
The Tsitsikamma Section has also expanded its workforce by employing 15 seasonal staff to support housekeeping, gate administration, operations, and maintenance during peak periods. Significant improvements are underway for parking facilities along the coastal route, where the Technical Services Team is constructing additional bays, installing high-quality paving, and optimising the parking layout to reduce congestion and improve visitor access.
Meanwhile, the Knysna Section stands fully operational and prepped for higher visitor turnout. New braai stands are being installed in Diepwalle, further elevating campsite amenities in time for the season.
Throughout the Garden Route National Park, the focus remains on enhancing visitor safety, experience, and engagement. Lebea emphasised, “Our priority is visitor safety alongside promoting the remarkable natural and recreational offerings of the Garden Route. We encourage all visitors to adhere to the park’s protocols, including presenting a valid ID at entry and conserving water during their stay.”
With strengthened staffing, infrastructure upgrades, and close collaboration with regional tourism partners, Garden Route National Park is well-positioned to offer a memorable and smooth festive season for all who visit.
