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Summer is around the corner and a few of South Africa's prominent Cape Town attractions are set to be more affordable for locals - by as much as 48%.
(SANParks) has confirmed from 1 November, 2018, conservation fees to Cape Point and Boulders will be cheaper for South African citizens, SADC citizens and foreigners with a SA residency permit.
Saskia Marlowe, Hospitality Services, Film and Events Manager for Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) says this is the last of the 21 national parks to implement differential pricing. Differential pricing has been in place for 20 of SANParks, including Kruger, since 2005.
South African Tourism has been on drive to make domestic tourism more accessible to locals - this follows a free access week to certain parks in Tourism Month in September.
While some 1.2 million people passed through Cape Point and about 850k visitors through Boulders gates last year, Marlowe says there has been a decline in visitors. This is due to range of reasons, "possibly day-zero messaging across the Western Cape".
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"We hoping that because of the depressed rand this will be an incentive to foreign travellers to visit South Africa and expect to see a substantially better season this year. The bigger hope is to see more South Africans through gates," she says.
Don't forget your ID and online booking set to stem queues
The implementation of discounts for locals is set to be permanent and will coincide with the launch of an online ticketing system for TMNP.
"Kruger has a lot of gates, whereas Cape Point only has one entry point, making it a high-traffic gate." Marlowe says the online ticketing system will ensure they are able to speedily process people through the gates.
The web ticketing system will see tickets sent to your email, this does not need to be printed but can be shown on your phone at the gate for scanning. SA visitors are advised to ensure they have proof of ID - either your ID book, card or passport. Foreigners who will be paying the standard price will not need to provide proof of identity.
The rate changes are effective 1 November 2018:
CAPE POINT:
- Standard Fee Adult R303 and Child R152
- SADC fee Adult R152 and Child R76
- Local Fee Adult R76 and Child R39 (this will constitute approximately 48% fee decrease for local visitors).
Cape Point also offers a Funicular with pricing remaining the same – Children pay R30 for a return trip on the funicular, adults pay R70
It's also worthwhile checking out Bordjiesrift, in the Cape Nature Reserve. Regarded as a secret beach, there are braai facility, complete with a beautiful tidal pool.
READ MORE: Cape Town's hidden beaches
BOULDERS:
- Standard Fee Adult R152 and Child R76
- SADC Adult R76 and child R39
- Local Adult R39 and child R29
Boulders Beach, just outside Simon's Town along the False Bay coastline of the Western Cape is the perfect family beach. Kids can enjoy the surf which is sheltered in a cove created by the giant boulders. Extra care should be taken regarding the penguins who have taken up residency along the beach and become an equally popular attractions.
READ MORE: Where are the Great Whites? Bronzies and cow sharks taking over False Bay
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