Satellite bookings for national parks

Bob Hopkin GARDEN ROUTE CORRESPONDENT

SA NATIONAL Parks (SANParks) has established satellite reservation facilities in the tourism bureau offices in both George and Wilderness to speed up and simplify reservation procedures for clients in, or visiting, the Garden Route.

The online booking system enables members of the public to book and pay for reservations at all 21 national parks within a few minutes, using dedicated staff at each office.

“The provision of SANParks booking systems at our two bureaus has given added value to locals as well as visitors, who can now book and pay for accommodation at any of the 21 national parks, including the Kruger Park, with minimal effort,” said George and Wilderness Tourism head Joan Shaw.

She said the satellite offices had proved popular with overseas tourists since their establishment, but many locals were still not aware of the service.

Shaw said SANParks facilities were popular, often with an 11-months-in- advance booking cycle. This made national park bookings easily accessible.

Both offices have been in operation since January when their accreditation with SANParks was approved.