GARDEN ROUTE – The Garden Route National Park has strengthened its efforts to make protected areas more accessible to nearby communities with the acquisition of a new 40-seater bus.

According to SANParks spokesperson JP Louw, the initiative forms part of SANParks’ commitment to ensuring that national parks are accessible to all South Africans, particularly communities living adjacent to protected areas.

He said that the bus would serve communities within a 50-kilometre radius of the park’s three sections: Wilderness, Knysna and Tsitsikamma.

Louw said that by providing reliable transport, the initiative seeks to remove one of the key barriers that often limit community participation in park-based activities and programmes.

“The vehicle will support a range of initiatives, including environmental education programmes, conservation awareness campaigns, outreach activities and broader community engagement interventions,” said Louw.

“It will also create meaningful opportunities for residents to experience and connect with the natural and cultural heritage of the Garden Route National Park.”

Louw said that this investment reflects SANParks’ commitment to inclusion, accessibility and socio-economic transformation.

“By strengthening links between communities and protected areas, the park aims to foster environmental stewardship, shared ownership and a deeper appreciation of South Africa’s natural heritage,” said Louw.

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