2 June 2003

South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced a new daily conservation fee for all its parks - and simultaneously launched a unique loyalty card system - in a bid to raise funds for conservation and encourage increased visits to the country's parks.

Visitors to South Africa's national parks will now pay a daily conservation fee instead of the old once-off entrance fee. The move aims to raise revenue - an esimated R60-million per annum - for under-funded conservation projects without burdening taxpayers who may not be users of the country's parks.

Wild Cards for international tourists SANParks has extended its Wild Card loyalty system to international tourists who visit the country's national parks regularly.

The new daily conservation fees range from R25 to R120 for international visitors, from R25 to R60 for residents of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, and from R15 to R30 for South African residents, depending on which park is visited.

South Africans, and SADC nationals, can get exemption from the conservation fees by buying a Wild loyalty card - valid for a year for South Africans, or for six months for SADC residents.

A Wild Card for individuals gives unlimited access to the national park of the buyer's choice for a year (or six months, for SADC residents), and costs R95. For an extra R25, an individual gains unlimited access to all national parks for a year.

A Wild Card for couples (two adults) costs R175 for one national park or R225 for all national parks for a year. A family Wild Card (two adults and their dependent school-going children) costs R195 for one national park or R245 for all national parks for a year.

SADC nationals are also entitled to the above offers, but these are valid for six months from date of membership. Note that these are introductory rates - valid until 31 August 2003, after which they will be reviewed and may be changed, depending on demand, user patterns and conservation needs.

The Wild Card, developed in partnership with loyalty and smart card management company Infinity, also rewards the buyer with special offers. By presenting their Wild Card at over 1 200 Infinity partner outlets countrywide, members can earn cash back rewards and other benefits for holidays, accommodation, tours, attractions, airlines, car hire, shopping, leisure and entertainment.

Wild Card applications:

• Online: Infinity Endless Rewards
• E-mail or fax: download the application form here, then either fax it to (012) 654 4042 or e-mail it to wild@endlessrewards.com
• Direct purchase: at SANParks head office in Pretoria, at all national parks, or at outlets in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Nelspruit (call the numbers below for addresses).

SouthAfrica.info reporter

	Wild Cards for tourists E Cape: big sky, big fish, Big Five! Communities get stake in wildlife Maloti-Drakensberg Project KZN Wildlife uplifts communities Parks that transcend borders Bushveld adventures Overland tours & guided safaris South Africa's wildlife wonders

	SA National Parks

My Acre of Africa - Your opportunity, as an individual or an organisation, to sponsor an acre of Africa, and so help save its wildlife and wild lands for our children.