WHAT TO DO

icon/bouldering_greenicon/bouldering_blueBoulderingBouldering
icon/swimming_greenicon/swimming_blueSwimmingSwimming
icon/fishing_greenicon/fishing_blueRecreational fishingRecreational fishing
icon/whalewatching_blueWhale watchingWhale watching
icon/birdwatching_greenicon/birdwatching_blueBirdwatchingBirdwatching
icon/hiking_greenHikingHiking
icon/cycling_greenicon/cycling_blueMountain biking and cyclingMountain biking and cycling
icon/gameviewing_greenicon/gameviewing_blueWildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing
Leopard
10 Jul 2025
Young leopard dies after being caught in gin traps near Heidelberg

CapeNature can confirm the death of a young leopard following a call to assist in a rescue operation on 2 July in the Heidelberg area, near the World Heritage Site of Boosmansbos.

Officials discovered a young 13 kg male leopard, estimated to be around six months old, ensnared in two gin traps set adjacent to each other. One front paw and one hind leg were caught. Despite the best efforts of the rescue team, the leopard did not survive.

Whats App Image 2025 04 25 at 19 14 07 2
9 Jul 2025
Darwin200 Young Leaders & CapeNature Launch Inspiring Documentaries

Three DARWIN200 young leaders worked hand in hand with CapeNature to produce awe-inspiring and heartwarming videos on the Cape vulture colony of Potberg, the bontebok at De Hoop Nature Reserve and the invasive carp at Groenvlei. Click read more to watch the videos.

White rhino
9 Jul 2025
Three Arrested for Illegal Rhino Horn Trade

On Wednesday, 2 July 2025, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations (Hawks) assisted by SAPS K9 Unit, Overberg and Stock Theft and Endangered Species based in Swellendam, executed an undercover operation at Buffeljags River, N2 route outside of Swellendam.

Three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the rhino horn and engaged in a transaction to sell the rhino horn during an undercover operation. CapeNature officials were contacted to assist in the further investigation of the case, which was subsequently registered at the Swellendam Police Station.

BOCMA Capacity building Rhett Smart
3 Jul 2025 by Rhett Smart
BOCMA & CapeNature Boost Water Sustainability

On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.

Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA Marine Impact Award Image 1
1 Jul 2025
Marine Dynamics Wins ATTA® Award

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
2025 Conservation Review Highlights Biodiversity

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

Conservation in action

Albino Honey Badger De Hoop 1021
Albino Honey Badger Spotted at De Hoop

CapeNature granted BirdLife South Africa and Panthera a research permit to undertake a camera trap survey at De Hoop Nature Reserve. Among the images captured was an extremely rare albino honey badger (Mellivora capensis), which is the first record of this condition for this species in scientific literature

Mirriam Plaatjies
Celebrating gender equality in conservation

There is a number of women working at CapeNature in so-called non-conventional roles. The entity is known for creating an enabling environment where women employees can thrive and progress. 

IFSMFN
Groenvlei Carp Project

The Invasive Fish Species Management Non Profit Company (IFSM) consists of a group of volunteers that approached CapeNature in 2018 to remove invasive carp from Groenvlei lake by means of fishing bows.

5.1.3.2. Landscape South fauna image_Great White Shark Hennie Otto
Monitoring the Great White Shark

The waters around Dyer Island are an important seasonal feeding ground for great white sharks. Researchers working through Dyer Island Conservation Trust have demonstrated a decrease in white shark sightings around the island since 2017. 

Fig 2 The Brenton Blue butterfly Orachrysops niobe a Male Photo credit A Coetzer
Possibly extinct Brenton blue butterfly

Of the two localities at which it is known to have occurred, the Brenton blue butterfly is now extinct at one (Nature’s Valley) and possibly extinct at the other (the Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve near Knysna).


Berg River Redfin
Conservation of Barrydale redfin

The tiny Critically Endangered Barrydale redfin, for example, is limited to just 40 km2 in the Tradouw catchment where it is threatened by water abstraction, pollution and alien fish.

Events Calendar
CMZ Foal 2 310125 WEB
31 Jan 2025
International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day
Conservation Review 2024
27 Jun 2024 - 28 Jun 2024
CapeNature Conservation Review 2024
CapeNature Conservation Review 2024
Young hikers from Hikers Network appreciating the beauty of a wetland during last years World Wetlands Day
2 Feb 2024
World Wetlands Day 2024
World Wetlands Day 2024

Featured accommodation

Cederberg Algeria new cottages 1

Algeria - Cottages

Cederberg Wilderness Area
Blacktail Chalet

Blacktail Cottage

Goukamma Nature Reserve
CN ROCH Moorhen LR 9918

Coot, Moorhen, Egret and Shoveler

Rocherpan Nature Reserve

Reviews

Exceptionally clean with friendly staff and we had a lovely experience. Thank you so much.
Marina Knight 13 Jun 2024
Everything was superb, the Pamiet Honeymoon suite was a highlight. Good value for money and on same level as private luxury accommodation at double the price per night.
Chris Meiring 13 Jun 2024
We had a wonderful time at Tierkloof lodge at Gamkaberg. Staff was a wonderful host and made us feel so welcome. Everything at the camp was superb. The tents, the cleanliness of the kitchen/boma/bathrooms. We had a wonderful time with friends. Staff is really going the extra mile!
Joalitha van Zyl 13 Jun 2024

Featured reserves

Goukamma Nature Reserve copyright Cape Nature 7 2
Goukamma Nature Reserve

We recommend that you use a vehicle with a high ground clearance when traversing on reserve.

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve was proclaimed a marine protected area in 1990 and it is heralded as one of the country’s conservation success stories. The reserve stretches along 16.5km of the coastline between Buffalo Bay and Platbank, and 2 500 hectares inland.

Fact

Buffalo Valley’s three self-catering timber lodges are fully equipped and sleep between four to six people. 

Fact

Buffalo Valley is a large conservation area  two kilometres from the warm Indian Ocean. 

Marloth Watervalkloof
Marloth Nature Reserve

Marloth Nature Reserve is hidden away in the imposing Swellendam Mountains, between Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. The peaceful reserve, which is 14 123 hectares in size, is managed together with 16 532 hectares of privately owned land, and is a World Heritage Site.

Explore beautiful fynbos with patches of forest
Over 25 species of erica flowers found here