News
Water quality and quantity the key to healthy estuaries
The health of on estuary is a description of the condition of an estuary and are driven by two key drivers, water quality and quantity. Rain falling on the land eventually makes its way to a lake, river, stream, estuary, or ocean. Some rainwater flows slowly, in a thin layer called sheet flow across the […]
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SA’s commercial shark industry – are sharks friends or food?
By Alexis Olds and Nicole Horn Marine fish are divided into two groups, those that have a bone skeleton and those that have skeletons made of cartilage. The cartilaginous group are commonly referred to as sharks. The group actually contains sharks, skates, rays and chimaera. For this article, sharks include all cartilaginous species. Approximately 185 […]
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Five 2020 Matric Learners Set to Explore the Jewel of the Overberg
Five 2020 Matric learners have just been afforded the opportunity to explore the unforgettable De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in the company of world-renowned adventurer Riaan Manser. These five matriculants; Jama Paliso, Hannah Chetty, Abdullah Seedat, Silondukhule Nquma and Lucy can der Meulen were the runners up in a campaign that saw […]
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Tranquillity and solitude in the heart of the Garden Route – a visit to Goukamma Nature Reserve
Story and photos by Alex Aitenhead, www.alexaitkenhead.co.za Deciding on our holiday adventure in the garden route required careful planning. We wanted to experience the Ancient Knysna forest, surf the warm waters at Buffalo Bay, see new forest bird species, yet miss all the crowds. With the new lockdown rules in place and the closing of the […]
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World Wetlands Day 2021
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February each year to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. South Africa is a water scarce country, and the water in many streams is polluted. Both droughts and floods are common. In this regard, wetlands play a vital role by […]
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The bontebok – a species saved from the brink of extinction
By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities The bontebok – a likable, medium sized antelope with a multi-coloured coat and endemic to the Western Cape, is listed as Vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. It was once on the brink of extinction due to hunting, human settlement and incorrect […]
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Fish migrations: they would swim 500 miles and they would swim 500 more
By Nicole Horn and Alexis Olds Migration is a widespread but highly complicated and diverse component to many fish species lives. Migration can be strenuous and often consists of extremely long journeys. The life history stages of certain species rely heavily on migration. Fish will migrate for several reasons including escaping unfavourable conditions, moving to […]
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CapeNature reserves adjust to Level 3 lockdown restrictions
In line with the updated Alert Level 3 announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 01 February 2021, the following rules will apply to all CapeNature reserves with immediate effect and until further notice: Permitted activities: Reserve accommodation remains OPEN and unchanged (this includes the Whale Trail and Whiskey Creek); Conference venues remain OPEN at 50 […]
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Feel the Summer Breeze with CapeNature!
Come and explore the vast open spaces across the Western Cape with your friends and family at record low prices. Despite the inflation rate increases and the current recession in South Africa, CapeNature wants to see more and more locals explore and experience the rich natural heritage exclusive to the province. We are all in […]
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Call for Proposals – Adventure Tourism
Adventure-based concessionaire proposals for non-selected reserves in the advertisement, will also be reviewed and considered. Click here for more details: ADVENTURE TOURISM
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Beach Litter at Walker Bay – study results
CapeNature staff facilitated entry into the Die Kelders section of the Walker Bay Reserve, where Peter Ryan and Coleen Moloney, senior researchers from UCT supervising the Conservation Biology Masters group, together with Grootbos Foundation representative as well as group co-ordinator, Paula Strauss participated in a beach clean-up. The area has been plagued by miniature plastic items […]
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Be the hero this summer – report fire and smoke quickly
The Western Cape is one of the areas most affected by veldfires where these are a natural phenomenon during the hot, windy, dry summers. This is exacerbated by infestations of alien vegetation and increased hot, dry periods as a result of climate change. As we enter fire season, CapeNature would like to urge the […]
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Adventure beckons in Kogelberg
New eco-cabins in Kogelberg Nature Reserve are the ideal base for exciting activities among the mountain fynbos of this world heritage site.
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Movember Animal Inspiration (part 2)
By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities In the month of November, we traditionally raise awareness of men’s health issues as part of the Movember campaign and in part 1 of this blog, we looked at a few marine species with ‘moustaches’ for inspiration. In part 2 of the blog, we look at some more animal species beyond […]
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FOMO? Go Wild this Black Friday and Cyber Monday!
If you missed out on our Black Friday offer of 40% off selected reserve accommodation and camping spots, you’re in luck. Ensure that you register a profile on the online portal at booking.capenature.co.za and look out for this fantastic special which will go LIVE for 24 more hours from 00:00 on Cyber Monday, 30 November […]
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Escape to Marloth Nature Reserve
Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Lying just off the national N2 road, about two and a half hours from Cape Town, Swellendam is South Africa’s third oldest town and owes much of its attractiveness to the mountains lying a few kilometres to the north. I’ve always slowed down on the road here, mostly because […]
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Responsible fishing encouraged this World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day is an Environmental Calendar Day celebrated every year on the 21st of November to highlight the importance of a sustainable means to maintain fish stocks. It highlights the critical importance of fish and the role it plays in job creation and economic impact. Fishing is central to the livelihoods and food security […]
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Take some inspiration from wildlife this Movember!
By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities It’s Movember, and to raise awareness about men’s health, here are some examples of possible looks inspired by marine species with ‘moustaches’. To show your support, grow your moustache and don’t shave it for the rest of the month! Here are some animals that are following suit. All mammals besides humans […]
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Kogelberg Nature Reserve’s new eco-pods and cabins unveiled
Already known as a place of rare and beautiful things, Kogelberg Nature Reserve has yet another discovery to be made. A collection of eight new eco-cabins thoughtfully positioned to maximise the vistas while giving you the seclusion you crave – and all within an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. Nestled in the […]
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CapeNature offers reduced rates for Black Friday 2020
Just in time to take advantage of the upcoming summer season, CapeNature is pleased to announce reduced rates to mark Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Online users will receive a 40% discount off getaways at selected reserve accommodation and camping facilities. Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr. Anton Bredell says, “The […]
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The Cape Gannet (Morus capensis)
By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities The Cape Gannet is endemic to southern Africa. They are strictly marine birds with massive breeding colonies, although they have a small breeding range. This species, along with seven other seabird species, is endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem off southwest Africa. They have six colonies in southern Africa with three occurring […]
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Kogelberg Nature Reserve – Mbali Collection Now Open!
The award winning Kogelberg Nature Reserve has launched its new modern eco cabins and eco pods called the Mbali collection. Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of the entity says: “We have an enormous responsibility to protect our biodiversity and the cultural heritage associated with this unique, pristine landscape. The conservation and careful management of our natural […]
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Embrace nature at Kogelberg’s eco-cabins
Situated in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the eco-friendly cabins in Kogelberg Nature Reserve are simply blissful.
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A journey to Goukamma Nature Reserve – by Scott Ramsay
Words and Photos by Scott Ramsay Goukamma Nature Reserve lies between the towns of Sedgefield and Knysna on the Garden Route of the southern Cape coast. Stand out features include long, near-empty beaches, a well-managed marine protected area offshore, and a pretty estuary of the Goukamma River. The huge vegetated dunes make for great walking, […]
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Other News
Water quality and quantity the key to healthy estuaries
The health of on estuary is a description ..
Read more
SA’s commercial shark industry – are sharks friends or food?
By Alexis Olds and Nicole Horn Marine fish ..
Read more
Five 2020 Matric Learners Set to Explore the Jewel of the Overberg
Five 2020 Matric learners have just been afforded ..
Read more
