News
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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FOMO? Go Wild this Black Friday!
Don’t miss out! CapeNature is going wild again this Black Friday, 27 November 2020 and YOU’RE invited. Get back into nature at 40% off selected reserve accommodation and camping spots. Register a profile on the online portal at booking.capenature.co.za and look out for this fantastic special which will go LIVE from 00:00 on Friday, 27 […]
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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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The iconic Whale Trail has reopened after an extensive revamp
The iconic and world class Whale trail hike in the De Hoop Nature Reserve will reopen on Wednesday, 28 October 2020. CapeNature prides itself on leading the way in sustainable tourism as demonstrated by a continued commitment to nature-based recreational and tourism facilities for local and international visitors to enjoy and explore. Situated on 34 000 […]
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A journey to Keurbooms Nature Reserve – by Scott Ramsay
Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is a small reserve near Plettenberg Bay, and despite its proximity to the busy town, once you’ve paddled up the river away from the national road, it soon becomes clear that this reserve is another tiny patch of paradise in the Western Cape. Ancient yellow-wood […]
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Communities and Conservation working together for sustainable oceans
Baited Underwater Videos (BRUVs) – Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean Marine protected areas (MPAs) aim to conserve marine life and promote the conservation and effective management of ecologically and biologically diverse marine areas. The social and economic context within which they exist also needs to be considered when planning and making management decisions. They are […]
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Robberg Nature Reserve – through the words and lens of photographer, Scott Ramsay
Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Take all the natural wonders of Robberg, and divide them by the number of square metres of this relatively tiny reserve and you’ve got one of the most impressive reserves in the country. Few other small protected areas pack so much punch. Lying near the town of Plettenberg Bay […]
Read moreHow to book for Kogelberg Nature Reserve
Here is how to book accommodation for CapeNature’s lovely Kogelberg Nature Reserve. Located just off the R44 that winds between Gordon’s Bay and Kleinmond in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, Kogelberg is a World Heritage Site that offers year-round pristine nature, thrilling activities. To book an unforgettable getaway choose the following steps: Choose your eco-pod or […]
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Essential Estuaries – Restoring an effective link between catchments and the ocean
The link between oceans and land, in most instances, is not well understood as people do not comprehend and understand the impact that their day to day life has on the ocean whether positive or negative. Freshwater, a critical life-giving resource, evaporates from the ocean surface and is largely responsible for much of the rain that reaches the land. […]
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Marine Month 2020 – Help to keep our oceans clean
By Lusanda Gqaza and Yanga Mbatana, Environmental Education Officers, De Hoop Nature Reserve October is Marine Month and a timely reminder to us all about the importance of our waterways and oceans. Litter is not only harmful to marine life but also toxic to humans and water systems. It is our duty as conservators and the general […]
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African Penguin Awareness Day 2020
We celebrated African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday, 10 October 2020 – here are some quick facts to help you brush up on your African Penguin knowledge.
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Marine Month 2020 – creating opportunities for young people through conservation
International Marine Month is celebrated every October worldwide. In South Africa, the month is used to create awareness of our marine and coastal environment and the benefits that our oceans bring to our nation. This year’s theme, “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”, encourages a fresh approach to the conservation of this important resource. The Hermanus […]
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What rats and bats can tell us about ecosystems
By Dr Marienne de Villiers, Faunal Ecologist at CapeNature They may be tiny, but small mammals play an important role in nature and some are excellent indicators of ecosystem condition. They are key prey species for many carnivores, they help to pollinate plants and disperse seeds, and their burrows aerate the soil. They also help to […]
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CapeNature’s tourism offerings boost local economies
This year, World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September 2020. World Tourism Day heightens the sector’s unique ability to drive economic development and its contribution to the South African economy. It is no coincidence that Heritage Month and Tourism Month, including World Tourism Day, fall within the same month. Tourism plays a significant role in […]
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International Coastal Cleanup Day 2020 – Trashy seas made clean
By Marx-Lenin Nagan, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Cederberg Landscape Unit International Coastal Cleanup Day was marked on 19 September 2020 and CapeNature staff rolled up their sleeves to support local initiatives on the day. Three coastal cleanups took place on the 19th September in the Cederberg Landscape at Velddrif, Elands – and Lamberts Bay respectively. These […]
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Kogelberg’s Palmiet Honeymoon Studio is now open for bookings!
There are exciting developments underway at Kogelberg Nature Reserve. CapeNature is delighted to announce the opening of a new one-bedroom unit, the Palmiet honeymoon studio which is just perfect for for couples seeking privacy and romance. The glass-fronted eco-cabin is designed to offer guests unparalleled 360-degree breath-taking views of the reserve. The building work was meticulously […]
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Long-term biomonitoring: A typical day of training and sampling
By Jeanne Gouws, CapeNature Ecologist Long-term monitoring of species of ecosystems is important for tracking changes related to many factors, including the impacts of climate change. CapeNature conducts long-term monitoring activities for various creatures and ecosystems, great and small. One of these projects is the monitoring of three sites on the Eerste River in Jonkershoek, […]
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Other News
Escape to Marloth Nature Reserve
Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Lying just ..
Read more
Responsible fishing encouraged this World Fisheries Day
World Fisheries Day is an Environmental Calendar Day ..
Read more
Take some inspiration from wildlife this Movember!
By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities It’s Movember, and ..
Read more
