Image related to website content

CapeNature announces phased reopening of reserves

10 Jun 2020

CapeNature is delighted to announce the phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape following the easing of the national lockdown regulations to Alert Level 3 to allow hiking and fishing activity.

Mr. Sheraaz Ismail, acting CapeNature Chief Executive Officer, confirmed that, “Staff are working diligently to ensure that the respective reserves are compliant and ready to welcome visitors to our reserves. All regulations relating to social distancing, health protocols, movement and the prohibition of groups and gatherings will apply accordingly.”

For a full list of reserves and trails that will be open to the public from Friday, 12 June 2020, click here (opens in new tab). Please take into consideration the daily limit allowed on each trail.  Once capacity is reached no more hiking permits may be issued for that trail on that day. The opening of trails will be subject to weather conditions.

Image related to website content

All visitors entering at a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process and various guidelines will apply, including the mandatory completion of a 4-step check-in process. Visitors will need to comply with the following prior to being allowed entry:

  1. Wearing of face masks.
  2. Disinfection of hands with sanitiser provided.
  3. Scanning of body temperature. This will be unobtrusive with high regard for personal space and comfort.
  4. Recording of visitor information as part of the Visitor Access Registration.

For those reserves where there is no controlled entrance gate access, hikers will need to ensure that social distancing and health protocols are followed. No organised groups will be allowed access to the trails, visitors are encouraged to hike in pairs.

No picnicking, overnight hiking, camping or overnight stays will be allowed. All fishing, including recreational fishing, will be permitted with the exception of charter fishing. Anglers and hikers must ensure that they have a valid permit and any member of the public found without a hiking or fishing permit, will be issued with a fine.

In order to minimize contact engagement and risk, no hiking permit will be on sale at the Reserve gate, until further notice. All visitors will be encouraged to pre-purchase their hiking permit online, by visiting www.capenature.co.za or contacting the CapeNature Contact Centre on 087 087 8250 (074 936 2139 or 062 318 4987 on weekends). Pre-purchased hiking permit sales will close at 10h00, for any purchases made for that particular day. In order to manage capacity and record keeping Wild Card holders will also need to register for a hiking permit online prior to arriving at the reserve.

  • To book your hiking permit online, go here and check for your preferred trail under the reserve information.
  • To read more on booking your fishing permit, read more here.

Please be aware that visitor limits may apply at selected reserves. A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found here (opens in new tab).

Bookings for tourism facilities

Visitor safety is CapeNature’s key priority and the COVID pandemic has therefore led to a fundamental shift in how we do things. Permits will not be sold at the CapeNature entrance gates. The entity will continue to only sell permits online and via the Contact Centre, under Alert Level 3 conditions. Wild card members will need to register a permit by emailing reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or by contacting us on 087 087 8250 (074 936 2139 or 062 318 4987 on weekends). No fees will apply to valid Wild Card holders. Bookings for the educational eco-venues and overnight accommodation bookings are still closed but the CapeNature online booking portal is open for future bookings.

CapeNature’s full COVID-19 Booking terms and conditions is available on the CapeNature website here (opens in new tab).

Image related to website content

 

Share:

Related News

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Tegansmithphotography damaratrail 8
12 Jun 2025
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025

CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.

CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.

“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.

Thys De Pakhuys 5
11 Jun 2025
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire

The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” â€” a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible. 

Biodiversity1
2 Jun 2025
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition

The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.

Biodiversity Press Release Image
30 May 2025
CapeNature's vision - Protecting biodiversity for a sustainable future

Biodiversity forms the bedrock of life on Earth. It is essential not only for sustaining healthy ecosystems but also for ensuring human wellbeing. Last week, on 22 May, we celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity, to raise awareness, educate, and build understanding around biodiversity issues, while inspiring collective effort to conserve it for future generations.

Baboon icon
29 May 2025
Task team briefs Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group on progress and way forward

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, hosted its second meeting with the Cape Peninsula Baboon Advisory Group (CPBAG) on 27 May 2025. The Shark Spotters who are implementing selected operational tasks under the banner of the Cape Baboon Partnership, also provided feedback on progress and challenges with the implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan.