Get FREE entry to nature during the 6th annual CapeNature Access Week
In September we celebrate Tourism Month and you are invited to our reserves, free of charge! CapeNature will once again open its doors and provide free access to the public during its 6th annual Access Week from 16-22 September 2020. Day visits to selected CapeNature reserves will be free for all to enjoy exploring our natural heritage.
Visitors to participating CapeNature reserves will be allowed free day entry (excluding overnight stays) ranging from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and even the Klein Karoo.
Anton Bredell, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning has welcomed the initiative and says it presents an ideal opportunity for a family day trip or longer visit to the outdoors. “I want to encourage locals and travellers who wish to experience something new or familiar, to participate in the free Access Week especially following five months of lockdown where we were mostly limited to our homes. Go and explore our beautiful natural heritage.”
CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar added: “Access Week is here once again and we understand that many South Africans have eagerly awaited to return to nature. We have implemented the necessary health and safety protocols so that all our visitors will feel safe when they are in our reserves. I implore visitors to adhere to the social distancing regulations and to continue to wear face masks.”
During Access Week, free day access will allow for participation in a number of activities ranging from hiking and walking to mountain biking. Visitors must please note terms and conditions that apply.
Visit www.capenature.co.za to learn more about Access Week 2020 and remember to tag us on social media when visiting the reserves using the hashtags #AccessWeek and #TourismMonth.
The following terms and conditions apply:
- Access to Protected Areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be applicable during regular reserve hours and to entries at CapeNature reserve gates.
- The conservation fee will be waived for visitors to any CapeNature reserve that is open to the public between 16 and 22 September.
- No free access fee will apply when booking through the call centre/online bookings and excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking)
- Free access fee will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. The waiver will NOT apply to the Whale Trail, partners or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc.).
- Zero-rated permits will be given to everyone accessing the reserve during this time, as per usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded.
Related News
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass
Western Cape to benefit from CapeNature’s 2026 Greening Initiative
CapeNature is launching a fun and engaging greening competition for schools and communities across the Western Cape. The competition will start on 13 April 2026 to coincide with International Plant Appreciation Day and will run until 15 May 2026. The initiative aims to inspire learners and community members to actively participate in protecting the environment.
A follow up: The potential impacts of Red Swamp crayfish in Western Cape waters
Since first being found in the canal systems of lower Olifants River in 2022 by CapeNature officials, invasive Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are being found further afield in the Western Cape at an alarming rate. This freshwater species is globally recognised as a seriously damaging invasive species.
Over 43 000 Cape Gannets on Lambert’s Bay Bird Island this breeding season
Bird Island is alive with the sounds and spectacle of seabirds, with an estimated over 43 000 Cape Gannets currently making the island their home this breeding season. The thriving colony reinforces Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, as one of South Africa’s most important gannet breeding sites and highlights the impact of ongoing marine conservation work.
Water Week: Protecting Our Most Precious Resource
Water is fundamental to life and essential to our daily wellbeing. While this may seem widely understood, it remains important to continually remind ourselves of the value of this finite resource. Although approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, only about 2.5% of it is freshwater available to sustain ecosystems and human needs.
New SASS accreditor supports river biomonitoring in the Western Cape
CapeNature continues to strengthen its role in freshwater conservation through the expertise of its staff, with freshwater ecologist Jeanne Gouws receiving her South African Scoring System (SASS) accreditation as an accreditor. Having successfully passed every three-yearly assessment since 2007, she is now the official Western Cape SASS accreditor.