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.
Â
Â
Related News
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
Robberg Nature Reserve named Best Outdoor Activity in 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Robberg Nature Reserve has been named the Best Outdoor Activity in the Best of Knysna & Plett Readers’ Choice Awards 2026. The recognition follows months of nominations and voting by communities across Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Sedgefield, making the award a meaningful reflection of the place Robberg holds in the local community.
CapeNature maintains clean audit record and expands the Western Cape’s Protected Areas
CapeNature's 2025/26 Annual Report shows the Entity added more than 44 000 hectares to the Western Cape conservation estate over the year. The additions extend protection across mountain catchments that feed the province's water supply, guarding them against the invasive plant growth and wildfire risk that threaten water security. Ultimately the protected areas expansion improves our ability to conserve the rich and unique Western Cape biodiversity.
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.