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
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.
CapeNature hit by widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage
CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that have affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities through electricity outages, flooding and disrupted road access across the Western Cape. Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the Province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations.
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
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