CapeNature offers FREE entry to 22 Nature Reserves
CapeNature offers FREE entry to 22 nature reserves during 7th annual Access Week
September marks Tourism Month and CapeNature invites you to join in the celebrations. The entity will provide free access to the public during its 7th annual Access Week, from 13 - 20 September 2021. In celebration of Heritage Day and Tourism Month, CapeNature offers the public an opportunity to explore their natural heritage at selected reserve destinations. This wonderful once-in-a-year opportunity gives visitors a chance to participate in a number of activities ranging from experiencing historical cultural sites, hiking, picnicking to mountain biking and birdwatching.
Visitors to CapeNature will enjoy free day entry (excluding overnight stays) at reserves ranging from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and the Klein Karoo, as part of the annual promotion.
PARTICIPATING NATURE RESERVES
WEST COAST: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan.
WINELANDS: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Assegaaibosch (picnic only).
OVERBERG: Kogelberg, Stony Point, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay.
GARDEN ROUTE: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Geelkrans.
KAROO: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg.
CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar added: “I encourage all South Africans to spend a day in nature and explore their natural heritage, free of charge! As part of Tourism Month and Heritage Day celebrations, Access Week provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy our natural spaces and our unique natural heritage. All health and safety protocols will be in place, including the mandatory wearing of masks.”
The following terms and conditions apply:
- The conservation fee will be waived for visitors to any CapeNature reserve that is open to the public between 13 and 20 September 2021.
- Free access will not apply when booking through the call centre or when making an online booking. This offer excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking).
- Free access 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, select landowners, 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 the usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded.
Fall in love with nature and your natural heritage this Tourism Month! Visit www.capenature.co.za to learn more and remember to tag us on social media during your visit using the hashtags #LoveNature #AccessWeek and #TourismMonth.
To view a full list of participating #AccessWeek CapeNature reserves, click here.
Related News
Exploring the hidden world of fynbos frogs
A recent grant from the Herpetological Association of Africa enabled the investigation of the taxonomically confusing species of Ghost Frogs. Ghost Frogs (Family Heleophrynidae) are an endemic family of frogs that diverged from all other frogs 100 million years ago. These specialised frogs typically inhabit fast-flowing headwater habitats.
Where water flows, equality grows on World Water Day 2026
In recent months, communities across the Western Cape have been confronted with increasing water shortages and climate related disruptions. Communities reliant on smaller reservoirs and surface water systems, demonstrate the region’s vulnerability to low rainfall, the impact of alien invasive trees in removing water from natural systems, ageing water infrastructure and rising consumption.
Environmental education gets a boost through CapeNature’s museum training
CapeNature has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS): Museum Services to expand environmental education across the Western Cape. During February 2026, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on water conservation
Western Cape marks World Wildlife Day as CapeNature highlights climate resilience and sustainable living
The Western Cape is marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, a day proclaimed by the United Nations, by reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development, with CapeNature playing a central role in conserving the province’s natural heritage.
CapeNature Cubs Club Connect 2026 makes a splash with water-themed family fun
Scores of children and their families flocked to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve over the weekend to take part in a day of learning, laughter and connection in nature as part of CapeNature’s Cubs Club programme. Around 70 children and their families took part in the Cubs Club Connect 2026 event to celebrate this year’s theme, Water.
JOINT STATEMENT: Final Action Plan for baboons includes a sanctuary, fencing, and more
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the judgment from the Western Cape High Court which allows the three authorities to continue with the implementation of the Action Plan for the management of the Chacma baboon population.