Free Access to CapeNature Reserves for an Entire Week!
What better way is there to celebrate South Africa’s coinciding Tourism Month and Heritage Month than immersing yourself in nature…for free? Between 20-27 September 2022, CapeNature will open its doors for an entire week to everyone free of charge. Whether you reside in the breathtakingly lush Winelands, or near the rumbling shores of the West Coast, CapeNature has the perfect collection of nature reserves throughout the Western Cape to kick off your spring on a high note.
Tourism Month
The global tourism sector plays a large role in reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals by adding social, cultural, political, and economic value. Tourism Month is dedicated to highlighting this value and encouraging people to explore the magical miscellany the world we inhabit has to offer. Conversely, Heritage Month is an effort to celebrate South Africa’s rich cultural history and the diverse communities that built this country. By visiting a CapeNature reserve, not only are you adding value to the importance of tourism, but you get the chance to explore the rich cultural and natural history that lies in the Western Cape’s magnificent landscapes.
Rock paintings on reserve
Step back in time and visit some of the Cederberg’s remarkable examples of San and Khoi rock art. These paintings, found in rocky overhangs and caves, vary between 300 and 6 000 years old. They are an integral part of the wilderness area's value. More than 2 500 sites have been found, and many of them are easily accessible. Matjiesrivier is located in the ecotone where Fynbos and Succulent Karoo vegetation interface.
Historic whaling station
The endangered African penguin colony at Stony Point lies on the site of the old Waaygat Whaling Station, which was used to harvest and process whale meat in the early to mid-1900s. Remnants of the machinery and infrastructure for this long-defunct industry can still be found at the site. There is also a community restaurant adjacent to Stony Point, which sells refreshments and food during the day.
Participating Reserves
- West Coast
Groot Winterhoek
Cederberg (Algeria +Kliphuis)
Matjiesrivier
Rocherpan
- Winelands
Limietberg
Jonkershoek
Assegaaibosch
Hottentots Holland
Vrolijkheid
- Overberg
Kogelberg
De Mond
De Hoop
Marloth
Grootvadersbosch
Walker Bay
Stony Point
- Garden Route
Robberg
Keurbooms River
Goukamma
- Klein Karoo
Gamkaberg
Swartberg
Anysberg
Terms and Conditions for Access Week 2022
- The conservation fee will be waived for visitors to selected CapeNature reserves between 20-27 September 2022.
- No pre-bookings required. Daily reserve maximum capacity availability applies to visitor walk-ins.
- Free access fee will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking and mountain biking. The waiver will NOT apply to the Whale Trail, partners or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc.).
- Zero rated permits needs to 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.
- Access to Protected Areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be conducted during regular reserve hours and applies to entries at CapeNature reserve gates.
- Download the Cape Nature Visitor App for Android here
- Download the Cape Nature Visitor App for Apple here
Related News
CALL FOR APPLICATION FOR EXTERNAL MEMBER OF THE AUDIT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Applications are hereby invited for candidates to serve on the Audit and Finance Committee of CapeNature.
The member shall be independent from CapeNature, be contracted for a maximum period of two terms of three years each and will be remunerated for attendance at meetings.
Closing date for applications: 3 July 2026
Impact of Inclement Weather across CapeNature Reserves in May 2026
The last bout of extreme weather began in early May, when a cut-off low-pressure system hit the Garden Route. A week later, two powerful cold fronts swept through the rest of the Province, unleashing torrential rains and gale-force winds. The result has been widespread damage, with 85% of all reserves reporting at least some form of damage. The Cederberg region has emerged as the hardest hit.
Huis River aquatic invertebrate survey strengthens partnerships for freshwater ecosystem conservation
In the upper reaches of the Huis River near Barrydale, a recent aquatic macroinvertebrate survey is helping to inform conservation decisions for the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli), including the potential expansion of its range into upstream habitats in the river. The survey was conducted in partnership with
Ongoing efforts to safeguard the Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin through monitoring
The Critically Endangered Tradouw redfin (Pseudobarbus burchelli) is one of South Africa’s most range-restricted freshwater fishes. It is endemic to the Huis–Tradouw River catchment near Barrydale in the Western Cape. The species is listed as Critically Endangered due to its small and fragmented distribution, threats from invasive fish species, pollution, water abstraction, and habitat degradation.
Western Cape Government Prepares for Midweek Storm
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, today said that the Provincial Disaster Management Centre had been briefed by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) on a cut-off low-pressure system expected to affect the Central Karoo and eastern parts of the Garden Route on Wednesday and Thursday this week. According to SAWS, the cut-off low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds
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