Image related to website content

Free Access to CapeNature Reserves for an Entire Week!

3 Sep 2022

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.

Image related to website content

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.

Image related to website content

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.


Image related to website content

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.


Image related to website content

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
Share:

Related News

Vrolijikheid Nature Reserve
2 Oct 2025
The Vrolijkheid Nursery Project is Growing Conservation Through Community

The nursery project at Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve has officially entered its early stages of becoming operational, marking an exciting step towards a collaborative conservation and community initiative. 

EPWP worker at Cape Nature
1 Oct 2025
Empowering Communities: How EPWP Transforms Lives Through Skills Development

A well-earned promotion to the permanent position of Maintenance Assistant at Goukamma Nature Reserve was granted to Mr. Graeme Highburg, an EPWP employee at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lamberts Bay
26 Sep 2025
Bird Island gets a fresh look with enhanced interpretive signage

Bird Island Nature Reserve has undergone a transformation just in time for World Tourism Day, with the unveiling of brand-new interpretive signage designed to elevate the visitor experience and public understanding of the Island’s unique biodiversity.

Southern Right Whale mother and calf
25 Sep 2025 by The University of Pretoria | Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit
2025 Annual Southern Right Whale Aerial Survey

On the 29th of September 2025, the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit of the University of Pretoria will be commencing its 56th annual aerial survey of southern right whales to monitor the health of the population.

Dont Be Trashy campaign fights waste on land and sea in Western Cape Blog Image
4 Sep 2025
Don’t Be Trashy campaign fights waste on land and sea in Western Cape

CapeNature, in partnership with Soapbox and the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP), is working on the “Don’t Be Trashy” Drive to address the growing threat of waste to ecosystems across the province.

CN Access Week Mobile Blog Post
1 Sep 2025
Celebrate the 11th annual Access Week and grab your chance to experience nature for free!

Rediscover the beauty of the Western Cape’s protected areas during the 11th annual Access Week, taking place from 20 to 26 September 2025. CapeNature is celebrating over a decade of breaking down barriers to the Western Cape’s natural spaces, with free day visitor entry to selected reserves across the province.