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
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability
CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.
The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity
CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.
Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.
The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025
CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.
CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.
“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.
Climbing in Rocklands this Season? Here’s What You Need to Know After the Cederberg Fire
The Cederberg, a protected wilderness area managed by CapeNature and home to some of the most iconic climbing and bouldering routes in South Africa, was recently impacted by a wildfire that began on 7 March 2025. The fire ignited near Krakadouw Peak and burned for 13 days, before being fully contained on 20 March. In total, it scorched 20,834 hectares, spanning 97 kilometers of fire line, and included damage to the Rocklands “Bouldering Area” — a popular climbing zone. As a result of the fire, several popular climbing sectors and access routes have been damaged or are temporarily inaccessible.
The Big Biodiversity Challenge is back – Learners Tackle Biodiversity Crisis in Provincial Competition
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town, The Environmental Education Association of Southern Africa (EEASA) and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce the return of its successful competition for children in grades 6 – 9.
How can I assist you today?
How can I assist you today?