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
World Seabird Day calls attention to public role in responding to ongoing avian influenza threat affecting birds
As the world marks World Seabird Day today, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, continues to affect birds across South Africa, including seabirds along the Western Cape coastline. HPAI is a serious disease affecting birds and can result in significant mortality, particularly among wild bird populations. Members of the public are
CapeNature’s marine conservation work showcased in new kykNET adventure series ‘Hey Skipper’
The beauty, biodiversity and conservation value of the Western Cape’s coastline will be shown to audiences across South Africa when CapeNature features in the new primetime Afrikaans series, Hey Skipper, premiering on DStv Channel 144 kykNET on Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 18:00. Produced and presented by adventurer, filmmaker and outdoor enthusiast Dewald Visser, Hey Skipper takes viewers on a journey across some of the world’s most
The perfect time for a family escape into nature
Winter in the Western Cape is often misunderstood. While many people think of it as a season best spent indoors, it is actually one of the most rewarding times to slow down, reconnect, and take a short break close to home. For domestic travellers, especially families planning around the school holidays, winter offers the ideal opportunity to step away from routine without the stress of long travel or high-season crowds. It is a chance to rediscover what is right on your doorstep.
Newly discovered species named after CapeNature Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan
A newly described Paradiplozoon species has been named after CapeNature Fauna Ecologist, Dr Martine Jordaan, in recognition of her knowledge and passion for the aquatic life of the Cape Fold Ecoregion, continuous enthusiasm to study the region's fishes and understanding their parasitofauna. The newly identified species – Paradiplozoon jordaanae – is named after Dr Jordaan.
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.