Must Visit Reserves for Senior Citizens to Enjoy Easy-going Activities
Free your mind from the city life blues by relishing in the crispy fresh air of what famous poet Stephen Watson describes as, “A mountainscape both dry and shining, desolate yet so rich.” Explore the mesmerising Cederberg Mountain landscape by taking a leisurely hike or lying back in style on an old-school donkey cart. The Cederberg Wilderness Area is one of the most undisturbed and secluded places in South Africa and is world famous for its wild and rugged landscapes, rock formations, and extraordinary examples of ancient San rock art.
After a magical day of exploring the bewitching Grootvadersbosch forest, rest your tired feet in utmost comfort and luxury at the reserve’s glamping sites. To make things even easier, glamping sites are situated only a few meters away from the forest. This part of the Garden Route boasts some of the widest and rarest varieties of fauna and flora for you to discover. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, the reserve offers spectacular day walks, mountain biking trails, and the Boosmansbos Wilderness where you can fully immerse yourself in the wilderness.
If you’re near the West Coast, check in at the breath-taking Rocherpan Nature Reserve where you will be able to count up to 183 different bird species without stepping off your cabin’s deck. The reserve and its surrounding towns also provide a host of fun and easy activities such as putt-putting, swimming, angling, and light to medium mountain biking trails. When it’s all said and done, Rocherpan also has two picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. You can either picnic at the new braai area behind the bird hides or at the lookout point near the beach.
Gamkaberg is one for the old bucket list if you are a fan of natural and cultural history. Situated in the heart of the Cape Karoo, the reserve contains a deeply rich yet sad history of the extinct Cape lion, only to be redeemed by the rehabilitation of the Cape Mountain Zebra. Gamkaberg also prides itself on its unique set of 4x4 trails, perfect for senior citizens who want to experience all the reserve has to offer while conserving energy. Other activities on the reserve include hiking and walking, swimming, wildlife watching, picnicking, and rock climbing for mature daredevils.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve is currently our top-performing location as of its recent installation of the Mbali eco-cabins, each fitted with glass-fronted views that afford occupants breathtaking scenery of the Palmiet River valley. Throughout the years, the reserve’s Oudebosch cabins have also proved to be a favourite for senior citizens for their luxurious design layout and the wheelchair access provided by 2 of them. Each cabin is also fitted with a geyser for you to ease any aches and pains under hot water after a long day of exploring. Activities include birdwatching, walking and hiking, mountain biking, and swimming.
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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