Conservation Review 2023

After a significant wildfire spread throughout the Cederberg Wilderness Area during the festive period, recovery and reopening efforts are now underway as CapeNature looks forward to welcoming visitors again. CapeNature has begun a comprehensive recovery programme, which will continue over the next six to twelve months.

Did you know that some of your most-loved CapeNature reserves have Curio Shops right on site? That’s right - making it easier than ever to take a piece of your journey home with you. From customised souvenirs to practical summer essentials, these shops are filled with locally made treasures crafted by small businesses, including beautiful handmade items.

The wildfire in the Cederberg, which started on 22 December, continues to be actively managed by firefighting agencies. The affected area is now measured at just over 34 000 hectares. While large sections of the fire are contained, the fire is not yet fully contained, and multiple active fire lines remain, particularly in mountainous and inaccessible terrain.

This summer season, trade traffic for mountainous views, beautiful nature backdrops, and the sweet sound of animals in their natural habitat. Let the birds welcome you with their chirpy songs and allow the serenity of waterfalls to be your white noise when you need a moment to unwind and relax.

CapeNature will introduce a conservation permit fee at Outeniqua World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve from 15 December 2025, as previously announced. All revenue generated through the fee will contribute to maintaining and conserving the reserve, ensuring it remains safe, clean, and enjoyable for all visitors.

Green Noise, the acclaimed podcast series from CapeNature, is returning for its third season, promising its most immersive and thought-provoking episodes yet. Breaking away from the studio, CapeNature levelled up and recorded the entire season live and on location, atop the mountainous terrain of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.