Renew Your Wellbeing - Connect With Nature for Free This Access Week at CapeNature
CapeNature celebrates its 9th annual Access Week between the 23rd and 29th of September 2023. The public are invited to access any one of 24 selected nature reserves across the Western Cape for free during this time. Visitors will be allowed day entry to enjoy walking, hiking, bird watching, swimming and mountain biking at no cost. CapeNature will also be facilitating a variety of programmes for different community groups during this period.
This year, CapeNature is focusing on the importance of making meaningful connections in nature. Although we may spend time in nature, better and deeper connections can be made through focusing on the right things and approaching time in nature differently. It is more about the quality of time spent in nature, rather than the quantity.
“We are offering a variety of community groups the opportunity to participate in facilitated programmes. Connecting with nature will be enhanced through a series of smartly structured activities. The programmes are an extension of CapeNature’s continued partnership with the Masiyembo Association who has trained CapeNature staff to facilitate their “NatureAllied” programmes”, says Dr Razeena Omar, CEO: CapeNature.
The entity will be facilitating programmes for a range of groups including schools, senior citizens, youth and non-profit community groups during the week. The hope is that a better connection to nature promotes a deeper sense of care for the natural environment, and with that, the desire to protect it. The more we connect with something, the more value it holds.
To top it off, a photo competition will be held and anyone that enters one of the selected nature reserves during Access Week, will be eligible to enter. An accommodation voucher for two people for two nights is up for grabs! Visitors must simply photograph their family or friends (with permission) connecting to nature. Pictures can be showcased on the competition post on Facebook to enter. The post should also be liked and shared.
Participating nature reserves range from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and even the Klein Karoo and include:
West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan.
Winelands: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Vrojlikheid. (Note Assegaaibosch closed)
Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay, Geelkrans.
Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Outeniqua.
Karoo: Swartberg (cottages closed, but day open), Gamkaberg, Anysberg.
The following are important to note when booking: Free access is only applicable to regular reserve hours and to entries at CapeNature reserve gates. Unfortunately, no free access will be given to those who book through the contact centre. No pre-bookings are necessary although the maximum capacity availability applies to visitor walk-ins. Free access fee will pertain to general access, in other words the conservation fee to include hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. The waiver unfortunately does not apply to the Whale Trail, select landowners, partners or concessions.
If groups are interested in facilitated access, they can contact the Learning and Awareness team at learning@capenature.co.za.
Related News
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