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
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.