Dive into West Coast Wonder
If you love being in the wild or are a water baby, this region is for you. The West Coast is truly a remarkable destination that offers a unique and diverse natural environment.
CapeNature's Bird Island reserve is a gem within this region, providing visitors with a close up view of the Cape Gannet in its natural habitat. The reserve not only offers breath-taking views but also provides educational opportunities through its museum and informative movie room.
Just as you lose yourself in nature while taking all this in, the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness and Cederberg Wilderness nature reserves will offer you a diverse range of experiences that will leave you in awe of the West Coast's natural and cultural wonders. This region is rich in historic artwork and crafty rock formations which take one back eons. Offering a host of activities such as hiking trails, mountain-biking, donkey cart adventures, bouldering at Rocklands, long and short walks and picnic spots one is spoilt for choice!
That is not all, Rocherpan with its eco-friendly cabins, designed with sustainability in mind, uninterrupted from load shedding, provides a comfortable and modern space to relax and immerse oneself in the beauty of the surrounding environment. The reserve's commitment to being one with nature is evident in its rustic cabins, which blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Exploring the sandy walking paths within Rocherpan leads you to a private and secluded beach. This allows visitors to enjoy the coastal beauty and take in the calming rhythm of the ocean waves. The landscapes, with their open blue skies and natural elements, provide a source of inspiration and invite reflection and positive thinking.
Plan that summer vacation with CapeNature in mind and you will not be disappointed. Book now and relax at your home away from home.
Find out more about our offerings and nature reserves to visit when in the West Coast.
Related News
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.
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