CapeNature engages George community on Outeniqua Nature Reserve fees
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.
The new permit fee will remain R55 per adult and R35 per child aged 4 to 17, with children under 4 and holders of valid Wild Cards receiving free access. Visitors can purchase permits online at booking.capenature.co.za (under the Garden Route region) or at the main gate upon arrival from 15 December.
While the conservation fee will take effect on 15 December, CapeNature is looking at practical long-term solutions to ensure regular users feel supported and benefit directly from the conservation fee. The Entity is actively engaging with the George trail running and hiking community, including groups such as George Trails.
Proposed solutions will be communicated to the wider public once discussed and formalised by the Entity.
Outeniqua World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve features a picnic site accommodating 20 visitors with benches and grass space for blankets, located near the reserve office, with another site under development. All trails, except the Kouma Trail, are situated on the Witfontein section, while the Kouma Trail starts on the Mossel Bay, Ruiterbos side.
The reserve is open daily from 07:30 to 16:00, with earlier summer access from 06:00 for hikers wishing to complete longer trails before gate opening times. Security staff can check online-issued permits during early starts.
For assistance, contact 087 087 8250 (Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00; Saturdays 08:00–12:00) or email reservation.alert@capenature.co.za.
Related News
Environmental education gets a boost through CapeNature’s museum training
CapeNature has partnered with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS): Museum Services to expand environmental education across the Western Cape. During February 2026, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on water conservation
Western Cape marks World Wildlife Day as CapeNature highlights climate resilience and sustainable living
The Western Cape is marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, a day proclaimed by the United Nations, by reaffirming its commitment to biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable development, with CapeNature playing a central role in conserving the province’s natural heritage.
CapeNature Cubs Club Connect 2026 makes a splash with water-themed family fun
Scores of children and their families flocked to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve over the weekend to take part in a day of learning, laughter and connection in nature as part of CapeNature’s Cubs Club programme. Around 70 children and their families took part in the Cubs Club Connect 2026 event to celebrate this year’s theme, Water.
JOINT STATEMENT: Final Action Plan for baboons includes a sanctuary, fencing, and more
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, welcomes the judgment from the Western Cape High Court which allows the three authorities to continue with the implementation of the Action Plan for the management of the Chacma baboon population.
Reforest Fest returns to tackle climate action in the Western Cape
As the Western Cape recovers from one of its worst fire seasons on record, with over 132,000 hectares burned across the region in January alone, Greenpopʼs Reforest Fest returns this Easter weekend with a sense of renewed urgency. The four-day restoration festival at Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat aims to plant 5,000 indigenous trees in degraded forest patches as part of Greenpopʼs ongoing work in the region.
CapeNature rangers praised for heroic rescue of stranded UK tourist
A visit to the iconic Robberg Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area — one of the Garden Route’s most celebrated gems — turned into a life-threatening ordeal for a London tourist, and a powerful reminder of humanity of CapeNature’s field rangers. For Ms Rosalind Innes, Robberg had been a long-awaited addition to her South African travel itinerary.