CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves
Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety.
Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.
The following reserves will adopt the cashless system in this phase:
- Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, near Stellenbosch
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (gate managed by MTO), near Stellenbosch
- Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, near Swellendam
- Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Kleinmond
- Geelkrans Nature Reserve, Stilbaai
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Mobile payments (Scan to pay)
- Pre-bookings via www.capenature.co.za
- Telephonic bookings through the CapeNature Contact Centre (087 087 8250)
The positive response from visitors and staff at our first five reserves has confirmed that going cashless is the right move for CapeNature. It has made for a more secure, efficient experience at the gate, and we are pleased to extend these benefits to visitors at more of our reserves. We thank our visitors for their continued patience and understanding as we roll this out further.
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their permits online to avoid any disappointment at the gate, reserve hiking trails have limited permits available each day. For those arriving without a booking, speed point devices and QR code mobile-friendly payment options will be available on site.
Two further phases of implementation are planned:
The cashless system will be rolled out to Hottentots Holland, Limietberg, Marloth, Cederberg Wilderness (Algeria and Kliphuis), Rocherpan, Groot Winterhoek and De Mond nature reserves. A final phase will follow in 2027, extending the system to Vrolijkheid, De Hoop, Gamkaberg, Goukamma and Outeniqua nature reserves.
For more information, visit www.capenature.co.za. Book online at www.booking.capenature.co.za or contact the CapeNature Contact Centre at customercare@capenature.co.za or 087 087 8250.
ABOUT CapeNature
CapeNature is a public institution mandated to promote and ensure biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape and is the custodian of the Cape Floristic Region. The Entity manages most of the mountain catchments and reserves that supply ecosystem services to the citizens of the Western Cape. This requires good scientific data, a sound understanding of fynbos ecology and commitment to the principles of integrated biodiversity management and planning. Most of this work is in remote areas out of the public eye but has a direct bearing on the quality of life of millions of people in the province.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
CapeNature
General Manager: Advocacy
Petro van Rhyn
pvrhyn@capenature.co.za
071 231 7576
Related News
Relax and explore another day on us this Black Friday
Make the most of the season with our Black Friday 3-for-2 accommodation promotion at select nature reserves. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, unwind, and enjoy everything our unique accommodation and on-site amenities have to offer - ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. Spend your evening beneath starry skies in the Cape Karoo, soak up the warm weather and mountain pools of the Overberg, or take a scenic drive along the West Coast, where blue skies, vibrant landscapes, nearby beaches, or a private pool awaits.
Green Noise named SA Podcast Awards finalist
Green Noise, CapeNature's podcast, has been named a finalist in the Best Education category at the 2026 South African Podcast Awards. The podcast is one of five finalists in the category, competing alongside Pippa Hudson's Curriculum Bootcamp and Dr Carra's The Paws & Effect Podcast, among others. Finalists are scored across six criteria: concept and originality, content quality, host performance, structure and pacing, audience connection and production quality. Each entry is scored blind by an independent panel of judges.
CapeNature to phase out trade in California kingsnakes
CapeNature is phasing out trade in California kingsnakes (Lampropeltis californiae) in the Western Cape over a two-year transition period that began on 1 April 2026, after a risk assessment classified the species as high risk for invasion. Animals already lawfully held may remain in captivity for the remainder of their natural lives. The assessment, which used the Bomford (2008) rapid risk assessment model, identified the potential for ecological disruption and competition with indigenous species should
HeliHack volunteers clear 5 334 invasive pines from Boosmansbos
Twenty-three volunteers were flown by helicopter into the remote upper slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area from 23–25 October 2026, where they cut down 5 334 invasive alien pine trees across 904 hectares. The operation, led by the HeliHack Initiative in partnership with CapeNature, comes as the region is still recovering from the wildfires of 2025. With the South African Weather Service forecasting a strong El Niño and warmer, drier conditions through the 2026/27 summer, the fire risk in the months
CapeNature welcomes conviction of Cape Town woman in case involving 145 reptiles
CapeNature welcomes the successful conviction of Mrs Jacqueline Hewett of Woodstock, Cape Town, on all six charges relating to the unlawful acquisition, possession and keeping in captivity of 145 reptiles. The offences involved snakes, geckos and lizards, including protected, endangered, alien invasive and prohibited species, kept at a shop in Lower Main Road, Observatory and her residence in Woodstock in March 2023.
Renew your Wild Card before 1 Nov 2026 to keep your year of adventure going
What if you could lock in another 365 days of wild adventures before prices go up? With a CapeNature Wild Card, you enjoy unlimited access to participating CapeNature reserves across the Western Cape for a full year, without paying daily access fees. If your Wild Card is due for renewal, now is the time to act. Renew before the upcoming price increase takes effect and keep your nature adventures going at the current price.