CapeNature goes cashless at select nature reserves
In line with its commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and safety, CapeNature is excited to announce the transition to a fully cashless payment system at five of its flagship nature reserves from 2 February 2026.
The move will streamline operations, reduce queue times, and enhance the visitor experience while reducing the risks associated with cash handling.
The following reserves will adopt the cashless system:
- Robberg Nature Reserve (Plettenberg Bay)
- Keurbooms Nature Reserve (Plettenberg Bay)
- Stony Point Nature Reserve (Betty’s Bay)
- Bird Island Nature Reserve (Lambert’s Bay)
- Walker Bay Nature Reserve (Hermanus)
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Mobile payments (Scan to Pay)
- Pre-bookings via www.capenature.co.za
- Telephonic bookings through the CapeNature Contact Centre (087 087 8250)
Going cashless enables us to offer a more secure and efficient experience for our visitors. We’ve taken great care to prepare our teams and ensure our visitors have multiple payment options available for their convenience. As with any change we understand and expect that there may be some implementation issues during the transition, our visitors are always welcome, and we ask that if required that you offer our transition a little patience and understanding.
Visitors are encouraged to pre-book their permits online to avoid any disappointment at the gate. For those arriving without a booking, speed point devices and QR code mobile-friendly payment options will be available on site.
For more information, visit www.capenature.co.za or contact customercare@capenature.co.za | 087 087 8250.
Related News
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.
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.