CapeNature hit by widespread flooding, power outages and infrastructure damage
CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that have affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities through electricity outages, flooding and disrupted road access across the Western Cape.
Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the Province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations in several Protected Areas. Roads, trails, visitor facilities, offices and staff accommodation have been impacted in multiple reserves.
Cederberg campsite.
The impact of the flood.
Electricity supply disruptions are among the most significant impacts, affecting both reserve operations and nearby communities. In addition, hazardous travelling conditions persist due to flooding, fallen trees, debris and damaged access routes, while coastal and marine infrastructure has also sustained damage in certain areas.
Temporary closures have been implemented at our reserves. CapeNature emphasises that closures are not only due to ongoing adverse weather, but also to allow for detailed damage assessments, infrastructure repairs and safety inspections to ensure reserves are safe and accessible before reopening. CapeNature reserves will begin reopening between 15 May and 5 June (subject to change based on ongoing assessments), while some may remain closed even after weather conditions have improved.
Visitors are strongly urged to avoid travelling to reserves while severe weather conditions persist, particularly where roads, bridges and entry routes may be unsafe or inaccessible. Once conditions improve, visitors are advised to check the CapeNature website for the most up-to-date information on whether a reserve is open before planning any visits.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said early assessments indicate significant impacts across several reserves.
The safety of our staff, visitors and surrounding communities remains our highest priority. While teams acted proactively ahead of the severe weather event, ongoing power outages and damaged access roads continue to pose major challenges in several affected areas. At this stage, the full extent and costs of the damage are still being assessed. These conditions not only affect reserve operations and visitor access but also place additional strain on neighbouring communities and ongoing recovery efforts.
CapeNature is working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, municipalities and other authorities as part of a coordinated provincial response. Teams remain on the ground to assess damage, clear routes where possible and prioritise critical repairs.
Members of the public are urged to:
- Avoid visiting CapeNature reserves until conditions have stabilised and it is confirmed safe to do so
- Strictly adhere to all reserve closures and access restrictions
- Refrain from attempting to access flooded areas, damaged roads or closed routes
- Exercise extreme caution when travelling in mountainous, coastal or low-lying areas
- Check the South African Weather Service reports daily for up-to-date conditions
- Monitor official CapeNature communication channels for updates before planning any visits
CapeNature reminds the public that conditions can change rapidly during severe weather events, and that entering closed or restricted areas places both visitors and emergency personnel at risk.
Related News
Western Cape conservation efforts highlighted on World Biodiversity Day
Every year on 22 May, International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is commemorated, and is meant to increase awareness about the many wonders of biodiversity, the numerous threats to it, and more importantly, what we can do to reduce or eliminate these threats. It marks 34 years since the Convention on Biological Diversity (CDB) came into force and reinforces the pledge
The Big Biodiversity Challenge Returns to Inspire Young Eco-Champions
The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, Western Cape Government, SANBI, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), Nature Connect, SANParks, Working on Fire, the City of Cape Town and the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, announces the return of its flagship biodiversity competition for learners in grades 6 – 9.
CapeNature urges public not to unnecessarily remove chameleons following Garden Route storms
Members of the public are urged to assist wildlife responsibly following recent severe weather events in the Garden Route, and to avoid the unnecessary removal of chameleons from their natural habitat. Following severe storms experienced in the region over the last two weeks, many trees have lost branches or fallen entirely. As a result, some small animals have been displaced from their natural habitat.
Western Cape fire season shows record early intensity and significant increase in fire activity
The 2025–2026 summer fire season began with exceptional intensity for CapeNature – official statistics showed a sharp rise in fire ignitions, high temperatures, and a large expanse of burnt areas across the Western Cape. Historically, the fire season is considered to run from 1 October to 31 March. However, activity began as early as September 2025, well before the traditional high-risk period from November onwards.
Wildfires intensify as climate shifts, CapeNature warns in emergency podcast series
CapeNature has released a special series of its acclaimed Green Noise podcast, offering an urgent and deeply human perspective on South Africa’s recent wildfire season. The series has a particular focus on the devastating fires in the Cederberg Wilderness and changing weather patterns. The fire in the Cederberg Wilderness, which ignited on 22 December 2025 along Uitkyk Pass