Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone
A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.
Whether it’s a morning hike, a family picnic, birdwatching, a swim or simply some time outdoors, Access Week is an invitation to experience the Western Cape’s diverse landscapes and reconnect with nature.
For the past 12 years, Access Week has helped open doors to people who may not otherwise get the chance visit a nature reserve. For many participants, the initiative has been their first experience of a CapeNature reserve, while for communities living near reserves, it provides an added opportunity to explore and connect with the natural spaces on their doorstep.
Access Week is about far more than free entry. It creates opportunities for people to feel that they belong in nature and that they are welcome in these spaces. When people experience nature in meaningful ways, they can leave feeling grounded, inspired and more connected to themselves and the world around them. That is at the heart of this year’s theme.
As part of its commitment to inclusion and transformation, CapeNature will also facilitate sponsored nature experiences for community groups during Access Week. The guided experiences are designed to introduce participants to their local natural environment while encouraging learning, reflection and a deeper connection with nature.
The following CapeNature reserves will participate in Access Week:
- West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Rocherpan
- Central: Kogelberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Limietberg, Stony Point
- South: Walker Bay, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Geelkrans, Vrolijkheid
- Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Outeniqua
- Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg
Important visitor information:
- Free day entry is available only to walk-in visitors during normal reserve operating hours.
- Visitors who make a booking through the CapeNature Contact Centre or online booking platform will be charged the applicable entry fee.
- No pre-booking is required for free Access Week entry, but entry remains subject to the maximum visitor capacity of each reserve.
- The fee waiver applies to general conservation entry fees for permitted day activities, including hiking and mountain biking.
- Free entry does not apply to the Whale Trail, select landowners, partners, concessions or commercial activities.
- Some areas within participating reserves may be temporarily closed. Visitors are encouraged to check operating hours and availability before travelling.
For more information about Access Week 2026, participating reserves and visitor guidelines, visit www.capenature.co.za.
Community groups interested in participating in a facilitated nature experience can contact the Learning & Awareness Team at learning@capenature.co.za.
Whether it’s a morning hike, a family picnic, a day on the trails or simply some time outdoors, Access Week is an invitation to get out, explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the Western Cape and experience why Nature is for Everyone.
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
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