Western Cape adds over 81 902 hectares of new nature reserves in the past year
The Western Cape has added over 25 new nature reserves to its Protected Area network, securing more than 81 902 hectares of ecologically significant land for long-term conservation. Declared between April 2025 and March 2026, these new reserves strengthen the province’s efforts to protect important landscapes, species, and vegetation types.
The reserves span diverse regions, including the Cederberg, Agulhas Plain, Little Karoo, and Garden Route, and range from small properties to expansive mountain and lowland areas. Through CapeNature’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, landowners can voluntarily commit to having their land formally declared as a Protected Area and nature reserve.
Each declaration contributes to the province’s long-term environmental commitments and supports efforts aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework 30x30 goals – an initiative aimed at formally protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.
The Cape Floristic Region is one of 36 recognised global biodiversity hotspots. These hotspots are regions that have high levels of biodiversity, but that are also the most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth. Healthy and resilient ecosystems are essential to sustain livelihoods and economic growth and must be actively protected, managed, and restored. Our ability to declare these additional reserves is made possible through partner organisations and landowners, working with CapeNature.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said the declarations are made possible thanks to landowners who work alongside conservation agencies and the Western Cape Government.
Their commitment ensures that important natural areas receive formal protection, and together we are taking steps toward securing a healthier, more resilient environment for decades to come.
Most of these reserves are privately owned, while Anysberg Nature Reserve and Knersvlakte Nature Reserve are managed by CapeNature and have been expanded. Public access will be determined in line with land-use and conservation requirements. For information on visiting privately managed reserves, the public is advised to contact the respective reserve directly.
If you are a landowner interested in making a difference for conservation in the Western Cape, reach out to CapeNature’s Stewardship Team at wcpaes2025@capenature.co.za to begin the process of formally protecting your property today.
Summary of newly declared Nature Reserves
| Nature Reserve | Hectares |
|---|---|
| Anysberg Nature Reserve (expansion) | 6 918.3081 ha |
| Bloutoring Nature Reserve | 4 610.8996 ha |
| Buffalo Valley Nature Reserve | 318.3445 ha |
| Cedar Rock Nature Reserve | 9 872.7000 ha |
| Cederberg Oasis Nature Reserve | 226.664 ha |
| Diosma Nature Reserve | 10.7664 ha |
| Doringkloof Karoo Plaas Nature Reserve | 209.2027 ha |
| Franco Three Fountains | 21.4250 ha |
| Fynbosstrand Nature Reserve | 425.6964 ha |
| Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve | 3 658.0296 ha |
| Haarwegskloof | 547.7954 ha |
| Kleiheuwel Nature Reserve | 2 724.5000 ha |
| Knersvlakte Nature Reserve (expansion) | 34 084.3925 ha |
| Koopmanskloof Nature Reserve | 65.5074 ha |
| Lettas Kraal Nature Reserve | 6 922.6114 ha |
| Machaseh Nature Reserve | 844.8371 ha |
| Mount David Nature Reserve | 713.0000 ha |
| Pietersrivier Nature Reserve | 1 151.2790 ha |
| Puntjie Nature Reserve | 102.1145 ha |
| Silflay Renosterveld Nature Reserve | 1 280.6129 ha |
| Voorstekop Nature Reserve | 347.9000 ha |
| Waterkloof Nature Reserve | 2 062.9245 ha |
| Wilderness | 643.6419 ha |
| Zebraskop Nature Reserve | 3 952.2036 ha |
| Bojaansklip Nature Reserve | 186.7173 ha |
| TOTAL AREA | 81 902.0738 hectares |
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