One can only marvel at the art of botanical drawings. In Figure 1, a coloured engraving of flowering and fruiting stems of Aponogeton distachyos, by F. Sansom, after S. Edwards (Wellcome Collection) can be seen. This very old drawing, done around 1810, beautifully depicts the different parts of this specific plant, best known in the Afrikaans vernacular as waterblommetjies.

Since the launch of CapeNature’s club for children a year ago, its members have been very busy doing their part to save our environment. On the weekend of 13 May, the entity rewarded its top members with an overnight camp at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

CapeNature is pleased to announce the reopening of its Scolopia self-catering unit at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve after undergoing major renovations. Scolopia now offers an enhanced experience in nature, with modern amenities and comfortable living spaces, making it an ideal base for exploring the reserve and enjoying the beauty of the Western Cape.

Known for its fine wine and top-class experiences enjoyed by locals and international visitors, the Cape Winelands prides itself on awe-inspiring views, award-winning wineries, historic buildings and masterpieces, and key attractions, activities and accommodation that brings family and friends together, creating wholesome and memorable moments that last forever.

Rocherpan Nature Reserve enchanted us with its stark beauty over the Easter holidays.We stayed in the new Kingfisher cottage that, like all the other cottages, blends well with the environment, while boasting all the luxuries you’d need to have a comfortable yet eco-friendly stay.

On the 22 May annually, we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity to raise awareness about biodiversity and the issues surrounding it. The day aims to highlight effective strategies that can help protect biodiversity.

CapeNature is thrilled to announce that its Robberg Hiking Trail, located in Plettenberg Bay, has been recognized as one of the top 35 hikes in the world.

The Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB), originally from Asia, has been causing devastation among trees, indigenous and primarily non-indigenous around the world.

First discovered in South Africa in 2017, the beetle has spread rapidly and is now well-established as a threat to agriculture and biodiversity.

CapeNature has been making waves in the tourism industry with its impressive revenue growth. In recent years, CapeNature has seen a steady increase in tourism revenue, with a 20% year-on-year spike. The past financial year has continued to build on this success, with the entity reaching new heights and achieving an impressive growth in tourism revenue.

In this series on biodiversity crime, we take a closer look at our indigenous fauna. Much of the illegal harvesting and trade of indigenous reptiles is driven by the demand for exotic pets, both locally and internationally. These animals are often captured in the wild, causing damage to the targeted animals as well as their natural habitats and ecosystems.

Get 40% off your next trip!Pack your cosy clothes and get ready for a fun-filled winter getaway at CapeNature’s most loved reserves.

The successful implementation of the Phakisa Operations: Ocean Economy workstreams, particularly the Marine Transport and Manufacturing and Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration work streams are bound to result in accidental pollution events, despite the best practice being used to manage and prevent these unfortunate events.