South Africa: CapeNature announces phased reopening of reserves in the Western Cape!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape from 12 June 2020 following the easing of the national lockdown regulations in South Africa to alert level three to allow hiking and fishing activity. Visitor limits may apply at selected reserves. Once capacity is reached no more hiking permits may be issued for that trail on that day.

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All visitors entering at a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process and various guidelines will apply, including the mandatory completion of a 4-step check-in process. Visitors will need to comply with the following prior to being allowed entry:

1. Wearing of face masks.
2. Disinfection of hands with sanitiser provided.
3. Scanning of body temperature. This will be unobtrusive with high regard for personal space and comfort.
4. Recording of visitor information as part of the Visitor Access Registration.
   

For those reserves where there is no controlled entrance gate access, hikers will need to ensure that social distancing and health protocols are followed. No organised groups will be allowed access to the trails, visitors are encouraged to hike in pairs.

Picnicking, overnight hiking, camping or overnight stays will be allowed in any of the CapeNature reserves in the Western Cape. All fishing, including recreational fishing, will be permitted with the exception of charter fishing. Anglers and hikers must ensure that they have a valid permit and any member of the public found without a hiking or fishing permit, will be issued with a fine.

• To book your hiking permit, call 087 087 8250
• To book your fishing permit, read more here or call 087 087 926
  

Permits will not be sold at the CapeNature entrance gates. The entity will continue to only sell permits online and via the CapeNature contact centre, under alert level three conditions. Wild Card members will need to register for a permit online but will pay no additional fees. Bookings for the educational eco-venues and overnight accommodation bookings are still closed but the CapeNature online booking portal is open for future bookings.