Travellers and nature lovers visiting Cape Town over the long weekend have the perfect reason to explore the city’s wild side. The City of Cape Town has officially launched the annual City Nature Challenge 2026, taking place from Friday, 24 April to Monday, 27 April 2026.
This global biodiversity event invites residents and visitors alike to photograph local wildlife and upload their sightings using the iNaturalist app. From birds and reptiles to fynbos, insects, shells, feathers and marine life, every observation helps Cape Town compete with cities around the world to record the highest number of species and wildlife sightings.
Free entry to all City of Cape Town nature reserves
To encourage participation, the City of Cape Town is offering free access to all nature reserves managed by the City throughout the City Nature Challenge 2026 period from 24 to 27 April 2026.
This makes it an excellent opportunity for travellers looking for affordable outdoor activities while discovering the natural beauty and biodiversity of Cape Town.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, encouraged everyone to take part:
“All you have to do is download the free iNaturalist app and start uploading all the plant, animal or insect findings you come across. Even remnants such as mussel shells or feathers can be recorded as signs of life.”
Whether you explore a major conservation area, your local park, or even your own garden, every wildlife sighting counts.
Free access applies to:
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
- Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve
- Botterblom Nature Reserve
- Bracken Nature Reserve
- Durbanville Nature Reserve
- Edith Stephens Nature Reserve
- False Bay Nature Reserve
- Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
- Helderberg Nature Reserve
- Steenbras Nature Reserve
- Table Bay Nature Reserve
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
- Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve
- Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
- Wolfgat Nature Reserve
- Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
Many of these protected areas also offer guided tours for groups, giving visitors the chance to spot unique wildlife while learning more about Cape Town's rich biodiversity.
A perfect long weekend activity for travellers
For visitors planning a weekend in Cape Town, the City Nature Challenge 2026 adds a unique eco-tourism experience beyond the usual beaches and sightseeing. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and offers a chance to engage directly with the city’s world-famous biodiversity.
Cape Town remains one of the world’s most biodiverse urban destinations, and the City Nature Challenge 2026 is one of the best ways to experience it firsthand.
If you’re visiting this April long weekend, pack your walking shoes, charge your phone, and get ready to explore Cape Town's natural treasures—one wildlife sighting at a time.
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