Western Cape: CapeNature has announced the dates for the annual "CapeNature Access Week"!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the dates for the annual "CapeNature Access Week". Entrance will be waived for visitors to selected CapeNature reserves between 20 - 27 September 2022. Free access will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking and mountain biking. The waiver will not apply to the Whale Trail, partners or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc.). To ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded, zero rated permission will need to be given to everyone accessing CapeNature reserves during the "CapeNature Access Week". No pre-bookings will be required. The daily reserve maximum capacity availability will apply to visitor walk-ins. Access to protected areas during the "CapeNature Access Week" will be conducted during regular reserve hours and will apply to entries at CapeNature reserve gates.

The following nature reserves are participating in the "CapeNature Access Week 2022":

• West Coast
• Groot Winterhoek
• Cederberg (Algeria + Kliphuis)
• Matjiesrivier
• Rocherpan
• Winelands
• Limietberg
• Jonkershoek
• Assegaaibosch
• Hottentots Holland
• Vrolijkheid
• Overberg
• Kogelberg
• De Mond
• De Hoop
• Marloth
• Grootvadersbosch
• Walker Bay
• Stony Point
• Garden Route
• Robberg
• Keurbooms River
• Goukamma
• Klein Karoo
• Gamkaberg
• Swartberg
• Anysberg

Western Cape: CapeNature has announced the dates for the annual "Free Access Week"!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the dates for the annual "Free Access Week". Entrance will be waived for visitors to selected Nature Reserves from 13 September 2021 to 20 September 2021. Visitors will enjoy free day entry (excluding overnight stays) at Nature Reserves in the Western Cape ranging from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and the Klein Karoo, as part of the annual promotion.

The following CapeNature Nature Reserves are participating in the "Free Access Week" 2021:

• WEST COAST: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan.
• WINELANDS: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Assegaaibosch (picnic only).
• OVERBERG: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay.
• GARDEN ROUTE: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Geelkrans.
• KAROO: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg.

Free access will not apply when booking through CapeNature's call centre or when making an online booking. This offer excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking). Free access will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. The waiver will not apply to the Whale Trail, select landowners, partners, or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc.). Zero-rated permits will be given to everyone accessing CapeNature Nature Reserves during this time, as per the usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded.

Western Cape: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve & Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve are currently closed to the public! [update]

update (08 July 2021): All hiking at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve including picnic spots are closed and will open on 6 November 2021

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced on its website that the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve are currently closed to the public to allow recovery time after the recent devastating fires in the area. According to CapeNature, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve will be closed until further notice while Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve will be closed until the end of June 2021.
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is located about about 9km from Stellenbosch in the south-western part of the Western Cape.

Western Cape: The iconic Whale Trail has reopened after an extensive revamp!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the reopening of the Whale Trail on 28 October 2020. The famous a 5-day hiking trail in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, which was closed since 2018 due to an extensive revamp, has been upgraded and improved to enhance the visitor experience.. Visitors can look forward to the following enhancements:

• Solar powered electricity in accommodation units, which are not affected by load shedding.
• Restored and improved hiking routes with stainless steel structures and stairs for optimal weather resistance and safety.
• An outdoor braai area.
• Modern appliances for convenience such as fridges and gas hobs within all overnight huts – a first for the De Hoop Nature Reserve.
• Upgraded skylights installed for better viewing and star gazing.
• Full bathroom and shower upgrades at Vaalkrans, Hamerkop and Cupidoskraal huts.

The Whale Trail is a 5-day hiking trail that stretches over 55km from Potberg to Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The 34 000ha Nature Reserve is located just three hours from Cape Town.

Western Cape: CapeNature has announced the dates for the annual "Free Access Week"!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the dates for the annual "Free Access Week". Entrance will be waived for visitors to selected Nature Reserves from 16 September 2020 until 22 September 2020. Pre-bookings will not be required. The free access fee will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking and mountain biking. The waiver will not (!) apply to the Whale Trail or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc). Zero (R0) rated permits need to be given to everyone accessing the Nature Reserves during the "Free Access Week", as per usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded. Access to protected areas will be conducted during regular reserve hours and applies to entries at CapeNature reserve gates. 

Western Cape: CapeNature reserves now open for overnight bookings! [update]

update (17 August 2020): CapeNature's reserves in the Western Cape will be open for interprovincial travel from 18 August 2020!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the reopening of overnight stays for self-catering accommodation, camping, selected overnight hiking trails and eco-venues from today (07 August 2020). All visitors entering a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process upon arrival. This will include the mandatory completion of a four-step check-in process for the safety of all our visitors. This process will involve the compulsory sanitising of hands, wearing of masks, temperature checks and completion of a quick "Visitor Access Register". A compulsory fifth step for all overnight visitors has been added, which is the completion of a "Visitor Screening Questionnaire", for each person.

CapeNature will momentarily close some of our tourism products and conditions such as 50% occupancy for dormitory-style accommodation, will apply to certain tourism products, due to the strict social distancing protocols. In addition, picnicking and selected activities on reserves will not be permitted. We'll keep you posted!

CapeNature: All Nature Reserves in the Western Cape remain closed during alert level three!

CapeNature's 25 Nature Reserves in the Western Cape will remain closed to the public during alert level three of South Africa's risk-adjusted strategy to manage the spread of COVID-19. The public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in the Western Cape is constantly assessing the situation and is ready to welcome visitors again as soon as the conditions set out in the national lockdown regulations will allow the reopening. All Nature Reserves in the Western Cape managed by CapeNature are closed to the public since 25 March 2020.  We'll keep you posted!

Western Cape: CapeNature to re-open its Nature Reserves on 24 April 2020! [update]

update (15 April 2020): All CapeNature reserves in South Africa's Western Cape will remain closed during the (extended) lockdown period!

All 25 Nature Reserves in South Africa's Western Cape managed by CapeNature are closed to the public since 25 March 2020. They will remain closed during the country-wide lockdown (26 March 2020 - 16 April 2020) and are set to re-open on 24 April 2020. Visitors who confirmed bookings with CapeNature for the period between 25 March 2020 and 24 April 2020 will have their bookings moved to a later date of their choice, outside of the closure period, or have the option to be reimbursed. Please contact CapeNature for further informations regarding bookings or booking amendments.

Western Cape: The bird hide at Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve to close for scheduled maintenance work! [update]

update (13 March 2020): Lambert's Bay Bird Island will be closed from 18-19 March 2020

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that the bird hide on Bird Island in the Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve will be closed to the public for scheduled maintenance work from 10 February 2020 to 13 March 2020.
The Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve is located in Lambert's Bay in the Western Cape about 280 km north of Cape Town. The Nature Reserve's name-giving Bird Island, which lies about 100 m off the shore of Lambert's Bay, is the only accessible spot in the world to see Cape gannets breed.

Outeniqua Nature Reserve (Western Cape): Witfontein area is closed to the public following the recent fires!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that the Witfontein area in the Outeniqua Nature Reserve remains closed to the public following the recent fires which damaged plantations in the vicinity. Falling trees pose a threat to visitor safety at this time. The Nature Reserve is however open and alternative access points for members of the public include the pass-to-pass trail (Outeniqua pass) and Kouma trail (Robertson pass). Witfontein will remain closed until further notice.
The Outeniqua Nature Reserve is located close to the Garden Route town of George and easily accessible from Mossel Bay, Knysna and Oudtshoorn. The Nature Reserve, which is panning 38 000 hectares, encompasses the mountain ranges that fall between the coast and the semi-arid Klein Karoo. The primary attraction of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve is the opportunity to traverse the five mountain passes that fall within the reserve and explore the area's rich diversity on the walking and hiking trails.

Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve: Truitjieskraal has been closed until further notice!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that Truitjieskraal in the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve has been closed until further notice due to the access road being damaged by heavy rain and hail.
Truitjieskraal boasts some of the most impressive of sandstone formations in the Greater Cederberg region with rock art dating back to 5000 years ago. The site is located on an old route from the farms in the east to those in the Breekkrans River valley in the west. Stock farmers used it until the mid-twentieth century to move their sheep and goats from winter to summer grazing areas. Truitjieskraal is also a popular rock climbing venue with a range of grades from easy to difficult on vertical to overhanging rock.
Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve is located on the eastern edge of the Cederberg Mountains, about three to four hours from Cape Town and 35 kilometres beyond Algeria. The 12 800ha reserve lies in a transitional zone where fynbos and lowland succulent Karoo vegetation overlap.

Western Cape: Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) temporarily closed! [update]

update (12 December 2019): Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) will be closed from 03 December 2019 to 29 February 2020 as a result of damage to infrastructure during the recent fire. 

update (03 December 2019): Gamkaskloof (Die Hel) is closed until further notice as a result of a recent fire. The adjacent private landowners restaurant at Fontein Plaas is still operational and can be entered at own risk.

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that Gamkaskloof (also known as "Die Hel") in the Swartberg Nature Reserve will be closed from today (26 November 2019) to 02 December 2019 as a result of an outbreak of fire. The fire is under control but the reserve will be closed to allow for mopping up operations.
Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), a narrow valley about 32 km long with a maximum of 180 m wide, lies isolated within the Swartberg Nature Reserve in the wedge of the Gamkaskloof valley south of the Gamkapoort Dam. The Swartberg Nature Reserve stretches 121 000 hectares between the Klein Karoo and the Groot Karoo, bordering the Gamkapoort Nature Reserve to the north and the Towerkop Nature Reserve to the west. The town of Oudtshoorn is 40 km away.

Western Cape: CapeNature freezes entrance fees, accommodation and activity tariffs until August 2020!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced a tourism price freeze on entrances fees, camping, hiking and accommodation tariffs at CapeNature reserves across the province until 31 August 2020. This means that visitors get to spend their time at the reserves at 2018 rates.
CapeNature is in charge of all the reserves within South Africa's Western Cape inheriting 24 Nature Reserves stretching from the Boland region to the Garden Route region. 

Western Cape: CapeNature's "Free Access Week" is back in September 2019!

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, offers free access to all CapeNature reserves open to the public from 23 - 29 September 2019. Free day access will only apply at reserve gates and will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking, mountain biking and picnicking. The waiver will not (!) apply to the Whale Trail or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc). 

Zero (R0) rated permits need to be given to everyone accessing the reserve during this time, as per usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded. Access to protected areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be conducted during regular reserve hours and applies to entries at CapeNature reserve gates. No free access fee will apply when booking through the call centre/online bookings and excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking).

Western Cape: Anysberg Nature Reserve temporarily closed! [update]

update (28 October 2019): CapeNature's Anysberg Nature Reserve in the western Klein Karoo will remain closed until 30 April 2020. This is due to the ongoing drought in the Western Cape and the severe water shortage at Anysberg. If there is adequate rainfall before that date, there will be further communication on a possible earlier opening.

update (02 October 2019): CapeNature's Anysberg Nature Reserve in the western Klein Karoo will remain closed for the rest of the year and will only re-open on 01 January 2019. This is due to the ongoing drought in the Western Cape and the severe water shortage at Anysberg. If there is adequate rainfall before that date, there will be further communication on a possible earlier opening.

Due to the ongoing drought in the Western Cape, there is a severe water shortage at Anysberg in the western Klein Karoo. CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has closed the Anysberg Nature Reserve, including all accommodation, until 30 September 2019. If there is adequate rainfall before that date, CapeNature might consider to re-open the Nature Reserve earlier.
Anysberg Nature Reserve is located between the towns of Ladismith, Laingsburg, Touwsrivier and Montagu in the Klein Karoo. The World Heritage Site encompasses 79 629 hectares of plains and the majestic Cape Fold Mountains. Fed by three rivers, a diversity of life is supported here amid mountain fynbos and the characteristic veld of the Klein Karoo.

Western Cape: Limietberg Nature Reserve temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions!

CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, just announced that due to adverse weather expected over the next few days the Limietberg Nature Reserve, including all hiking trails, has been closed to the public from this afternoon (23 July 2019) until 24 July 2019 and will re-open on 25 July 2019.
Limietberg Nature Reserve is located in the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Paarl. The World Heritage Site stretches from Franschhoek in the south, eastwards towards Groot Drakenstein, and northwards as far as Voëlvlei Dam. Limietberg Nature Reserve is known for its beautiful hikes through steep kloofs and deep valleys.

Western Cape: Stony Point Nature Reserve is currently closed for scheduled maintenance! [update]

update (30 August 2019): According to the official Overstrand Municipality twitter account, the Stony Point Penguin Colony has re-opened after repairs to the boardwalk.

CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, just announced that the Stony Point Nature Reserve is currently closed until further notice for scheduled maintenance and repairs to the famous boardwalk. The Nature Reserve offers visitors the chance to see African Penguins up close, via the boardwalk through the colony, which allows visitors to observe these flightless birds go about their daily activities in their natural habitat, without disturbing or disrupting them.
Stony Point Nature Reserve is located in the coastal town of Betty's Bay in the Overberg about 70 - 90 minutes by car from Cape Town.

Western Cape: Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve closed until further notice! [update]

update (01 February 2019): The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve has been reopened today!

CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has informed the public that the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve has been closed until further notice due to the Groenlandberg fires. This includes overnight huts, hiking trails, ziplining and kloofing. The public is urged to steer clear of the area.



The 70 000-hectare Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve is located in the Hottentots Holland Mountains, about 90km south-east of Cape Town. It stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north and from the Stellenbosch Mountains in the west to the Groenland Mountains in the east.

Western Cape: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve & Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve closed until further notice!

CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, announced on their website that the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve have been closed again to visitors until further notice due to protests and violence in the Jonkershoek Valley area.
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is located about about 9km from Stellenbosch in the south-western part of the Western Cape. 

Western Cape: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve temporarily closed again!

CapeNature, the public institution with the statutory responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, announced on its website that the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve has been closed again to visitors until further notice. The Nature Reserve was closed to the public several times in the last couple of month due to protests and violence in the Jonkershoek Valley area.
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is located about about 9km from Stellenbosch in the south-western part of the Western Cape.