Following the escape of an unknown number of subadult Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from a breeding facility outside of Bonnievale on Wednesday morning, CapeNature can report that in addition to the 27 already recaptured, a further seven crocodiles had to be euthanized last night and six more were spotted, but could not be recaptured as […]

By Lusanda Gqaza and Yanga Mbatana (Environmental Education Officers, De Hoop Nature Reserve) On 20 December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), proclaimed 03 March (the day of adopting the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, in 1973), as World Wildlife Day. This is a day that […]

World Wildlife Day is celebrated on 3 March every year as an opportunity to highlight the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people. The Western Cape is a very special place with an abundance of unique and irreplaceable […]

On the weekend of 19-21 five 2020 Matric learners were hosted by CapeNature and world-renowned adventurer Riaan Manser at the De Hoop Nature Reserve. These five matriculants; Jama Paliso, Hannah Chetty, Abdullah Seedat, Silondukhule Nquma and Lucy can der Meulen were the runners up in a campaign that saw five other students join Manser on […]

The health of on estuary is a description of the condition of an estuary and are driven by two key drivers, water quality and quantity. Rain falling on the land eventually makes its way to a lake, river, stream, estuary, or ocean. Some rainwater flows slowly, in a thin layer called sheet flow across the […]

By Alexis Olds and Nicole Horn Marine fish are divided into two groups, those that have a bone skeleton and those that have skeletons made of cartilage. The cartilaginous group are commonly referred to as sharks. The group actually contains sharks, skates, rays and chimaera. For this article, sharks include all cartilaginous species. Approximately 185 […]

Five 2020 Matric learners have just been afforded the opportunity to explore the unforgettable De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape in the company of world-renowned adventurer Riaan Manser. These five matriculants were the runners up in a campaign that saw five other students join Manser on a once in a lifetime educational adventure […]

Story and photos by Alex Aitenhead, www.alexaitkenhead.co.za Deciding on our holiday adventure in the garden route required careful planning. We wanted to experience the Ancient Knysna forest, surf the warm waters at Buffalo Bay, see new forest bird species, yet miss all the crowds. With the new lockdown rules in place and the closing of the […]

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February each year to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. South Africa is a water scarce country, and the water in many streams is polluted. Both droughts and floods are common. In this regard, wetlands play a vital role by […]

By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities The bontebok – a likable, medium sized antelope with a multi-coloured coat and endemic to the Western Cape, is listed as Vulnerable in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.  It was once on the brink of extinction due to hunting, human settlement and incorrect […]

By Nicole Horn and Alexis Olds Migration is a widespread but highly complicated and diverse component to many fish species lives.  Migration can be strenuous and often consists of extremely long journeys. The life history stages of certain species rely heavily on migration. Fish will migrate for several reasons including escaping unfavourable conditions, moving to […]

In line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech held on 28 December 2020 and stricter regulations issued on 29 December 2020 in the Government Gazette, the following adjusted restrictions and rules will apply to all CapeNature reserves with immediate effect and until further notice: Permitted activities: Reserve accommodation remains OPEN and unchanged (this includes the Whale […]

It’s been a long year for everyone but the December holidays are finally upon us.  To celebrate, CapeNature is giving away a prize every day for 12 days, from 12-23 December 2020. 12 December Prize: A river rafting experience for two from Gravity Adventures to the value of R1 200! How to ENTER: Step 1: Subscribe […]

The new eco-cabins in Kogelberg Nature Reserve put the Overberg’s wild beauty on your doorstep. Situated in the Palmiet River valley, at the foot of imposing mountains, the eight wooden cabins feel a world removed from the city. But at only 90 minutes from Cape Town, this self-catering hideaway in the heart of the Cape […]

Come and explore the vast open spaces across the Western Cape with your friends and family at record low prices. Despite the inflation rate increases and the current recession in South Africa, CapeNature wants to see more and more locals explore and experience the rich natural heritage exclusive to the province. We are all in […]

  Click here for more details: Tourism Adventure Call For Proposals     

CapeNature staff facilitated entry into the Die Kelders section of the Walker Bay Reserve, where Peter Ryan and Coleen Moloney, senior researchers from UCT supervising the Conservation Biology Masters group, together with Grootbos Foundation representative as well as group co-ordinator, Paula Strauss participated in a beach clean-up. The area has been plagued by miniature plastic items […]

  The Western Cape is one of the areas most affected by veldfires where these are a natural phenomenon during the hot, windy, dry summers. This is exacerbated by infestations of alien vegetation and increased hot, dry periods as a result of climate change.  As we enter fire season, CapeNature would like to urge the […]

New eco-cabins in Kogelberg Nature Reserve are the ideal base for exciting activities among the mountain fynbos of this world heritage site.

By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities In the month of November, we traditionally raise awareness of men’s health issues as part of the Movember campaign and in part 1 of this blog, we looked at a few marine species with ‘moustaches’ for inspiration. In part 2 of the blog, we look at some more animal species beyond […]

Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Lying just off the national N2 road, about two and a half hours from Cape Town, Swellendam is South Africa’s third oldest town and owes much of its attractiveness to the mountains lying a few kilometres to the north. I’ve always slowed down on the road here, mostly because […]