World Fisheries Day is an Environmental Calendar Day celebrated every year on the 21st of November to highlight the importance of a sustainable means to maintain fish stocks. It highlights the critical importance of fish and the role it plays in job creation and economic impact. Fishing is central to the livelihoods and food security […]

By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities It’s Movember, and to raise awareness about men’s health, here are some examples of possible looks inspired by marine species with ‘moustaches’. To show your support, grow your moustache and don’t shave it for the rest of the month! Here are some animals that are following suit. All mammals besides humans […]

Already known as a place of rare and beautiful things, Kogelberg Nature Reserve has yet another discovery to be made. A collection of eight new eco-cabins thoughtfully positioned to maximise the vistas while giving you the seclusion you crave – and all within an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. Nestled in the […]

Just in time to take advantage of the upcoming summer season, CapeNature is pleased to announce reduced rates to mark Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Online users will receive a 40% discount off getaways at selected reserve accommodation and camping facilities. Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Mr. Anton Bredell says, “The […]

By Nicole Horn, Biodiversity Capabilities The Cape Gannet is endemic to southern Africa. They are strictly marine birds with massive breeding colonies, although they have a small breeding range. This species, along with seven other seabird species, is endemic to the Benguela upwelling ecosystem off southwest Africa. They have six colonies in southern Africa with three occurring […]

The award winning Kogelberg Nature Reserve has launched its new modern eco cabins and eco pods called the Mbali collection. Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of the entity says: “We have an enormous responsibility to protect our biodiversity and the cultural heritage associated with this unique, pristine landscape. The conservation and careful management of our natural […]

Don’t miss out!  CapeNature is going wild again this Black Friday, 27 November 2020  and YOU’RE invited. Get back into nature at 40% off selected reserve accommodation and camping spots. Register a profile on the online portal at booking.capenature.co.za and look out for this fantastic special which will go LIVE from 00:00 on Friday, 27 […]

Words and Photos by Scott Ramsay Goukamma Nature Reserve lies between the towns of Sedgefield and Knysna on the Garden Route of the southern Cape coast. Stand out features include long, near-empty beaches, a well-managed marine protected area offshore, and a pretty estuary of the Goukamma River. The huge vegetated dunes make for great walking, […]

The iconic and world class Whale trail hike in the De Hoop Nature Reserve will reopen on Wednesday, 28 October 2020. CapeNature prides itself on leading the way in sustainable tourism as demonstrated by a continued commitment to nature-based recreational and tourism facilities for local and international visitors to enjoy and explore. Situated on 34 000 […]

Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Keurbooms River Nature Reserve is a small reserve near Plettenberg Bay, and despite its proximity to the busy town, once you’ve paddled up the river away from the national road, it soon becomes clear that this reserve is another tiny patch of paradise in the Western Cape. Ancient yellow-wood […]

Baited Underwater Videos (BRUVs) – Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean Marine protected areas (MPAs) aim to conserve marine life and promote the conservation and effective management of ecologically and biologically diverse marine areas. The social and economic context within which they exist also needs to be considered when planning and making management decisions. They are […]

Words and photos by Scott Ramsay Take all the natural wonders of Robberg, and divide them by the number of square metres of this relatively tiny reserve…and you’ve got one of the most impressive reserves in the country. Few other small protected areas pack so much punch. Lying near the town of Plettenberg Bay (although […]

The link between oceans and land, in most instances, is not well understood as people do not comprehend and understand the impact that their day to day life has on the ocean whether positive or negative. Freshwater, a critical life-giving resource, evaporates from the ocean surface and is largely responsible for much of the rain that reaches the land. […]

By Lusanda Gqaza and Yanga Mbatana, Environmental Education Officers, De Hoop Nature Reserve October is Marine Month and a timely reminder to us all about the importance of our waterways and oceans. Litter is not only harmful to marine life but also toxic to humans and water systems. It is our duty as conservators and the general […]

We celebrated African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday, 10 October 2020 – here are some quick facts to help you brush up on your African Penguin knowledge. 1) They were once considered ‘fish’ When Bartholomew Diaz and his crew first landed in southern Africa they became the first Europeans to see African Penguins. The Portuguese […]

International Marine Month is celebrated every October worldwide. In South Africa, the month is used to create awareness of our marine and coastal environment and the benefits that our oceans bring to our nation. This year’s theme, “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”, encourages a fresh approach to the conservation of this important resource. The Hermanus […]

By Dr Marienne de Villiers, Faunal Ecologist at CapeNature They may be tiny, but small mammals play an important role in nature and some are excellent indicators of ecosystem condition. They are key prey species for many carnivores, they help to pollinate plants and disperse seeds, and their burrows aerate the soil. They also help to […]

This year, World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27 September 2020. World Tourism Day heightens the sector’s unique ability to drive economic development and its contribution to the South African economy. It is no coincidence that Heritage Month and Tourism Month, including World Tourism Day, fall within the same month. Tourism plays a significant role in […]

By Marx-Lenin Nagan, Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Cederberg Landscape Unit International Coastal Cleanup Day was marked on 19 September 2020 and CapeNature staff rolled up their sleeves to support local initiatives on the day. Three coastal cleanups took place on the 19th September in the Cederberg Landscape at Velddrif, Elands – and Lamberts Bay respectively. These […]

There are exciting developments underway at Kogelberg Nature Reserve. CapeNature is delighted to announce the opening of a new one-bedroom unit, the Palmiet honeymoon studio which is just perfect for for couples seeking privacy and romance. The glass-fronted eco-cabin is designed to offer guests unparalleled 360-degree breath-taking views of the reserve. The building work was meticulously […]

By Jeanne Gouws, CapeNature Ecologist Long-term monitoring of species of ecosystems is important for tracking changes related to many factors, including the impacts of climate change. CapeNature conducts long-term monitoring activities for various creatures and ecosystems, great and small. One of these projects is the monitoring of three sites on the Eerste River in Jonkershoek, […]