For the latest news and information on how CapeNature is managing a range of services during the lockdown, read the weekly CEO updates outlining the challenges facing us all.

  In September we celebrate Tourism Month and you are invited to our reserves, free of charge! CapeNature will once again open its doors and provide free access to the public during its 6th annual Access Week from 16-22 September 2020. Day visits to selected CapeNature reserves will be free for all to enjoy exploring […]

What a year it’s been!  A Covid-enforced lockdown has kept people around the globe confined to their homes for most of 2020. There is reason for optimism however as travel restrictions have been eased in recent months. Spring has arrived and September is both Tourism Month and Heritage month in South Africa when we rejoice […]

By Kevin Shaw, CapeNature Team Leader: Ecology | Biodiversity Intelligence The first Saturday in September is recognised worldwide as international Vulture day.  This group of highly specialized birds perform a vital ecological service in the ecosystems they live in.  They are responsible for the removal of dead and decaying animals thereby reducing the spreading of diseases […]

By Nkosinathi Moyo, Siphosethu Gwedlana and Leche Timmie, WIL Students at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve On the 23 rd of July 2020, a biological control assessment of the success rate of a fungus pathogen used as a biocontrol agent on Paraserianthes lophantha (commonly known as Cape Wattle or stink bean), was conducted at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Alien Invasive species […]

  To encourage and support tree planting this Arbour Week, CapeNature is participating in a variety of tree planting events between 31 August and 4 September 2020. Arbour Day, which falls on 1 September, serves as a reminder to individuals and groups to plant trees and highlights how important they are to our survival. CapeNature […]

It’s wonderful to be able to share some welcome news and the easing of leisure travel restrictions certainly falls into that category. Once again we can all enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer; whether its splashing in a pristine rock pool, admiring a glorious sunset over the ocean, or taking a leisurely […]

CapeNature is pleased to announce the reopening of overnight stays for self-catering accommodation, camping, selected overnight hiking trails and eco-venues from Friday, 7 August 2020. This comes of the announcement by Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane’s that South Africans will be allowed to travel for leisure again within their respective provinces. Minister of Local Government,...

These toads mostly occur in sandy coastal lowlands but also venture into valleys and onto mountain slopes. They spend most of their time away from water, even venturing into suburban gardens, but are seldom found more than a few kilometres from their breeding habitat in generally permanent water bodies. These water bodies include sluggish rivers, […]

Introduce the whole family to the incredible world of trees in the build up to Arbour Week in September. Children will have fun while putting together a recording for radio, while learning relevant curriculum work at the same time!  Children in Grades 4-7 get to interview a ‘tree’ (played by a family member or friend) […]

Thanks to an ongoing project funded by the Table Mountain Fund, CapeNature’s aquatic biologists Dr Martine Jordaan and Ms Jeanne Gouws are collaborating with the Grootvadersbos Conservancy to unearth the fishy secrets from the rivers of the Tradouw and Duiwendhoks catchments. Grootvadersbos Conservancy borders the Grootvadersbos Nature reserve and the Langeberg Mountain Catchment Area...

Just in time to take advantage of the upcoming long weekend, CapeNature is pleased to announce the reopening of overnight stays for self-catering accommodation, camping, selected overnight hiking trails and eco-venues from Friday, 7 August 2020. This comes of the announcement by Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane’s that South Africans will be allowed to travel for leisure […]

We are very excited about the announcement made on the 30 July by Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane when she stated that “On accommodation for leisure, cabinet has agreed to ease the restrictions for leisure travel. Currently, individuals are not allowed to leave their homes for leisure purposes, but they now are allowed to do so […]

By Lusanda Gqaza & Yanga Mbatana (Environmental Education Officers at Potberg, De Hoop Nature Reserve) World Ranger Day is celebrated every year on the 31st July to commemorate rangers worldwide who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The day also celebrates the hard work done and sacrifices made by field and park […]

World Ranger Day is commemorated on 31 July every year when we honour the park, marine and field rangers around the world who protect our natural heritage for future generations. It is an acknowledgement of their hard work and grateful thanks for their ongoing service.  On this day, we also remember rangers who were injured […]

CapeNature’s second virtual Nature Talks webinar took place on Monday, 27 July 2020. Thousands tuned in to learn about these lesser-known, scenic eco-tourism treasures found around the Western Cape. Hosted under the theme “Must see hidden gems”, the webinar provided insight into those off-the-grid reserves that offer truly unique tourism and conservation experiences for tourists. […]

CapeNature invites you to attend a virtual Nature Talks session by live webinar on Monday 27 July 2020 from 17H00 to 18H00. The event theme is “Must see hidden gems at CapeNature reserves”. Secure your online seat at the event here: https://bit.ly/2DYtig4. Entries close at midnight, 24 July 2020. Attendees who are signed up to our monthly newsletter […]

Collecting wild plants or animals without permission, is a crime… and it is happening everywhere. These criminals use or purchase everyday items to commit these crimes. Knowing what to look out for, can help us to prevent this and protect our biodiversity.

Host: Clinton Windvogel Presenter: Dr Antoinette Veldtman For: Children aged 8-12 Series: Learning to #LoveNature

What is a Wild Card? The Wild Card is a loyalty programme that makes tourism to national parks and nature reserves in southern Africa more accessible and rewarding than ever before. With a Wild Card membership you receive one year’s unlimited access to the most beautiful nature reserves and parks with superb picnic spots, natural […]

By Kevin Shaw, Team Leader: Ecology | Biodiversity Intelligence The 23rd of June 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of the sinking of the MV Treasure between Robben and Dassen Island.  The Treasure was a bulk ore iron carrier that had suffered structural damage in storms and when it sank on the morning of the 23rd it leaked about […]