Conserve - Explore - Experience

CapeNature is a governmental organisation responsible for managing wilderness areas, nature reserves and marine protected areas in the Overberg and further afield in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Besides being nature’s custodians, championing unique ecosystems which includes World Heritage Sites such as the Cape Floral Kingdom, and educating visitors and local communities about how to protect the natural environment, CapeNature offers authentic eco-tourism experiences to the public. These experiences range from adrenaline-filled activities such as bouldering, kloofing and kayaking to more leisurely pursuits that include hiking, fishing and whale watching. CapeNature invites you to visit one of its pristine reserves or wilderness areas as a day visitor or spend a few days at one of its campsites or eco-cabins.

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About

About

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CapeNature is the custodian of the Western Cape’s natural environment and is governed by the Western Cape Nature Conservation Board which is mandated to:

  • Promote and ensure nature conservation and related matters 
  • Render services and provide facilities for research and training in connection with nature conservation and related matters
  • Generate income, within the framework of any applicable policy determined by the responsible Minister
CapeNature Reserves

CapeNature Reserves

CapeNature is responsible for managing and maintaining 31 complexes, made up of 113 nature reserves and wilderness areas, that include six Marine Protected Areas, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Please note, CapeNature permits are applicable for certain areas and activities. The full list is as follows:

  • Anysberg Nature Reserve
  • Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
  • Boosmansbos Wilderness Area
  • Cederberg Wilderness Area
  • De Hoop Nature Reserve
  • De Mond Nature Reserve
  • Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
  • Goukamma Nature Reserve
  • Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
  • Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
  • Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
  • Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
  • Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
  • Kogelberg Nature Reserve
  • Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve
  • Limietberg Nature Reserve
  • Marloth Nature Reserve
  • Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve
  • Outeniqua Nature Reserve
  • Robberg Nature Reserve
  • Rocherpan Nature Reserve
  • Rocklands in the Cederberg
  • Stony Point Nature Reserve
  • Swartberg Nature Reserve (Gamkaskloof - Die Hel)
  • Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
  • Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Activities:

  • Picnics
  • Historical and Cultural Sites
  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Swimming
  • Kloofing
  • Bouldering
  • Recreational Fishing
  • Whale Watching
  • Mountain Biking
  • Cycling
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Horse Riding
  • 4x4 Adventures
  • Camping
  • Accommodation
CapeNature Reserves - Overberg Region

CapeNature Reserves - Overberg Region

CapeNature manages reserves and marine protected areas in the Overberg region that includes:

Kogelberg Nature Reserve

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is about 40 km from Cape Town and is South Africa’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve. It covers 103,629 hectares, more than 80% of which consists of mountainous landscapes ranging from high mountain peaks and deep valleys to gentle hills, lower mountain slopes and a historic botanical garden. Gentle rolling coastal plains, and a vast marine area, which covers about 24,500 hectares, make up the rest. 

Activities:

  • Botanical Garden
  • Picnics
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Mountain Biking
  • Kayaking
  • Accommodation

Read more about Kogelberg Nature Reserve, here.

Stony Point Nature Reserve
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Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay is home to the world’s third-largest breeding colony of African penguins. The reserve offers the public the chance to observe the penguins up-close, via an unobtrusive boardwalk, as they go about their daily activities in their natural habitat.

Activities:

  • Birdwatching
  • Whale Watching

Read more about Stony Point Nature Reserve, here.

Walker Bay Nature Reserve

Walker Bay Nature Reserve in the Overberg includes five coastal areas between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The largest area, known as Walker Bay, stretches along Die Plaat from the Klein River estuary in Hermanus to the historic Klipgat Caves in De Kelders, Gansbaai. 

Activities:

  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Klipgat Cave
  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Whale Watching
  • 4x4 Trails

Read more about Walker Bay Nature Reserve, here.

De Hoop Nature Reserve

De Hoop Nature Reserve just outside Bredasdorp is one of the largest natural areas managed by CapeNature and is a World Heritage Site. The 34,000-hectare reserve includes a 16km long vlei, rare fynbos, diverse wildlife species and the majestic Potberg Mountains, as well as a marine protected area that extends 5km out to sea.

Activities:

  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Whale Watching
  • Mountain Biking
  • Accommodation

Read more about De Hoop Nature Reserve, here.

De Mond Nature Reserve

De Mond Nature Reserve is a coastal reserve at the mouth of the Heuningnes River. It lies about 26km south-east of Bredasdorp on the south-western Cape coast, between Arniston and Struisbaai and is a World Heritage Site.

Activities:

  • Picnics
  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Whale Watching
Marloth Nature Reserve

Marloth Nature Reserve is tucked away in the Swellendam Mountains, between Swellendam, Ashton, Barrydale and Suurbraak. The peaceful reserve is 14,123-hectares in size and is a World Heritage Site.
 
Activities:

  • Picnics
  • Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Horse Riding
  • Accommodation
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve

Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is a World Heritage Site that encompasses 250-hectares of indigenous forest in the Langeberg region, close to Heidelberg.

Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Birdwatching
  • Swimming
  • Mountain Biking
Boosmansbos Wilderness Area

Boosmansbos Wilderness Area is a World Heritage Site next to the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in the Langeberg Mountains. It boasts dramatic mountainous terrain, wild indigenous forests and lush mountain fynbos. 

Activities:

  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching
Tariffs

Tariffs

CapeNature charges access and activity fees to all visitors not in possession of a valid Wild Card. 

Please Note:

  • Pensioners' discount of 30% applies on all accommodation options, outside of peak times, from Sundays to Thursdays
  • Off-peak rates apply to all days except Western Cape school holidays and public holidays, as well as on the day before and after holidays
  • Peak rates are charged during Western Cape school holidays and public holidays, as well as on the day before and after holidays
  • Wild Cards are not accepted at Stony Point
Wild Card

Wild Card

CapeNature’s Wild Card is the most affordable way to explore! Wild Card membership gives you one year’s unlimited access to the Wild partner parks, reserves and resorts, depending on the type of cluster you choose. Membership is available for an individual, couple or family, while foreign visitors can get International Wild Card membership.

Your Wild Card also includes:

  • Wild Magazine (sent to you every quarter)
  • Wild e-Newsletter (sent to your inbox every month)
  • Exclusive Offers and Competitions
  • Trip Ideas (available on the website to help you plan your visits)

Gift Idea

A CapeNature Wild Card is a gift that will create memories and boundless joy for family, friends and colleagues who are outdoor enthusiasts.

For more information and to buy your Wild Card online, contact CapeNature directly.
 

Permits

Permits

CapeNature is responsible for the administration and issuing of various permits for outdoor activities that include: 

  • Hiking 
  • Filming Permits
  • Events Permits
  • Recreational Fishing 
  • Hunting
  • Scientific Research
  • Protected and Endangered Plants
  • Wild Animals in Captivity
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Contact CapeNature for more information and guidance on how to apply for your chosen permit.

Accommodation

Accommodation

CapeNature reserves each offer a range of accommodation options for those visitors wanting to spend more than a day enjoying the great outdoors.

CapeNature Accommodation

  • Overnight Hiking
  • Eco-Venues
  • Self-Catering
  • Camping
  • Groups

Browse the selection at the CapeNature bookings link, here.
 

Conservation - Career Opportunities

Conservation - Career Opportunities

By inspiring and influencing positive change, CapeNature’s mission is to conserve, protect and restore the natural environment. With this being said, the organisation offers career opportunities and hosts internship programmes for inspired, innovative people who want to make a positive change.

Career Opportunities
  • Conservationists
  • Field Rangers
  • Ecologists
  • Marine Biologists
Internship Programmes
  • Work Integrated Learning Internship Programme
  • Graduate Intern Programme

Contact CapeNature for more information about job opportunities and internship programmes. 

CapeNature Visitor App

CapeNature Visitor App

Experience nature in the Western Cape with CapeNature’s convenient mobile Visitor App! 

CapeNature Visitor App

  • Free with no hidden costs for additional functionality
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Access to everything you need when visiting reserves
  • Automated check-in to complete visitor information for COVID-19 and indemnity screening
  • Access to reserve maps to discover hidden pathways
  • Access to iNaturalist to share and discuss your outdoor findings
  • Notifications on the latest reserve alerts 
  • Chance to win prizes in competitions
  • Easy to share with family and friends when making group bookings 
  • Convenient for planning your next CapeNature trip

Download the CapeNature Visitor App

  1. Search CapeNature on your Google Play Store (available on Apple App Store soon)
  2. Download the CapeNature Visitor App to your device 
  3. Enjoy… 

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