Western Cape residents will get the chance to swap the city for hiking trails, beaches, mountains and birdlife this September, with CapeNature offering free access to selected nature reserves across the province for seven days.
CapeNature’s 12th annual Access Week will run from September 19 to 25, 2026, under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, giving individuals, families and communities free day entry to participating reserves.
The initiative aims to encourage more people to experience the province’s natural spaces, particularly those who may not ordinarily have the opportunity to visit a nature reserve.
Visitors can use the week to enjoy activities such as hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, picnics and swimming, depending on what is permitted at individual reserves.
Provincial MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said allowing more people into protected areas was also about building a greater sense of responsibility towards the environment.
“Opening our nature reserves to more people during Access Week is one way in which we are building a sense of ownership and responsibility amongst residents and visitors to our Province,” Bredell said.
“When people experience nature, they become custodians and protectors of the environment. The more people who know, value and love our natural heritage, the stronger our collective commitment will be to protecting it for generations to come.”
CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo said the initiative went beyond simply removing entrance fees.
“Access Week is about far more than free entry. It creates opportunities for people to feel that they belong in nature and that they are welcome in these spaces,” Naidoo said.
“When people experience nature in meaningful ways, they can leave feeling grounded, inspired and more connected to themselves and the world around them. That is at the heart of this year’s theme.”
For the past 12 years, Access Week has been used to introduce new visitors to CapeNature reserves and encourage communities living close to protected areas to explore the natural spaces on their doorstep.
CapeNature will also facilitate sponsored nature experiences for selected community groups during the week as part of its focus on inclusion and transformation.
The guided activities are intended to introduce participants to their local environment while encouraging education, reflection and a deeper connection with nature.
Participating reserves by region
A total of 24 reserves across the Western Cape are participating.
On the West Coast, visitors can access Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island and Rocherpan.
The central region includes Kogelberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Limietberg and Stony Point.
In the southern region, participating reserves are Walker Bay, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Geelkrans and Vrolijkheid.
Garden Route visitors can choose from Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma and Outeniqua, while Swartberg, Gamkaberg and Anysberg will participate in the Karoo.
There are, however, some conditions attached to the free-entry offer.
Free access applies only to walk-in day visitors arriving during normal reserve operating hours. Visitors who make a reservation through CapeNature’s Contact Centre or its online booking system will still be charged the normal entry fee.
No advance booking is required for free entry, although admission will remain subject to the maximum visitor capacity at individual reserves.
The waiver covers general conservation entry fees for permitted day activities, including hiking and mountain biking.
It does not apply to the Whale Trail, selected landowners, partners, concessions or commercial activities.
CapeNature also warned that some areas within participating reserves could be temporarily closed and encouraged visitors to check operating hours and availability before setting off.
Tracy-Lynn Ruiters
iol.co.za
