Successive cold fronts have battered the Western Cape, leaving multiple CapeNature Protected Areas closed as teams work to assess and repair widespread damage to roads, facilities and infrastructure.

CapeNature is assessing widespread damage across its Protected Areas following several days of severe weather that has affected multiple reserves and surrounding communities. Successive cold fronts brought heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and localised flooding across the province, resulting in infrastructure damage, blocked routes and disruption to operations in several protected areas.

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Roads, trails, visitor facilities, offices and staff accommodation have been impacted across multiple reserves. Electricity supply disruptions are among the most significant impacts, affecting both reserve operations and nearby communities. Hazardous travel conditions persist due to flooding, fallen trees, debris and damaged access routes, while coastal and marine infrastructure has also sustained damage in certain areas.

Phased reopening planned

Temporary closures have been implemented at affected reserves, not only in response to ongoing adverse weather, but also to allow for detailed damage assessments, infrastructure repairs and safety inspections before areas are reopened to the public. CapeNature reserves are expected to begin reopening between 15 May and 5 June, subject to change based on ongoing assessments. Some reserves may remain closed even after weather conditions have improved.

Visitors are strongly urged to avoid travelling to reserves while severe weather conditions persist, particularly where roads, bridges and entry routes may be unsafe or inaccessible. Once conditions improve visitors are advised to check the CapeNature website for the most up-to-date information on reserve accessibility before planning any visit.

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Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said early assessments indicate significant impacts across several reserves. “The safety of our staff, visitors and surrounding communities remains our highest priority. While teams acted proactively ahead of the severe weather event, ongoing power outages and damaged access roads continue to pose major challenges in several affected areas. At this stage, the full extent and costs of the damage are still being assessed. These conditions not only affect reserve operations and visitor access but also place additional strain on neighbouring communities and ongoing recovery efforts.”

CapeNature is working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre, municipalities and other authorities as part of a coordinated provincial response. Teams remain on the ground to assess damage, clear routes where possible and prioritise critical repairs.

Safety advice for the public

Members of the public are urged to:

• Avoid visiting CapeNature reserves until conditions have stabilised and it is confirmed safe to do so.
• Strictly adhere to all reserve closures and access restrictions.
• Refrain from attempting to access flooded areas, damaged roads or closed routes.
• Exercise extreme caution when travelling in mountainous, coastal or low-lying areas.
• Check the South African Weather Service reports daily for up-to-date conditions.
• Monitor official CapeNature communication channels for updates before planning any visit.

CapeNature reminds the public that conditions can change rapidly during severe weather events, and that entering closed or restricted areas places both visitors and emergency personnel at risk.