Western Cape residents are being encouraged to explore the province’s natural heritage during CapeNature’s 12th annual Access Week, when general day-visitor fees will be waived from 19 to 25 September.

Free access

Held under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, CapeNature’s annual campaign will offer free walk-in entry to participating reserves for day visitors. The waiver covers general day-visitor fees for activities including hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching and picnics, the provincial government said.

Free access will be available to walk-in day visitors at participating reserves across the Western Cape.

Participating reserves by region

• West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island and Rocherpan;
• Central: Kogelberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Limietberg and Stony Point;
• South: Walker Bay, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Geelkrans and Vrolijkheid;
• Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma and Outeniqua;
• Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg and Anysberg.

Building on last year’s campaign

The government said this year’s initiative builds on the track record established during the 11th Access Week in 2025, when 9 543 visitors enjoyed free entry.

During last year’s campaign, CapeNature also hosted 16 facilitated community programmes across 13 Western Cape areas, including Lavender Hill, Mamre, Chatsworth, Lamberts Bay and Oudtshoorn. The programmes introduced youth groups, schools and special needs groups to protected natural spaces.

Breaking down barriers to nature

“CapeNature’s Access Week plays a vital role in breaking down financial barriers and ensuring that our protected natural areas are inclusive and welcoming to all. When residents experience our mountains, coastlines and fynbos firsthand, they develop a sense of ownership and become active custodians of our environment. We encourage families and communities across the province to make the most of this week and explore the natural spaces right on their doorstep,” said Dave Bryant, provincial spokesperson on Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

Parliamentary question to follow

After this year’s initiative concludes, the DA will submit a written parliamentary question to the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The question will monitor total visitor turnout and the overall impact of the 12th Access Week.

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