The initiative is an ideal opportunity for a family day trip to the great outdoors and explore South Africa’s beautiful natural heritage.
Western Cape, South Africa (13 September 2020) – In celebration of Tourism Month, CapeNature will allow free access to selected reserves in the Western Cape for a full week between 16 and 22 September.
Visitors to participating CapeNature reserves will be allowed free day entry (excluding overnight stays) ranging from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and even the Klein Karoo.
Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell has encouraged locals and visitors to the province to make use of the opportunity to explore the unique heritage that belongs to all.
“CapeNature’s reserves are places where people can go to regenerate and get in touch with nature following the long periods of lockdown that may have gotten people down over the past few months,” he explained.
He said the initiative is for an ideal opportunity for a family day trip to the great outdoors and explore our beautiful natural heritage.
CapeNature is a public institution that falls under the provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning. The institution is mandated with promoting and ensuring biodiversity conservation within the Western Cape. The organisation manages most of the reserves in the province. CapeNature Chief Executive Officer, Dr Razeena Omar, said they have implemented all necessary health and safety protocols so that visitors will feel safe.
“I implore visitors to adhere to the social distancing regulations and to continue to wear face masks,” he stressed.
According to the province, entry to protected areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be applicable during regular reserve hours.
“No-free access fee will apply when booking through the call centre or online bookings and excludes accommodation bookings,” the province explained, adding that normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking.
Free access pertains to general access or conservation fee and hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed.
“The waiver will not apply to the Whale Trail or concessions including canopy tours, bouldering, and horse riding and so on.”
Meanwhile, the standard procedure to ensure that all entry and activity numbers are recorded will be followed.
The following terms and conditions apply:
- Access to Protected Areas during the CapeNature Access Week will be applicable during regular reserve hours and to entries at CapeNature reserve gates.
- The conservation fee will be waived for visitors to any CapeNature reserve that is open to the public between 16 and 22 September.
- No free access fee will apply when booking through the call centre/online bookings and excludes accommodation bookings (normal rates and access fees apply with any accommodation booking)
- Free access fee will pertain to general access (conservation fee) and hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. The waiver will NOT apply to the Whale Trail, partners or concessions (including canopy tours, bouldering, horse riding etc.).
- Zero-rated permits will be given to everyone accessing the reserve during this time, as per usual standard procedure to ensure that all access numbers and activity numbers are recorded.
For more information, visit the CapeNature website by clicking here.