Rocherpan Nature Reserve, which is 25km north of Velddrif on the Cape West Coast, has unveiled new eco-friendly accommodation. CapeNature invested R9.8million (€636 000) in upgrades of the facilities at the reserve and built new larger cottages.

There are four new accommodation units that sleep up to five people each, a new bird hide, upgraded picnicking facilities and an extensive network of boardwalks suitable for wheelchair access.

Guests can enjoy bird watching, hiking, mountain biking, whale watching and swimming in a private beach.

CapeNature CEO, Dr Razeena Omar, said: “One of our strategic goals is to ensure better access to our province’s unique and cultural heritage for all. With this in mind we have invested heavily in upgrading Rocherpan’s tourism offering while also catering for those living with disabilities. Together with these upgrades and new units, Rocherpan can now compete as one of the top eco-tourism destinations on the West Coast.”

Western Cape Minister of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said the upgrades at Rocherpan were a welcome addition to CapeNature’s portfolio. “The West Coast has become a tourism priority for the province and enjoys huge popularity amongst tourists and locals. CapeNature has been doing great work upgrading and improving facilities at its reserves. The investments are paying dividends already. Visitor numbers to CapeNature’s nature reserves have increased by 39% compared with the previous financial year. That is a sound endorsement of what we’re trying to do.”