CapeNature celebrates its ninth annual Access Week between September 23-29, and the public is invited to access any of 24 selected nature reserves across the Western Cape for free during this time.

Visitors will be allowed day entry to enjoy walking, hiking, bird watching, swimming and mountain biking at no cost.

The entity will also facilitate programmes for various groups including schools, senior citizens, youth and non-profit community groups during the week.

“The hope is that a better connection to nature promotes a deeper sense of care for the natural environment, and with that, the desire to protect it. The more we connect with something, the more value it holds,” CapeNature said in a press release.

Participating nature reserves range from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and even the Klein Karoo and include:

• West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, and Rocherpan.
• Winelands: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, and Vrojlikheid. Note that Assegaaibosch is closed.a
• Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay, and Geelkrans
• Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, and Outeniqua.
• Karoo: Swartberg (cottages closed, but day open), Gamkaberg, and Anysberg.

The following are important to note when booking:

• Free access is only applicable to regular reserve hours and entries at CapeNature reserve gates.
• No free access will be given to those who book through the contact centre.
• No pre-bookings are necessary, although the maximum capacity availability applies to visitor walk-ins.
• The free access fee will pertain to general access. In other words, the conservation fee will allow access to hiking, mountain biking and other day activities.
• The waiver does not apply to the Whale Trail, select landowners, partners, or concessions.