CapeNature celebrates its 8th annual Access Week from September 20-27 by offering the public free access to 23 selected nature reserves across the Western Cape during the period.

Visitors will be allowed free day entry to enjoy walking, hiking, bird watching, swimming and mountain biking. CapeNature will also be facilitating a variety of programmes for different community groups during this period.

This year, CapeNature is focusing on the importance of access to nature for health and wellbeing benefits. 

“We have partnered with the Masiyembo Association to facilitate ‘NatureAllied’ programmes where the focus is on enhanced wellbeing by connecting with nature. Our Stakeholder Engagement Officers will be facilitating programmes for a range of groups including schools, senior citizens, youth and non-profit community groups during the week,” says Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature.

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

• West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier and Rocherpan. 
• Winelands: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch and Vroulikheid.
• Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay and Stony Point.
• Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River and Goukamma. 
• Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg and Anysberg.