CapeNature is opening the gates to over 20 of its spectacular nature reserves from 19 to 25 September 2026, offering complete free day access across the Western Cape for its 12th annual Access Week. Running under the inclusive banner “Nature is for Everyone,” this weeklong event invites individuals, families, and local communities to experience the region’s incredible landscapes without paying standard conservation entry fees.
Whether you are looking for a challenging morning hike, a scenic mountain bike ride, a family picnic, or a peaceful day of birdwatching, Access Week provides the perfect excuse to step outdoors and reconnect with the Western Cape’s iconic biodiversity.
Opening Doors to the Great Outdoors
For more than a decade, Access Week has served as a welcoming bridge for first-time visitors who might not otherwise have the opportunity to visit a nature reserve. It also gives nearby communities a unique chance to explore and take pride in the natural heritage on their doorstep.
“Access Week is about far more than free entry,” says Dr. Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature. “It creates opportunities for people to feel that they belong in nature and that they are welcome in these spaces. When people experience nature in meaningful ways, they can leave feeling grounded, inspired, and more connected to themselves and the world around them.”
To support transformation and inclusion, CapeNature is also running sponsored, guided nature experiences for local community groups during the week, blending outdoor fun with environmental learning and reflection.
Participating CapeNature Reserves
The fee waiver applies across five key regions, making a trip to nature accessible wherever you are based:
West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, and Rocherpan.
Central Region: Kogelberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch, Limietberg, and Stony Point.
South Region: Walker Bay, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Geelkrans, and Vrolijkheid.
Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, and Outeniqua.
Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, and Anysberg.
Important Visitor Information
To make the most of Access Week, visitors should keep a few essential rules in mind:
Walk-in access: Free day entry applies strictly to walk-in visitors during standard operating hours.
No pre-booking required: Do not book online or through the call center, as standard fees will apply. Free entry is strictly on arrival, subject to each reserve’s maximum daily capacity.
Permitted activities: The waiver covers day conservation entry for general activities like hiking and mountain biking. It does not extend to overnight stays, private concessions, commercial activities, or specialized routes like the Whale Trail.
Check before you go: Some trails or reserve areas may undergo temporary maintenance, so verify operating hours and route availability on the official CapeNature website before traveling.
A Unique Invitation to Reconnect
As spring unfolds across the province, Access Week 2026 stands as a powerful reminder that our shared environment belongs to everyone. Whether you choose to wander along coastal footpaths, traverse rugged mountain trails, or simply sit peacefully under the trees, these conserved landscapes offer a vital space for rest, reflection, and well-being. Mark your calendar from 19 to 25 September, gather your family or friends, and take advantage of this opportunity to explore the unbeatable natural beauty of the Western Cape.
