This is your official ‘Summer Bucket List’ featuring CapeNature’s world-class locations dotted throughout the Western Cape.

Spend quality time with your loved ones by hiking the province’s scenic trails, exploring ancient caves and seeking out some of the province’s best kept secrets. To celebrate another spectacular summer ahead of us, we bring you the 10 bucket list items you simply must tick off!

1. Rock Formations at Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve

Head off to Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve in the Cederberg Wilderness, and travel back in time. Behold the ancient rock formations that have been here since the dawn of time. Here, hidden from the blazing hot Karoo summer sun, you’ll find the imposing Stadsaal cave, home to priceless San rock art that speaks from the past. The World Heritage Site is about 5000 years old and will leave you spellbound.

2. Klipgat Caves at Walker Bay Nature Reserve

#BeatTheHeat at Klipgat Caves in Walker Bay. There’s evidence that humans have been doing this since the Middle Stone Age. Walker Bay Nature Reserve, just east of Hermanus, is the ideal summer getaway for adventure-seekers and families looking for fun. You can retrace the steps of the Khoi and San who lived here more than 2000 years ago. Take in the sights of the pristine reserve as it shows off its magnificent coastal and marine life.

3. Waterfall at Marloth Nature Reserve

Hidden among the majestic Swellendam Mountains is Marloth Nature Reserve, a botanist’s dream come true. The trail comes alive in the summer, bringing the heat and showing off the fynbos colours against the shimmering landscape. The unexpected tropical surroundings with cascading waterfalls will quite literally take your breath away. Cool off in a swimming hole and picnic in the shade of the towering trees.

Give Marloth a try this summer while the cool mountain breeze helps you #BeatTheHeat, and the beauty of the reserve around you warms your heart.

4. Rockart at Gamkaberg Nature Reserve

Feel the presence of the regal Cape Lion who once roamed this burnt landscape called Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, which helped give new life to the endangered Cape mountain zebra. Marvel at the rock art left behind by our ancestors, and appreciate the contours of the rugged rock formations and steep gorges.

The mysterious Rooiberg and the lowlands of the Little Karoo are calling you this summer, because there are few better ways to escape the crowds than a summer road trip to the Karoo in search of your next adventure.

5. Penguins at Stony Point Nature Reserve

Come for the penguins, stay for the cormorants - and remember Stony Point Nature Reserve for the way it made you feel this summer.

The special reserve in the Overberg is home to three species of cormorants and one species of penguin, making it one of the most unique locations in the world. Another resident here is the beloved dassie. You’ll find these cute furries hanging out on the rocks, while you #BeatTheHeat at the nearby community restaurant

6. Waterfall at Algeria Cederberg Wilderness

It’s a steep walk, but worth every step. The waterfall at Algeria Nature Reserve should be on everyone’s bucket list. Follow the signs, take in the beauty of your surroundings, and #BeatTheHeat by dipping your feet in the cooling water along the way, or go boulder-hopping to keep it interesting. Once you reach the magnificent falls, you will understand what all the fuss is about.

7. Hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve

Venture off the beaten track this summer, even if it’s just a stone’s throw away from a popular tourist destination like Plettenberg Bay. The Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the Western Cape’s most iconic reserves and it’s no wonder it was declared a World Heritage Site and a National Monument. The area is steeped in history, with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artefacts attracting visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque peninsula is filled with a wealth of fynbos, flora and ocean life to dazzle the senses. The hiking trails are among the most beautiful in South Africa leaving you spellbound.

8. Kayaking at Keurbooms River Nature Reserve

Keurbooms is a sanctuary for indigenous trees, including the Cape beech, giant stinkwoods and the beautiful Outeniqua yellowwoods. Spend your summer amid the lush and tranquil surroundings and enjoy walks, boat trips and canoe trails. Go swimming to #BeatTheHeat or birdwatching to find a bit of solace in nature. Look out for the quirky vervet monkey, the shy blue duiker, the beautiful grysbok, the curious mongoose and of course the iconic Knysna loerie and giant kingfisher.

9. Lambert’s Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve

It’s a bird’s life out there in Lambert’s Bay, where the world famous Bird Island lies about 100m off the shore. The island is an important breeding and roosting site for seabirds like Cape gannets and cormorants, but you can also get a glimpse of Cape fur seals sunning themselves on the island’s rocks. We can think of few better ways to #BeatTheHeat this summer than spending time observing the island’s birds while you take in the beauty of the West Coast.

10. Rock pools at Limietberg Nature Reserve

Tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Mountains is Limietberg, a pristine nature reserve.

The family-friendly reserve is a hive of activity in the summer thanks to the crystal-clear rock pools and cascading waterfalls.

It’s a fynbos paradise, with challenging cliffs and indigenous river valleys that will keep you coming back time and time again. Try one of the beautiful hikes through steep kloofs and deep valleys, like Du Toits Peak, at 1996m, which is the highest point within the reserve. The less daring can visit the many historical sites, a disused manganese mine and the graves of convicts who helped build the Bainskloof Pass.

To book, visit https://booking.capenature.co.za/ or call 087 087 8250.