The Western Cape Environmental Education Friends (WCEEF), together with members CapeNature, SANBI, Nature Connect, SANParks and the Two Oceans Aquarium, is thrilled to announce a new competition for children in grades 6 – 9.

CapeNature’s participation at the recent Africa Travel Indaba in Durban marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives. The event, which drew industry leaders and stakeholders from across the globe, provided an excellent platform for CapeNature to showcase its commitment to conserving the Western Cape's natural beauty while fostering economic growth through eco-tourism.

The picturesque setting of Island Lake in the Wilderness recently played host to a significant event on 8 May 2024. CapeNature’s Groenvlei Carp Project supported by Gift of the Givers were gifted a new fishing boat by the Oceana Group. Thousands of people from communities in the Southern Cape and Karoo have benefitted from this extremely successful feeding scheme project.

Forge has been CapeNature's official digital mapping partner since 2021, ensuring visitors receive accurate and engaging maps during their stay at nature reserves. Forge's maps are hand-curated and updated in collaboration with CapeNature, reflecting changes in landscapes, infrastructure, and trail closures. The partnership also empowers visitors by bridging the gap between them and trail managers.

On 30 April 2024, CapeNature hosted a firefighters appreciation event at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve to honour the brave men and women who were on the frontlines during the Western Cape’s fire season.

In the heart of Betty’s Bay lies the Stony Point African Penguin colony, a critical breeding ground for these beloved seabirds. This colony has become a beacon of hope thanks to the collaborative efforts of several key partners: CapeNature, SANCCOB, Dyer Island Conservation Trust (DICT)/African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (APSS), World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-SA), and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. Together, these entities have implemented an integrated programme that has positively impacted the local penguin population.

The Cape mountain zebra known as GB42 has had an exciting year! In January, this stallion from Gamkaberg Nature Reserve sired a foal with genetic material from two of the three genetically distinct stocks of the species. In March, there was proof that 2023 was a busy year for GB42 after a second foal was born with genes from all three stocks.

What does this mean for you? More destinations to travel to and explore at the ease of your fingertips! CapeNature is making local travel an easier with the latest update to our visitor mobile app!

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa concluded with impressive momentum, reflecting a 53% increase in attendees, indicating robust growth in African tourism.

CapeNature’s Bird Island Nature Reserve in Lambert’s Bay, known for its stunning seafront vistas and diverse birdlife, recently hosted unexpected visitors that sent bird enthusiasts into a frenzy. In a rare sighting, four Australasian Gannets and two Brown Boobies made a surprise visit to the island.

It is widely known that South Africa, and in particular the Western Cape, suffers from water scarcity. This reality underscores the critical need to prioritise the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and their catchments to ensure a sustainable supply of water for both biodiversity and human consumption. The provision of water is categorised as one of the ecosystem services offered by natural freshwater ecosystems.

In honour of tourist guides, CapeNature and the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) would like to recognise the important role tour guides play within the tourism industry in the province and beyond.