Nature’s Hotspots at CapeNature’s Reserves
Here’s a bit of insider knowledge to get your summer in the Cape off to a stellar start.
CapeNature has 24 reserves around the Western Cape where you can chill out and enjoy summer to the full.
This summer, escape the crowds by getting back to nature. You can hike in unspoilt valleys, mountain bike along picturesque trails, kayak down winding rivers and take a dip in cool rock pools. From the Boland’s majestic mountains and the West Coast’s wetlands to the golden beaches of the Garden Route and the open plains of the Karoo, there are several idyllic spots to choose from.
What’s more, CapeNature is part of the Wild Card, a conservation programme that enables you to spend more time in protected areas and at the same time help preserve our natural heritage.
With a Wild Card you get free access for a year, so you can afford to visit whenever you feel like it. Start your day with an energising walk, pop in for a picnic or treat your family to some time away.
Do something new this summer and visit a CapeNature reserve to try one of these activities:
Swim wild
What could be more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than swimming in a mountain stream? The Cederberg’s Rondegat River winds past Algeria campsite and is a perfect spot for getting wet. River water is silky on the skin and gentle on the eyes. The Rondegat River is home to endemic species such as Clanwilliam yellowfish, collectively known as fynbos fish.
Take a forest walk
Escaped to the hushed cool of Grootvadersbosch in the heat of the day. This indigenous forest northwest of Heidelberg is a fairytale realm of towering ironwood, yellowwood, stinkwood and red alder trees. It is utterly relaxing to walk in the dappled light and listen to the forest sounds, but keen birders might want to make time to visit the treehouse too.
Peek into rock pools
It’s easy to lose yourself in the underwater wonder world of rock pools, where brightly coloured sea urchins hug the rocks and little klipfish dart to and fro. Waenhuiskrans (Arniston) near Bredasdorp has a pristine stretch of coast with plenty of rock pools to explore.
Ride dirt roads
The Kogelberg Biosphere is a wildly beautiful place of rugged mountains and delicate fynbos with the bronze ribbon of the Palmiet River winding through it all. You can follow the river on your mountain bike for 22 kilometres and enjoy a cooling dip in a crystal pool at the end of it.
Paddle away
From a sit-in canoe you get a new view on the lushly green Garden Route. Birds flit between the foliage and a soft ‘plop’ might reveal a Cape clawless otter. Goukamma Nature Reserve near Wilderness has canoes for hire and it is an easy paddle to follow the river 10 kilometres upstream. The recently renovated rondavels and lodge have breathtaking views of the river and coastline.
Spot summer’s visitors
Every year thousands of birds head south to overwinter on our sunny shores. Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Elandsbaai on the West Coast is a great place to view ducks, teals and shovellers. Elegant flamingoes are also often seen wading along the shore. Rocherpan has two bird hides and attractive new eco-cabins where you can spend the night.
Put your 4×4 through its paces
The view from Oukraal in the Gamkaberg Nature Reserve is across mountain peaks that fade away in the distance. Here you feel like you are on top of the world, there’s no one else in sight. The only way to get here is by 4×4 on the Zebra Crossing route. If rustic camping appeals to you, then you can even spend the night at Oukraal.
For more information visit CapeNature or call 021-483-0190 to make your booking.
You can purchase a Wild Card from the CapeNature head office and the offices in George and Porterville, as well as from these reserves: Cederberg, Jonkershoek, Kogelberg, Rocherpan, Swartberg and Walker Bay. Contact the head office on 021-483-0000 for more information.
For your convenience, there’s also a special call centre to deal with your Wild Card queries. Contact 0861 GO WILD (0861-46-9453) with your membership questions.
Further details available from Magriet Kruger at Tip Publishing on 021-448-5425 or email.
More info on the town of Clanwilliam | More info on the Cederberg Region |
Get your Wild CardIf you enjoy Southern African wildlife and visiting our many parks reserves, this is the best investment you can make. To read more about the Wild Card’s benefits, or to get yours, visit www.wildcard.co.za |