CapeNature Announces Phased Reopening Of Its Reserves
Calling all nature and hiking enthusiasts! The time we’ve all eagerly been waiting for has finally arrived! South Africa and the city of Cape Town moved from Lockdown Alert Level 4 to Lockdown Alert Level 3 on 1 June 2020. This was followed by an announcement from the Minister of Tourism that hiking and fishing activity will be allowed at this level. To further add to the excitement, CapeNature has announced the phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape from Friday, 12 June 2020 following the easing of the National Lockdown regulations.
As curbing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of all visitors and staff remains top priority, Mr. Sheraaz Ismail, acting CapeNature Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement:
“Staff are working diligently to ensure that the respective reserves are compliant and ready to welcome visitors to our reserves. All regulations relating to social distancing, health protocols, movement and the prohibition of groups and gatherings will apply accordingly.”
– Mr. Sheraaz Ismail, acting CapeNature Chief Executive Officer
While the phased re-opening means that various CapeNature reserves and trails will be open to the public from Friday, 12 June 2020, there will be a daily limit put in place for each trail. Once full capacity is reached, no further hiking permits will be issued for that trail on that day.
The following CapeNature reserves and trails will be open to the public from Friday, 12 June 2020:
NAME OF RESERVE | TRAILS OPEN | TOTAL CAPACITY | TICKET OFFICE |
De Hoop Nature Reserve | 1. Potberg – a 10km (4 hour) linear route 2. Walk Activity | 50 70 | CapeNature website – online |
De Mond Nature Reserve | 1. Sterna – an easy 7km (3 hour) circular route 2. De Mond to Arniston – unidirectional coastal trek (4 hours) | 50 50 | CapeNature website – online |
Walker Bay Nature Reserve | N/A | 100 | CapeNature website – online |
Robberg Nature Reserve | 1. Gap circuit – a short 2.1km, 30 minute stroll 2. Witsand Circuit – a 5.5km (2 hour) hike 3. Point Circuit – a 9.2 km (4 hour) hike | 40 40 40 | CapeNature website – online |
Outeniqua Nature Reserve | 1. Pass-to-Pass – an easy 4.7km (3 hour) route 2. Kouma – 2 – 3 hour walk | 30 30 | CapeNature website – online |
Limietberg Nature Reserve | 1. Bobbejaansrivier – a moderate 8km (6 hour) out-and-back route 2. Happy Valley – an easy 9km family route (6kms) 3. Rockhopper – an 8km (6 hour) moderate-to-difficult linear trail | 50 50 50 | CapeNature website – online |
Hottentots Holland | Palmiet Trail, 6km (2 hour) route | 20 | CapeNature website – online |
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve | Tweede Waterval, an easy 6.4km out-and-back route | 30 | CapeNature website – online |
Keurbooms Nature Reserve | N/A | 100 | CapeNature website – online |
Cederberg Nature Reserve (Algeria) | 1. Skeurkrans a circular hike (4 – 6 hours) 2. Wolfberg Arch – an out-and-back hike (7-8 hours) 3. Maltese Cross – out-and-back hike (3 hours) | 50 50 50 | 1. CapeNature website – online 2/3. This is on private land and a permit is available from Dwarsrivier |
You can access the full list of CapeNature reserves and trails here.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
To ensure that stringent health, hygiene and safety protocols are upheld, all visitors entering a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process which includes the mandatory completion of a 4-step check-in process.
Visitors will need to comply with the following guidelines prior to gaining access:
- Face masks should be worn at all times – NO MASK = NO ENTRY!
- Disinfection of hands with sanitiser provided.
- Scanning of body temperature. This process will be conducted in an unobtrusive manner with the highest regard for personal space, comfort, and safety of all parties.
- Recording of visitor information as part of the Visitor Access Registration.
Additional guidelines and regulations include:
- Reserves that have no controlled entrance gate access, it is of utmost importance that all hiking and outdoor pursuits be done in strict compliance with existing guidelines and Alert Level 3 Lockdown regulations. Hikers and visitors will need to ensure that social distancing (maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres) and health protocols are adhered to at all times.
- No organised groups will be allowed access to the trails, visitors are encouraged to hike in pairs.
- No overnight hiking, picnicking, camping or overnight stays will be allowed.
- All fishing, including recreational fishing, will be permitted with the exception of charter fishing.
- All anglers and hikers must ensure that they have a valid permit. Any member of the public that is found without a valid hiking or fishing permit will be issued with a fine.
- To book your hiking permit call 087 087 8250 | To book your fishing permit, read more here or call 087 087 9262
PERMITS & BOOKINGS
Visitor health and safety is CapeNature’s top priority. This has called for a fundamental shift in operations. To ensure that these regulations are upheld and to further aid in curbing the spread of COVID-19, no hiking or fishing permits will be sold at the CapeNature entrance gates. Permits will only be available for purchase online and via the Contact Centre under Alert Level 3 conditions. Wild Card members will also need to register for a permit online, however no additional fees will be charged.
Bookings for educational eco-venues and overnight accommodation bookings will remain closed. The CapeNature online booking portal is however open for future bookings. For more information regarding CapeNature’s full COVID-19 Booking terms and conditions, visit the CapeNature website here.
If you require any additional information or have any further questions regarding CapeNature’s phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape as well as its operations during Alert Level 3 Lockdown regulations, a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found here.