The City of Cape Town is inviting residents to explore its natural heritage with free entry to several nature reserves from September 24 to 27. This offer applies to the Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay, and Tygerberg nature reserves, which usually charge entrance fees. The free-entry period coincides with Heritage Day weekend, a time when South Africans celebrate their cultural heritage.
In addition to the four paid nature reserves, the City manages a network of nature reserves and conservation areas that residents can visit free of charge. These areas protect Cape Town's biodiversity and provide spaces for walking, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking, and other nature-based activities. Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, encouraged Capetonians to visit their local nature reserve or discover a new one.
Alderman Andrews emphasized that the nature reserves protect extraordinary landscapes and biodiversity, and are also places for residents to experience and enjoy. He invited residents to take a walk in nature, enjoy a family picnic, go birdwatching, or simply spend time outdoors during the Heritage Day weekend. The City's conservation network includes several nature reserves across Cape Town.
Some of the nature reserves that residents can visit for free include the coastline at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, the wetlands at Zandvlei, False Bay, or Table Bay nature reserves, and the Schapenberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West. The City has provided a list of nature reserves and their locations, making it easier for residents to plan their visits.
The list of nature reserves includes Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve, Botterblom Nature Reserve, Bracken Nature Reserve, Durbanville Nature Reserve, Edith Stephens Nature Reserve, False Bay Nature Reserve, Harmony Flats Nature Reserve, Helderberg Nature Reserve, Paardevlei Nature Reserve, Schapenberg Nature Reserve, Steenbras Nature Reserve, Table Bay Nature Reserve, Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve, Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, Wolfgat Nature Reserve, and Zandvlei Nature Reserve.
While residents are urged to take advantage of the free entry offer, normal charges still apply to other permitted recreational activities at the reserves, such as water sports. The City encourages residents to make use of this opportunity to explore and appreciate Cape Town's natural heritage.
The free-entry offer is part of the City's efforts to celebrate Heritage Month and promote appreciation for the city's natural heritage. Residents can visit the nature reserves from September 24 to 27 to experience the beauty and diversity of Cape Town's natural environment.
Key points
- The City of Cape Town offers free entry to several nature reserves from September 24-27 for Heritage Day weekend.
- The free-entry offer applies to the Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay, and Tygerberg nature reserves.
- The City manages a network of nature reserves and conservation areas that residents can visit free of charge.
