September is Heritage Month and from 20 to 26 September 2025, you can explore some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful reserves for free as CapeNature opens its gates once again for the 11th annual Access Week.
Whether you’re craving a hike through fynbos, a picnic under mountain skies, or a quiet walk along the coast, this is your chance to reconnect with the Cape's wild spaces.
Where can you go:
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West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan
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Winelands: Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Assegaaibosch (picnic area), Vrolijkheid, Limietberg (hiking only)
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Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay, Geelkrans, Stony Point
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Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Outeniqua
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Karoo: Swartberg, Gamkaberg, Anysberg
The free access covers day visitor conservation fees, including hiking, mountain biking, and picnicking, but excludes overnight stays and the Whale Trail.
What you need to know for CapeNature Access Week:
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Dates: 20–26 September 2025
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Free access during regular operating hours
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First-come, first-served - check reserve updates before heading out
Beyond the free entry, CapeNature is also hosting guided community programmes that go deeper than a walk in the park. It includes restorative, educational experiences designed to foster long-term connections with the environment. They'll also be doing 11 days of giveaways across their social media platforms.
Time Out Tip: No booking needed - arrive early, as daily numbers are capped.
Don't miss SANParks free entry!
Heritage Month bonus: In addition to CapeNature’s Access Week, South African National Parks (SANParks) Week also runs 22–26 September 2025, with some parks extending free entry into the weekend (27–28 September). The offer applies to day visits only (no accommodation or paid activities).
In the Cape, you can explore for free at:
- Agulhas National Park: 22–28 Sept
- Bontebok National Park: 22–28 Sept
- Table Mountain National Park: 22–25 Sept (excludes Boulders Penguin Colony and the Table Mountain Cableway)
- Tankwa Karoo National Park: 22–28 Sept
- West Coast National Park: 22–26 Sept
That means you’ve got even more reasons to head outdoors this September.
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