Grab your phone, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore Cape Town's rich natural heritage: the City Nature Challenge 2025 kicks off today (Friday, April 25), and for one long weekend, entry to all 16 City-run nature reserves is completely free. That's a day out at Rondevlei, Helderberg, or Rietvlei for nothing ! Mahala !
Now in its 10th year, the global City Nature Challenge is a friendly competition among over 2000 cities worldwide, each vying to document as much local biodiversity as possible using the free iNaturalist app.
The theme for the 2025 Challenge is 'Bring the Globe Together for Biodiversity' and invites everyone – from seasoned twitchers to first-time nature lovers – to snap, upload, and contribute to a global snapshot of urban wildlife.
"This challenge is about documenting the wildlife in our city," said Alderman Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment. "Capetonians are spoiled for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas. Access to the City's nature reserves will be free from 25 April until 28 April 2025 for those taking part in the challenge."
Getting involved is as easy as taking a photo of any wild plant or animal (your pet dog or cat doesn't count) and uploading it to the iNaturalist app. You'll need a smartphone (or a camera connected to the internet), GPS switched on, and an eye for nature's finest. The iNaturalist app is available for download on Android or iOS, and updates will roll out leading up to the challenge weekend.
Schools, universities, and social groups are also encouraged to use the event as an outdoor learning opportunity in nearby parks, backyards, or local green spaces.
Last year, Cape Town recorded over 42,000 wildlife sightings as part of the global tally of 2.4 million across 690 cities in 51 countries.
"I encourage residents to put on their citizen scientist caps and to go out there to show off our local biodiversity to the world," says Andrews.
To plan your nature challenge, you can view the full list of City-run nature reserves over here. Just remember that activity permit fees will still apply for special activities such as 4x4 trails and sandboarding.
Feeling adventurous? Try one of our Best Day Hikes in Cape Town!