CapeNature Reserves
CapeNature announced the phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape following the easing of the national lockdown regulations to Alert Level 3 to allow hiking and fishing activity. Check the full list of reserves and trails that are currently open to the public here: https://bit.ly/37TURC5 Please take into consideration the daily limit allowed on each trail and the compulsory safety guidelines to be followed.
South African National Parks
SANParks announced that only its open-access national parks namely Golden Gate Highlands-, parts of Garden Route- and Table Mountain National Park with the exception of Boulders Beach and Cape Point will allow access to visitors from Monday, 1 June 2020. The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is yet to release a statement in due course regarding the opening of the other parks.
Table Mountain National Park:
Newlands Forest, Tokai Forest and the rest of Table Mountain’s trails are open, while Lion’s Head, Boulders Beach, Silvermine Gate 1 and 2 and all picnic sites will remain closed. Note that Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are closed under Alert Level 3 and their facilities will not be available.
Table Mountain National Park trails accessible from these points:
- Tafelberg Road (near lower Aerial Cableway Station)
- Signal Hill (excl. Lion’s Head)
- Deer Park in Vredehoek
- Rhodes Memorial at Devil’s Peak
- Newlands Forest in Newlands
- Cecilia Forest in Constantia
- Constantia Nek in Constantia
- Tokai Forest in Tokai
- Boyes Drive along False Bay
- Chapman’s Peak Drive on Cape Peninsula
Garden Route National Park:
SANParks announced that only its open-access national parks, including parts of Garden Route National Park. For bookings and enquiries visit Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve | Franschhoek
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve will be open to hikers from Wednesday 3 June. Staff will be taking extra precautions and ask that visitors be respectful to them and to other hikers. The entrance fee can be paid using cash or the Masterpass app, although the contactless payment method is preferred.
Website: www.montrochellehiking.co.za/post/620066274564784128/rules-of-the-reserve-during-lockdown
Phillipskop Mountain Reserve | Stanford
It has been confirmed that from June 1st hiking is a permissible activity and we are thrilled to be able to open up our hiking trails again. So come and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having at the moment and stretch those legs. The reserve is perfect for all, whether a short walk to the cave or a longer trip round Phillipskop.
We have new procedures in place to minimise contact during COVID-19, so please do read our website for full details.
In particular, all day visitors must WhatsApp or SMS on arrival: name, no. of people, car registration, payment method to 073 621 1808. Payment can be made via cash in a box at reception or EFT. The reserve is open 8am-5pm. (No dogs. No group hiking.)
Website: www.phillipskop.co.za/activities/covid-19-hiking
Matroosberg Nature Reserve | Witzenberg
From Monday 1 June 2020, our reception office will be open daily from 8:00-13:00.
4x4 and hiking trails will be open. Strict screening will take place at reception, no groups allowed and social distancing WITH masks will be essential. Website: https://matroosberg.com
Groeneweide Farm | Gansbaai
Groeneweide has opened the farm for people to enjoy a peaceful and beautiful hiking trail with lots of fresh air and singing birds to keep you company.
Please Note:
Report at reception before starting a hike.
Dogs are welcome on leashes.
Follow all the regulations regarding level 3 hiking.
Website: www.groeneweide.co.za/nursery
Fernkloof, Kleinmond and Rooiels Nature Reserves | Hermanus
As per announcement by Overstrand Municipality: South Africa moved to level 3 lockdown on 1 June 2020. Under the Alert Level 3 Regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act that were signed on 28 May 2020, the Fernkloof, Kleinmond and Rooiels Nature Reserves as well as all other Open Space 1 areas are open for use for the purposes that it has been designated for.
Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve | Cederberg
While we may not yet reopen the Lodge for accommodation stays, the Nature Reserve will be open from Monday, the 08th of June, for day visitors: nature hiking, mountain-biking,4x4 routes AND a private, self-drive Rock Art Tour with one of our Rangers.
Website: www.kaggakamma.co.za
Trail’s End | Grabouw
Our trails are open! Pop in at Trail's End to buy a day permit or treat yourself to a year permit. Valid for trails around the Eilenhof dam, for running, cycling and hiking
Website: www.trailsend.bike
Paarl Adventure Trails | Paarl
The Paarl Adventure trail Network is a joint initiative between Drakenstein Municipality, Land Owners and Hero Adventure Trails. The custom-built trails traverse through a variety of terrain and boasts some spectacular features and views around the Paarl Mountain. The following trails are open during lockdown:
Hero Adventure Trails at Jan Kan www.facebook.com/HeroJanKan
Hero Adventure Trails at Spice Route www.facebook.com/HeroatSpiceroute
Hero Adventure Trails at Rhebokskloof www.facebook.com/HeroAdventurerhebokskloof
Landskroon Wines Trails www.landskroonwines.com
Blue Mountain Trail | Elgin Valley
As of 1 July 2020 we are back hiking! Think wide open spaces, views for miles, fresh Elgin air, and wine tastings to round it all off. And with our current route covering only private land, you'll feel like you have the mountains all to yourself. Email info@bluemountaintrail.co.za to make a booking or enquire.
Website: www.bluemountaintrail.co.za
Green Mountain Trail | Elgin Valley
We're thrilled to say that we'll be back to business as of 1 July 2020, which means:
More sunrises, More coffee on the mountain, More birdwatching, More flower admiring, More good conversation, More great company, More wine tastings, More views.
And with a maximum of 10 people per group in fresh countryside air, following our current route that covers only private land, you can feel at ease exploring the beautiful Elgin region with us. To book or find out more email info@greenmountaintrail.co.za
Website: https://greenmountaintrail.co.za
Constantia Green Belts | Cape Town
The Constantia Green Belts occupy a couple of areas throughout this leafy suburb. There are a number of trails where you can walk your dogs or do a run
Website: https://constantiavalley.com/constantia-green-belts
Trails at Meerendal Wine Estate | Cape Town
Big News for all Meerendal Visitors and Trail users. As of July 1st our trails will be reopening and some changes have been made to the Estate's usage, we kindly ask visitors to respect these changes and adhere to the signs. These include changes to opening times, trails and zones accessible to the public. We are excited to welcome you all back, for more information you can email us at info@meerendal.co.za
Website:https://meerendal.co.za
Pleasure ensure you adhere to all COVID-19 regulations and continue to check for updates / call ahead as the reserves may be closed due to adverse weather.
