CapeNature will begin a phased reopening of its reserves across the Western Cape this week, starting on Friday June 12. This follows the easing of the national lockdown regulations to Alert Level 3 to allow hiking and fishing activity.
“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,” said Sheraaz Ismail, acting CapeNature Chief Executive Officer.
Reserves will be open to the public from Friday, June 12. Visitors are urged to take into consideration the daily limit allowed on each trail. Once capacity is reached, no more hiking permits may be issued for that trail on that day.
All visitors entering at a controlled CapeNature reserve entrance gate will be subjected to a screening process and various guidelines will apply, including the mandatory completion of a 4-step check-in process. Visitors will need to comply with the following prior to being allowed entry:
– Wearing of face masks
– Disinfection of hands with sanitiser provided
– Scanning of body temperature. This will be unobtrusive with high regard for personal space and comfort
– Recording of visitor information as part of the Visitor Access Registration
For those reserves where there is no controlled entrance gate access, hikers will need to ensure that social distancing and health protocols are followed. No organised groups will be allowed access to the trails, but visitors are encouraged to hike in pairs.
No picnicking, overnight hiking, camping or overnight stays will be allowed. All fishing, including recreational fishing, will be permitted with the exception of charter fishing. Anglers and hikers must ensure that they have a valid permit and any member of the public found without a hiking or fishing permit, will be issued with a fine. Please be aware that visitor limits may apply at selected reserves.
To book your hiking permit, call 087 087 8250
To book your fishing permit, read more here or call 087 087 9262
Bookings for tourism facilities
Visitor safety is CapeNature’s key priority and the COVID pandemic has therefore led to a fundamental shift in how they do things. Permits will not be sold at the CapeNature entrance gates. The entity will continue to only sell permits online and via the Contact Centre, under Alert Level 3 conditions. Wild card members will need to register for a permit online but will pay no additional fees. Bookings for the educational eco-venues and overnight accommodation bookings are still closed but the CapeNature online booking portal is open for future bookings.
For a full list of reserves and trails that will be open to the public from Friday, 12 June 2020, click here.
CapeNature’s full COVID-19 Booking terms and conditions is available on the CapeNature website here.
Picture: Instagram/CapeNature
