Natural wonders keep visitors flocking to W Cape

THE unmatched scenic and natural beauty of the Western Cape is a key pillar of our growing tourism economy. The combination of our province's warm hospitality, world class attractions and facilities, and the colourful and unique cultural and gastronomical experiences make it an appealing holiday destination for both local and international visitors alike.

- ANTON BREDELL

The Provincial Departments, Wesgro, the City of Cape Town, the South African National Parks and the provincial conservation entity – CapeNature – all contribute to maintaining a basket of enticing and sustainable offerings. By no means are things perfect, but if the proof is in the eating or feet walking towards us rather than away - then these efforts are, at the very least, heading in the right direction.

Through the peak summer season in December 2024 and January 2025, there was a tremendous influx of visitors to CapeNature-managed provincial reserves, with over 146 550 overnight and day visitors passing through many reserve gates.

Robberg Nature Reserve, also a World Heritage Site, in Plettenberg Bay, saw a remarkable 50% increase in day visitors compared to the same period the previous year, with problems arriving in droves to take on the spectacular hiking trails and marvel at the scenic vistas.

Stony Point Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area had a significant 28% increase in day visitors, thanks in large part to the popular African penguin colony that calls this little piece of Betty's Bay home. The joint efforts of CapeNature, the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCOB) and the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa (WWF-SA) are an example of the power that collaborative efforts between public and private organisations can have in helping to protect this now Critically Endangered species.