The Western Cape has added over 20 new nature reserves to its Protected Area network, securing more than 81 715 hectares of ecologically significant land for long-term conservation. Declared between April 2025 and March 2026, these new reserves strengthen the province’s efforts to protect important landscapes, species, and vegetation types.
The reserves span diverse regions, including the Cederberg, Agulhas Plain, Little Karoo, and Garden Route, and range from small properties to expansive mountain and lowland areas. Through CapeNature’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, landowners can voluntarily commit to having their land formally declared as a Protected Area and nature reserve.
Each declaration contributes to the province’s long-term environmental commitments and supports efforts aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework 30x30 goals – an initiative aimed at formally protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.
"The Cape Floristic Region is one of 36 recognised global biodiversity hotspots. These hotspots are regions that have high levels of biodiversity, but that are also the most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth. Healthy and resilient ecosystems are essential to sustain livelihoods and economic growth and must be actively protected, managed, and restored. Our ability to declare these additional reserves is made possible through partner organisations and landowners, working with CapeNature," said
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said the declarations are made possible thanks to landowners who work alongside conservation agencies and the Western Cape Government.
"Their commitment ensures that important natural areas receive formal protection, and together we are taking steps toward securing a healthier, more resilient environment for decades to come".
Most of these reserves are privately owned, while Anysberg Nature Reserve and Knersvlakte Nature Reserve are managed by CapeNature and have been expanded. Public access will be determined in line with land-use and conservation requirements. For information on visiting privately managed reserves, the public is advised to contact the respective reserve directly.
If you are a landowner interested in making a difference for conservation in the Western Cape, reach out to CapeNature’s Stewardship Team at [email protected] to begin the process of formally protecting your property today.
Summary of newly declared Nature Reserves
Anysberg Nature Reserve (expansion) 6 918.3081 ha
Bloutoring Nature Reserve 4 610.8996 ha
Buffalo Valley Nature Reserve 318.3445 ha
Cedar Rock Nature Reserve 9 872.7000 ha
Cederberg Oasis Nature Reserve 226.664 ha
Diosma Nature Reserve 10.7664 ha
Doringkloof Karoo Plaas Nature Reserve 209.2027 ha
Franco Three Fountains 21.4250 ha
Fynbosstrand Nature Reserve 425.6964 ha
Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve 3 658.0296 ha
Haarwegskloof 547.7954 ha
Kleiheuwel Nature Reserve 2 724.5000 ha
Knersvlakte Nature Reserve (expansion) 34 084.3925 ha
Koopmanskloof Nature Reserve 65.5074 ha
Lettas Kraal Nature Reserve 6 922.6114 ha
Machaseh Nature Reserve 844.8371 ha
Mount David Nature Reserve 713.0000 ha
Pietersrivier Nature Reserve 1 151.2790 ha
Puntjie Nature Reserve 102.1145 ha
Silflay Renosterveld Nature Reserve 1 280.6129 ha
Voorstekop Nature Reserve 347.9000 ha
Waterkloof Nature Reserve 2 062.9245 ha
Wilderness 643.6419 ha
Zebraskop Nature Reserve 3 952.2036 ha
TOTAL AREA 81715.3565 hectares
The reserves span diverse regions, including the Cederberg, Agulhas Plain, Little Karoo, and Garden Route, and range from small properties to expansive mountain and lowland areas. Through CapeNature’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme, landowners can voluntarily commit to having their land formally declared as a Protected Area and nature reserve.
Each declaration contributes to the province’s long-term environmental commitments and supports efforts aligned with the Global Biodiversity Framework 30x30 goals – an initiative aimed at formally protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030.
"The Cape Floristic Region is one of 36 recognised global biodiversity hotspots. These hotspots are regions that have high levels of biodiversity, but that are also the most threatened reservoirs of plant and animal life on earth. Healthy and resilient ecosystems are essential to sustain livelihoods and economic growth and must be actively protected, managed, and restored. Our ability to declare these additional reserves is made possible through partner organisations and landowners, working with CapeNature," said
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, said the declarations are made possible thanks to landowners who work alongside conservation agencies and the Western Cape Government.
"Their commitment ensures that important natural areas receive formal protection, and together we are taking steps toward securing a healthier, more resilient environment for decades to come".
Most of these reserves are privately owned, while Anysberg Nature Reserve and Knersvlakte Nature Reserve are managed by CapeNature and have been expanded. Public access will be determined in line with land-use and conservation requirements. For information on visiting privately managed reserves, the public is advised to contact the respective reserve directly.
If you are a landowner interested in making a difference for conservation in the Western Cape, reach out to CapeNature’s Stewardship Team at [email protected] to begin the process of formally protecting your property today.
Summary of newly declared Nature Reserves
Anysberg Nature Reserve (expansion) 6 918.3081 ha
Bloutoring Nature Reserve 4 610.8996 ha
Buffalo Valley Nature Reserve 318.3445 ha
Cedar Rock Nature Reserve 9 872.7000 ha
Cederberg Oasis Nature Reserve 226.664 ha
Diosma Nature Reserve 10.7664 ha
Doringkloof Karoo Plaas Nature Reserve 209.2027 ha
Franco Three Fountains 21.4250 ha
Fynbosstrand Nature Reserve 425.6964 ha
Gecko Rock Private Nature Reserve 3 658.0296 ha
Haarwegskloof 547.7954 ha
Kleiheuwel Nature Reserve 2 724.5000 ha
Knersvlakte Nature Reserve (expansion) 34 084.3925 ha
Koopmanskloof Nature Reserve 65.5074 ha
Lettas Kraal Nature Reserve 6 922.6114 ha
Machaseh Nature Reserve 844.8371 ha
Mount David Nature Reserve 713.0000 ha
Pietersrivier Nature Reserve 1 151.2790 ha
Puntjie Nature Reserve 102.1145 ha
Silflay Renosterveld Nature Reserve 1 280.6129 ha
Voorstekop Nature Reserve 347.9000 ha
Waterkloof Nature Reserve 2 062.9245 ha
Wilderness 643.6419 ha
Zebraskop Nature Reserve 3 952.2036 ha
TOTAL AREA 81715.3565 hectares