Cape Nature is the guardian of biodiversity in the Western Cape. It is their vision to establish a "conservation economy" in the province, which is embraced by all citizens of the Western Cape. CapeNature manages 29 nature reserves, a number of wilderness areas and a biosphere reserve throughout the province. These reserves are accessible to the public and offer day visitors and overnight visitors opportunities for angling, hiking, mountain biking, kloofing and many more outdoor activities.
The Hessequa Municipality (formerly Langeberg) incorporates the coastal and inland towns of Riversdale, Witsand, Heidelberg, Gouritsmond, Still Bay and Albertinia. The Hessequa forms part of the World Heritage Site Floral Kingdom and its unique diversity lies in its mountain, sea and river landscape. The region has mastered the art of combining peaceful living amid a modern infrastructure. With more than 100km of pristine coastline, the area explodes with holidaymakers during spring and summer. The mild climate makes Hessequa the perfect year-round destination away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Cape Agulhas Municipality is the southern most local authority on the African continent and includes towns like Bredasdorp, Waenhuiskrans/Arniston, Elim, L'Agulhas and Napier. The area boasts the Agulhas National Park as well as De Hoop Nature Reserve with its world famous Whale Trail. In Bredasdorp you will find the Shipwreck Museum and, thanks to tireless conservation efforts, you will see scores of blue cranes while driving through the country side. Whale watching is an absolute must see during winter months.
SANParks are tasked by the South African national government to develope and manage a system of national parks that represents the biodiversity, landscapes, and associated heritage assets of South Africa for the sustainable use and benefit of all. The Agulhas National Park is one of the newest additions to the 19 National Parks under control of SANParks. It encompasses the most southern tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, the remains of ancient Khoisan fish traps, the historic Cape Agulhas lighthouse and the Agulhas Plain with its unique limestone fynbos.
The Nona Rosa Bush Camp is a little gem of a private camp site, tucked away on the banks of the Slangrivier, more or less halfway between Witsand and Heidelberg. The Nona Rosa Bush Camp is the kind of place where the human battery can be recharged. Its location makes it an ideal weekend breakaway where you can hike, mountain bike and swim in rock pools during the day and soak up the starry skies at night.
The Nuwejaars River Nature Reserve consists of a mosaic of isolated patches of high potential agricultural land separated by stretches of rare and endemic lowland fynbos and wetlands on the northern boundary of the Agulhas National Park. This newly established special management area is the culmination of four years of joint planning by 20 landowners on the Agulhas Plain, including the Elim Community, and Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative. The aim is to ensure sustainable development and biodiversity conservation within the defined zones, with the ultimate vision of establishing a new protected area while providing benefits for all the inhabitants of the region.
Beloftebos
Beloftebos was voted as one of the Top Five Most Outrageous Chapels in South Africa by the Wedding Collection Magazine in 2008. The "chapel" is formed by the green canopy of the giant age-old oak trees on the banks of the Paardeberg River. Your hosts, Andries and Coia de Villiers, made sure that this picture perfect setting, with its relaxed ambiance, has created many unforgettable wedding memories. Beloftebos also boasts the nearby Light Cottage and Op-die-Werf Cottage for guest accommodation.
