Managed by CapeNature, the little known De Mond Nature Reserve lies along the southern Cape coastline almost halfway between Arniston and Struisbaai. The Heuningness River that bisects the reserve widens here before entering the sea, forming a tranquil lagoon that is popular with fishermen and
Fire season is on hand, as has just been witnessed by the fires that have been raging across the peninsula from Signal Hill through to Fish Hoek. While these fires are devastating and place human life and property at risk, it must be remembered that
Probably best known for the vast numbers of Southern Right Whales that come to calve and mate within its protected waters De Hoop Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area is considered one of the flagship nature reserves of CapeNature. From the tops of the expansive
The only remaining colony of Cape Vultures in the Western Cape is situated in the Potberg Mountain of De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the colony roosts and nests in a deeply incised gorge. They have managed to climb back from an all time low of
The renosterveld is one of the richest ecosystems in the world, home to an extraordinary diversity of bulbous plants. Unfortunately, because its shale-derived soils are so fertile, it was also where most of the Cape’s burgeoning agricultural sector developed, with monocultural crops like wheat, barley,
Still one of my all-time favourites, this quick run/hike gets the blood pumping in minutes with a steep ascent to the top, where you are rewarded with some of the most spectacular 360 degree views in the country. You can either start at the toll booth
Often overlooked in the awe and wonder that the terrestrial species evoke is the equally remarkable and spectacular marine biodiversity that surrounds the Table Mountain chain. This is because two ocean current systems meet and merge off its southern tip – the cold Benguela current in
While its plants have, understandably, commanded most attention, the Fynbos region also contains several categories of the animal kingdom that are equally significant in global biodiversity terms. Because of its nutrient-poor soils, fynbos supports few big mammals, and its bird-life is not particularly spectacular, with just
My husband and I have never been routine people, we like to get out and explore different places (preferably mountains) every weekend – we love trying new things, experiencing new places and meeting exciting new people. But, to be honest, recently we have found ourselves
Insects, birds and mammals are crucial pollinators of fynbos plants! Recent studies have shown that these plants will go to extreme lengths to attract the attention of pollinators and this is particularly apparent amongst the geophytes that bloom just after fire when pollinators are particularly