Cape Town opens four nature reserves free for Heritage weekend, 24–27 September
Four City of Cape Town nature reserves that normally charge entry are free to enter from Thursday 24 September through Sunday 27 September 2026 for the Heritage weekend.
Cape Town has opened four of its normally fee-charging nature reserves for free entry over the Heritage weekend, from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 27 September 2026. The City says the offer applies to Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay and Tygerberg nature reserves.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to spend time in Cape Town's protected natural areas during Heritage weekend. The City highlights walking and hiking, spring flowers, birdwatching and picnics as some of the activities people can enjoy across the reserve network.
The four reserves with free entry
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve — access via Eerste Steen Resort on Otto du Plessis Drive (M14), north of Bloubergstrand.
- Helderberg Nature Reserve — Verster Avenue, Somerset West, on the slopes of the Helderberg.
- Table Bay Nature Reserve — the City's release points visitors to the Rietvlei section at the southern end of Grey Avenue, Table View.
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve — Totius Street, Welgemoed, with broad views across the Cape Town metropolitan area.
When the free-entry period runs
The free-entry period begins on Thursday 24 September and runs through Sunday 27 September 2026. It is a limited Heritage weekend promotion rather than a permanent change to reserve fees.
If you are planning a specific hike, picnic or family visit, check the City's current reserve information and operating conditions before travelling. Individual reserves can have different gate times, trail conditions, parking arrangements or temporary access restrictions.
What is not necessarily free
The City's announcement is specifically about entry fees. It says normal charges still apply to other permitted recreational activities, including activities such as water sports where separate fees or permits normally apply. Free entry therefore does not mean that every optional activity or service inside a reserve is free.
Planning a Heritage weekend visit
For residents, the promotion creates a low-cost outdoor option during the long weekend. For travellers, it is a chance to see parts of Cape Town's biodiversity beyond the usual Table Mountain and Cape Point circuit. Spring conditions can also make the reserves particularly attractive for flowers and birdlife.
Bring water, sun protection and suitable footwear, and stay on marked routes. Weather can change quickly around the Cape, so check conditions before setting out and follow reserve staff instructions on the day.
Source and date check
This story was checked on 24 September 2026 against the City of Cape Town's official 21 September announcement. The City names the four participating reserves, confirms the 24–27 September free-entry period and notes that normal charges remain for other permitted recreational activities.