Anyone who’s been to Cape Point over the years will be able to attest to the fact that this is one of the most pristine regions in the world. And when you consider more than 900,000 thousand visitors pass through the gates at Cape Point Nature Reserve each year, it’s an impressive feat that the region is as undisturbed and immaculate as it is. The passionate Cape Point staff and SANParks rangers work around the clock to ensure that it stays this way, but you can also do your bit to help out.
The most important thing to remember when you visit Cape Point is that you’re surrounded by a very unique and fragile ecosystem. Once you pass through the gates at the entrance to the nature reserve, many of the plant and animals species you will come across are rare and endangered.
Use common sense about what may have an impact on your surroundings, and chances are your presence won’t leave an impact.
The ocean is a very long way down from the cliffs of Cape Point
Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Braais and fires are allowed at Cape Point, but only in the designated fire or braais places at Buffelsbay and Bordjiesrif.
- Please do not deface rocks, walls and signs with graffiti.
- Speed limits on the main road 60kph and 40kph on side roads. There is free-roaming wildlife across the reserve – driving at the speed limit will not only ensure your and the animal’s safety, but will also expose you to a variety of plant and animal life you might otherwise have missed.
- Please take all your litter away with you.
- Don’t climb over guard rails and walls. There are many blind drops to the ocean below, and venturing off the marked trails is extremely dangerous.
- Stay on the trails – venturing overland by foot causes great damage to plant and animal life, and plays a significant role in soil erosion.
- Don’t feed the baboons. They are fascinating creatures to watch, but feeding them puts both you and future visitors at risk. Baboons, especially those who have grown acclimatised to humans, can be dangerous – rather appreciate them from a distance!
- Don’t take any plant or animal life with you. This is a serious offence in all South African National Parks, and unless you have an official license you are not permitted to remove any plant, animal or marine life from the reserve.
- Fires are a real and imminent danger at Cape Point, particularly in the warm, dry summer months. Smoke only in demarcated areas, and in particular avoid smoking amongst the highly flammable fynbos.
- Report any illegal fires or smoke to the TMNP emergency number: 0861106417.
As Flickr user Andy Carter points out, “Same applies to people”!
If everyone who visits Cape Point puts in a little effort and follows these guidelines, we can ensure that this spectacular little corner of Africa remains untouched for all of our future generations to come!