Cape Town To Go Cashless At Popular Nature Reserves

Big changes are coming for nature lovers in Cape Town! From 1 February 2025, several of the citys most beloved nature reserves will be making the shift to cashless payments at their entrance gates, Cape town Etc reports.

The Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve for permitted activities, Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Table Bay Nature Reserve, Helderberg Nature Reserve, and Blaauwberg Nature Reserve will now only accept digital payments, including credit and debit cards, as well as tap-to-pay options.

Entrance fees at these stunning reserves will range from R15 to R28, while residents can continue to enjoy free access to the rest of Cape Town's City-managed nature spaces. It's a seamless change aimed at making visits even more convenient and secure.

According to Alderman Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, the move is all about improving safety for both visitors and staff. We have made the decision in the interest of the safety and security of staff and visitors who will no longer need to handle cash on the Nature Reserve premises, he said. This is in line with many other biodiversity tourism options, such as Cape Point, in Cape Town and around the world.

This cashless initiative reflects the citys commitment to making its nature reserves more accessible and modern, while ensuring the safety and convenience of everyone involved. I encourage all our residents to visit the many City Nature Reserves and conservation areas in Cape Town, some of which I am sure many are still not aware of. These spaces offer a refreshing break from the hustle of our city lives and are right on your doorstep, Andrews added.