Selected nature reserves managed by the City of Cape Town will adopt cashless payment systems from February 1.
The list includes the Witzands Aquifer (for permitted activities), Tygerberg, Table Bay, Helderberg and Blaauwberg nature reserves. Entry fees for these reserves range between R15 (€0.77) and R28 (€1.44) while other city reserves remain free of charge.
The move to cashless payments aligns with global trends in biodiversity tourism and aims to enhance safety for staff and visitors by reducing on-site cash handling.
Eddie Andrews, Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, noted the benefits of the change: “This decision prioritises the safety and security of everyone at our nature reserves. Many biodiversity tourism destinations, such as Cape Point, have already successfully implemented similar measures.”
Accepted payment methods will include digital cards (credit and debit) and contactless tap-to-pay options.
Pedestrian entry to the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve remains free for hiking, walking and picnics.
