This page brings together useful information relevant to the Western Cape towns, coast and natural areas. It includes permits, safety guidance, wildlife information, weather tools, and useful official resources that apply across multiple areas in the Western Cape. Both Colourdots guides and selected external references are listed.
Fishing and Angling
Recreational fishing in the Western Cape requires the correct permits.
- A DFFE recreational Fishing Permit is required for all sea fishing. Freshwater angling in inland public waters also requires an angling licence in terms of the Nature Conservation Ordinance.
- Guidelines for fishing permit applications
- Freshwater angling licence information
- Freshwater fishing in the Western Cape (illustrated guide)
- Ocean fishing on the Western Cape coast (illustrated guide)
- Practical guide to common Western Cape ocean fish
- Rules governing the capture and take of various species
Hunting
- Information on hunting licences and legal requirements in the Western Cape.
Travel and Road Trips
Practical information for visitors travelling in the Western Cape.
• Requirements for renting a car
• Road trips planning tips
• Advice for local and international travellers
Hiking
Safety guidance and permit information for hiking routes and nature reserves.
• Hiking in the Western Cape safety guidelines
CapeNature reservations: +27 (0)87 087 8250
reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Swimming Pools and Water Safety
Rules and safety guidance for public swimming pools and general water use.
Beaches and the Ocean
Information about beach conditions, safety and coastal activities.
• Blue Flag beaches and lifeguards
• Dog walking on beaches
• Western Cape tide times
• Scuba diving and marine wildlife information
- Guide to rock pools along the coast
- Illustrated guide to sea shells on the Western Cape coast and regulations for shell collecting.
Weather and Wind
Weather and wind conditions vary greatly across the Western Cape.
• Why Cape Town’s weather changes quickly
• Western Cape weather app
• Wind speed and wind direction forecast
Dog Walking
Code of conduct for dog walking in natural areas and public spaces.
Flora and Plants
Identification resources for fynbos and indigenous plants.
• Introduction to fynbos
• Western Cape wildflower identification app
• Illustrated guide to South African indigenous plants
Fauna and Wildlife
Identification and safety information for animals found in the Western Cape.
• Western Cape bird identification guide.
- Illustrated guide to Wildlife commonly encountered in urban areas, on beaches and on mountain hikes
• Common snakes found in the Western Cape and safety advice.
- Vets who treat snake bites
- Snake removal contact numbers
- Bee removals
- Western Cape Animal Keeping Bylaws
Parks and Reserves
Planning information for visits to national parks and reserves.
• Table Mountain National Park indemnity form
• Visiting Table Mountain
CapeNature head office 087 087 9262
Regional offices:
- George: (044) 802 5300
- Hermanus: (028) 316 3338
- Driftsands: (021) 955 5940
- Oudtshoorn: (044) 203 6300
- Porterville: (022) 931 2900/7
Wild Card Permit
Wild Card Membership provides annual access to many South African national parks and reserves.
My Green Card
SANParks’ My Green Card allows you 12 free entries at any of the Table Mountain National Park pay points within one year. Available to South African Cape Town residents from the SANParks Tokai Plantation Office. Take your South African ID, two ID photos, and proof of Cape Town residency.
Activity Permits
Some activities in national parks require permits, including dog walking, paragliding, climbing, horse riding and cycling.
• SAN Parks activity permits
Small businesses in the Western Cape
Practical guide to starting a small business in the Western Cape, including registration, VAT, tax and OHS compliance.
Emergency Information
Important Emergency contact numbers in Cape Town and the Western Cape.
