Western Cape Expands Conservation Estate by More than Forty Thousand Hectares with New Reserves, Promoting its Biodiversity Protection and Nature Tourism Growth

Published on December 10, 2025

In one of the biggest moves to protect the rich biodiversity of the province, the Western Cape has increased its protected areas by an additional 47,000 hectares, including the extension of Anysberg in the Karoo and Knersvlakte in Namaqualand, and the proclamation of two new reserves, Waterkloof near Ladismith and Zebraskop in the Gamkaberg area. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding species like the Cape mountain zebra, as well as the Succulent Karoo and Fynbos biomes’ plant species.

These will greatly emphasize the continuous effort of the province to protect natural heritage and biodiversity. The expansion will not only be favorable to wildlife protection but will also enhance ecological connectivity, leading to more robust ecosystems across the region. Such expansions provide a great opportunity to promote sustainable tourism in harmony with local conservation efforts, allowing future generations to enjoy and appreciate such extraordinary landscapes.

Expanding Anysberg and Knersvlakte Reserves

The expansion of the Anysberg and Knersvlakte reserves is a significant achievement in conservation. Anysberg now covers an additional 6,918 hectares, while Knersvlakte sees a larger expansion of 34,084 hectares. These reserves form an essential part of the Western Cape’s ecosystem, which is home to rare species and unique habitats. The growth of these reserves will provide greater protection for the endemic wildlife in the area, ensuring that animals such as the Cape mountain zebra continue to thrive in their natural habitats.

This expansion also provides a foundation for sustainable tourism, encouraging responsible travel and promoting eco-tourism experiences that allow visitors to connect with nature while supporting conservation initiatives. By integrating nature-based tourism into the conservation strategy, the province aims to strike a balance between preserving its natural resources and creating long-term economic opportunities for local communities.

Introducing New Reserves: Waterkloof and Zebraskop

Along with the expansion of existing reserves, the Western Cape now has two newly proclaimed conservation areas: Waterkloof and Zebraskop. Waterkloof, located near Ladismith, spans 2,062 hectares, while Zebraskop, located in the Gamkaberg region, covers 3,952 hectares. These newly protected areas are critical for the ongoing efforts to connect different ecosystems in the region and preserve important breeding and foraging habitats for both plant and animal species.

These newly proclaimed reserves will also provide a strong foundation for the development of a conservation corridor that connects Gamkaberg and Zebraskop, allowing for greater movement of wildlife between habitats and ensuring genetic diversity. The expanded protection of these areas is essential for the overall health of the local ecosystem, promoting species survival and ecological balance, while also enhancing sustainable tourism opportunities in the region. Visitors will have the chance to explore these pristine landscapes through eco-friendly activities that minimize environmental impact, such as guided hikes, wildlife watching, and cultural experiences.

Collaborative Efforts to Secure Land for Conservation

The land acquisitions for these new protected areas were made possible by WWF South Africa using funds from the Leslie Hill Succulent Karoo Trust and other sources. These efforts represent a significant collaboration between government agencies, environmental organizations, and private sector donors to secure critical land for conservation. CapeNature, the provincial conservation authority, will be responsible for managing these newly secured areas and will focus on creating sustainable management practices that ensure the long-term health of the ecosystems within these protected areas.

The collaboration with local communities and businesses will also play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism initiatives, ensuring that economic benefits are shared across the region while protecting the environment. By supporting eco-tourism projects, the local economy can thrive through responsible travel practices that prioritize environmental preservation.

Supporting South Africa’s 30 by 30 Conservation Goal

The expansion of the Western Cape conservation estate aligns with South Africa’s ambitious goal to protect 30% of its land by 2030. This conservation target is part of a broader national and international effort to address the ongoing loss of biodiversity and combat the impacts of climate change. By increasing the size of protected areas, South Africa is taking crucial steps towards safeguarding the natural environment and promoting biodiversity conservation.

The newly expanded reserves will contribute to the country’s 30 by 30 goal, helping to preserve critical ecosystems and ensure the survival of various plant and animal species. This initiative will not only have a positive impact on wildlife protection but also help mitigate the effects of habitat fragmentation, which can disrupt animal migration patterns and reduce genetic diversity. As these efforts continue to grow, they will form a key foundation for sustainable tourism, ensuring that the region’s rich natural heritage can be enjoyed by visitors without compromising its long-term ecological integrity.

Boosting Nature-Based and Sustainable Tourism

The expansion of these protected areas will also contribute to the growth of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape. The region’s natural beauty, along with its diverse flora and fauna, makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking an authentic experience in nature. As part of the ongoing efforts to integrate conservation with sustainable tourism, these reserves will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore some of the most ecologically significant and scenic landscapes in South Africa.

The expansion of Anysberg, Knersvlakte, and the establishment of new reserves like Waterkloof and Zebraskop will provide a wealth of opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities. These areas will not only attract visitors interested in eco-tourism but also contribute to the local economy by creating jobs and promoting sustainable tourism practices. The reserves will enhance the visitor experience by offering access to endemic flora, birdlife, and the chance to witness the wildlife in their natural habitats.

By emphasizing sustainable tourism, the Western Cape is ensuring that conservation efforts are paired with responsible travel practices that contribute to environmental preservation while supporting the local economy. Visitors can enjoy these pristine areas while knowing their presence helps support the continued protection and management of these valuable ecosystems.

A Stronger Future for Conservation in the Western Cape

The addition of 47,000 hectares to the protected areas in the Western Cape conservation estate has made it stronger than ever. The expansion of Anysberg and Knersvlakte, additions of new reserves such as Waterkloof and Zebraskop, add significantly to the biodiversity of the region. These expansions contribute to South Africa’s national conservation goals, protect critical wildlife habitats, and enhance the appeal of the region as a nature-based tourism destination.

The Western Cape will continue to take decisive steps in securing more land for conservation to maintain its rich ecological diversity for generations yet to come. The expansion creates a secure future for the endemic species, such as the Cape mountain zebra, and provides new opportunities for sustainable tourism, benefiting both the environment and local communities.