New guided nature walks and sanctuary tours open to the public every second weekend, commencing 27–28 June.
STILL BAY, WESTERN CAPE — Residents and visitors to the Hessequa area are surrounded by one of South Africa’s richest natural landscapes: a region of exceptional fynbos diversity, endemic species, and remarkable ecological value. This winter, a new opportunity opens for the public to experience that biodiversity up close.
Wild Rescue Nature Reserve, nestled in the rolling hills between Riversdale and Still Bay, is opening its gates every second weekend for guided Sanctuary and Fynbos Tours — offering visitors an opportunity to explore the reserve’s landscapes while gaining insight into local biodiversity and conservation work in action.
Situated within the Cape Floristic Region, the reserve contains an unusual convergence of ecosystems including Limestone Fynbos, Sand Fynbos, critically endangered Renosterveld, Cape lowland freshwater wetlands, and Southern Cape Valley Thicket. Together these habitats support exceptional plant diversity and provide habitat for a wide range of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and other wildlife.
Each guided experience includes:
• A walk along the Sanctuary Trail
• A behind-the-scenes introduction to Wild Rescue’s conservation work
• Feeding of the reserve’s 29 leopard tortoises
• A visit to the vervet monkey sanctuary
• Full-day access to the reserve after the tour
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring the reserve, relaxing beside the dam, or spending time on the lawns and walking trails.
Tours begin at 10:00 AM from the Wild Rescue Learning Centre and conclude at approximately 11:30 AM.
Says Gill Simpson, executive director of Wild Rescue, “People protect what they know and value. These guided tours are an opportunity to experience the extraordinary biodiversity of the Southern Cape while seeing first-hand the work involved in caring for animals and conserving habitat. At Wild Rescue we don’t just have beautiful scenery, but actual biodiversity richness adjacent to the Goukou river, with real ecological significance.”
Nature enthusiasts interested in identifying species encountered during their visit are encouraged to download the free citizen-science platform iNaturalist, which allows users to record and identify observations of plants, birds, mammals, insects, fungi and other organisms while contributing valuable biodiversity data.
Wild Rescue is also currently featured as a nominee in the Best of Hessequa Awards in the Best Community Organisation category.
Cost: R50 donation per person on arrival. Proceeds contribute directly toward sanctuary operating costs.
Bookings are essential. Visitor numbers are intentionally limited to maintain a calm and low-impact experience for resident animals and guests.
To book:
WhatsApp: 078 875 5776
Email: info@wildrescue.co.za
Come and experience the landscapes, species, and conservation stories of the Southern Cape.
