Montagu Mountain Reserve

28/02/2026

28/02/2026

Breede River Estuary: Full of opportunity.

A Very Special Visitor in the Breede

This week brought an extraordinary moment for the Breede River Estuary - the sighting of a humpback dolphin, one of South Africa’s rarest marine mammals.

The humpback dolphin is our country’s most endangered dolphin species, and its estimated that only 500 - 1000 individuals remain in the wild. Every confirmed sighting is therefore something truly worth celebrating.

What makes this species so fascinating is its unique behaviour. Unlike other dolphins along our coast, the humpback dolphin is the only species known to regularly enter estuaries in South Africa. They favour larger river mouths like the Breede and have even been recorded travelling as far as 20km upriver, comfortably tolerating semi-fresh water.

Their presence is a powerful reminder of how ecologically important and healthy our estuary system is - and why protecting it matters.

05/02/2026

Excellent work being done by committed individuals.

23/09/2025

A sad reflection, yet positive response - kudos.

As Arctic sea ice disappears, seals are losing the platforms they need to rest, raise pups, and survive.

Norway has stepped in — not with campaigns, but with craftsmanship. Engineers have created floating ice pods designed to replace the vanishing habitat.

They're made from biodegradable, non-toxic materials. Insulated to stay cold under the Arctic sun. Grooved to keep seals from slipping. Some even carry sensors to monitor populations.

For seal pups, these pods mean life instead of death. For adults, they reduce the strain of finding safe ground in a warming ocean.

This isn’t just design — it’s intervention. When nature loses ground, survival becomes an act of construction.

02/08/2025

Marine Protected Areas Day - yay !!!

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are more than just protected zones - they are lifelines for our oceans. These special areas give marine life room to recover, protect endangered species, and keep vital ecosystems like kelp forests and seagrass beds alive and thriving. They also support people, from small-scale fishers to coastal communities who rely on healthy seas for their livelihood.

CapeNature proudly manages 7 of South Africa’s 42 MPAs, along with 13 estuaries and 4 nearshore islands. Through science, monitoring, and collaboration, we work closely with our partners to protect these areas for future generations.

Happy Marine Protected Areas Day 💙

01/08/2025

Suit them up and hit the dirt. All the hiking trails in the Reserve are doable for trail running, some "bouldering" never hurt anyone - enjoy 🏆😎.

05/07/2025

I have no words, other than communicate and educate 🙏

19/04/2025

This is what it takes to make a difference ❤️.

05/12/2024

08/08/2024

Stay conscious, stay aware.

This picturesque wheat field hides a stark reality—it's a landscape of loss and, sadly, ecocide. We continue to exploit and transform landscapes for profit, without consideration for ecosystems, wildlife, or even local communities. The Overberg and Swartland regions have been drastically altered for wheat and canola oil production. Every inch that could be transformed has been homogenized.
We need rewilding and restoration to save biodiversity in these areas, promoting insects, birds, mammals, and wildlife corridors. Creating hedges along property boundaries and along water courses is a start. It is possible to co-exist. We need responsible production practices...now.

17/06/2024

Very cool - kudos !

Rare Sighting! A Woodland Kingfisher was photographed in Matjieskloof (Malgas) on the 5th of June 2024. This seems to be only the 3rd ever record for the Western Cape, making it very special.

Here at the Breede Estuary we usually see Pied, Malachite, Brown-hooded and Giant Kingfishers. Other recent rare sightings include a Goliath and Squacco Heron. Please share any rare sightings you may observed at the Breede Estuary.

12/05/2024

Parts of the Cogmanskloof Trail are quiet difficult and almost treacherous in places, particularly when tired. Try to hike / run with others. Good to note that the back-up / support systems worked well. Kudos to all concerned.

WSAR News Flash
Sunday 12 May, 2024

Fallen woman extracted in swift mountain swoop

A small Wilderness Search And Rescue WSAR Western Cape team on board the Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter were flown to Montagu late on Saturday, after a trail runner fell while descending a steep section of the Cogmanskloof Trail.

The 47-year-old trail runner was participating in the Montagu Mountain Mania trail running event when she fell and injured herself.

Event marshals were notified by a passing runner that a fellow participant had fallen, and quickly made their way to assist. Realising that she was unable to proceed, they immediately called the emergency contact number – 021 937 0300.

One quick-thinking event crew member used a torch to signal their location to the approaching helicopter, in the dark shadows beneath the mountains.

Working against the clock, the team in the helicopter were immediately able to spot the flashing light on the ground, saving critical time.

A rescue climber and Western Cape Department of Health & Wellness EMS paramedic were hoisted down to a point close to her. She was helped into a rescue harness before being hoisted up into the helicopter.

She was flown to a nearby landing zone, helped into a waiting ambulance and driven to hospital.

The incident was concluded at 17h30.

Photo by Brent Russel