City of Cape Town Link

Take part in the 2026 City Nature Challenge and capture Cape Town’s living nature

The annual City Nature Challenge 2026 is here! The challenge will take place over the coming long weekend from Friday, 24 April until Monday, 27 April 2026. Residents are encouraged to record as many wildlife findings in the city and to upload their photos to the iNaturalist app over this period.

Participants simply need to download the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-cape-town" target="_blank">iNaturalist</a> app, get their cameras ready and record their findings. Experts will then help to identify the fauna or flora. Cape Town is competing with various international cities to record the most observations of local plant and animal species.‘It’s that time of the year again where we are asking residents right across Cape Town to capture photos of all the wildlife they can find and to participate in the annual City Nature Challenge! All you have to do is download the free iNaturalist app and start uploading all the plant, animal or insect findings you come across. If you do not find any live animals on your search, you can even record remnants such as mussel shells or feathers as they are signs of life. We have arranged free entry at all of our reserves for the challenge and encourage residents to go out and enjoy the outdoors over the coming long weekend. All contributions of wildlife are welcome, regardless of the location, so whether you explore a conservation area, your local park or your backyard, go and see what is out there!’, said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/city-nature-challenge.jpg" alt="" /></figure> Residents in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep. Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city can be arranged for interested groups. Here, participants will have the opportunity to photograph an array of species ranging from reptiles to birds and fynbos to marine life. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Christmas%20Butterfly%20pollinating%20Brunsviga%20orientalus_Fabrice%20Turikumwe.jpeg" alt="" /></figure> Over the years, residents have recorded all kinds of weird and wonderful wildlife in Cape Town during the challenge. A helpful tip for interested residents is to visit the iNaturalist website to get inspired about what is out there to discover, before going out to explore. <figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"> <img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/2.png" alt="" /></figure> For a list of all of the City’s reserves and details about their location, facilities and attractions, <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-City-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves" target="_blank">visit the City's website</a>. For more information, contact Eleanor Hutchings at <a href="mailto:Eleanor.Hutchings@capetown.gov.za">Eleanor.Hutchings@capetown.gov.za </a>or visit the <a href="https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-cape-town">iNaturalist website</a>. End

2026-04-19T22:00:00Z

GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d

Ref 1500160500 - Rezoning, consolidation, subdivision and permanent departures

12 June - 21 July 2026, Parow

Ref 1500153382 - Rezoning, consent use and permanent departures

12 June - 18 July 2026, The Hague

Ref 1500161827 - Subdivision, rezoning and permanent departures

12 June - 21 July 2026, Oakglen

Ref 1500154379 - Permanent departures and removal of title deed conditions

12 June - 22 July 2026, Pinelands