The City’s reserves will be free this long weekend as it encourages people to enjoy the outdoors. At the same time, you can take photos of fauna or flora and log it on an app. It’s time for the annual City Nature Challenge.

“Over the years, residents have recorded all kinds of weird and wonderful wildlife in Cape Town during the challenge,” said the Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews.

The City’s reserves will be free this long weekend

Residents and visitors will need to download the iNaturalist app, get their cameras ready and then photograph all the wildlife (animals or insects) and plants, flowers and trees they can find. Experts will then identify these fauna and flora.

He added, “Residents in Cape Town are spoilt for choice with an array of nature reserves and conservation areas right on their doorstep.”

READ MORE: A list of reserves in the City

Capture Cape Town’s living nature

The City is competing with other countries around the world. Citizens in these international cities try to record the most observations of local plant and animal species. The Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Eddie Andrews, says if you do not find any live animals, you can even record remnants such as mussel shells or feathers. They are also signs of life.

“We have arranged free entry at all of our reserves for the challenge,” said Andrews.

International competition

Andrews added that all contributions of wildlife are welcome, regardless of the location. He says you can explore a conservation area, a local park or even your backyard. He says 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.

Andrews said, “Go and see what is out there!”

MORE ABOUT: City Nature Challenge City Nature Challenge

Take part in the 2026 City Nature Challenge

“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.”

“Guided tours at coastal and inland protected areas across the city can be arranged for interested groups,” said Andrews.