About the Project

The Trails and Tourism Project is a Flagship Project for the CWCBR, which has over 200 kilometres of pristine coastline and a wealth of hinterland treasures for the potential to develop a network of trails. It also has great potential to link to community projects, in the form of new accommodation facilities, guides and wardens.

A set of specific trail products were identified by the CWCBR that are being evaluated in terms of their feasibility, including the identification of additional or alternative trails. This feasibility phase of the project will be followed by implementation in the CWCBR of the resulting trail products.The Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve (CWCBR) was proclaimed by UNESCO in the year 2000 and covers some 378 000 hectares of coastal lowland plains. The reserve stretches northward from the mouth of the Diep River in Milnerton, Cape Town, to north of the Berg River at Velddrif. Silimela Development Consortium and the Nature Management Company have been awarded the tender to conduct feasibility studies for seven new tourism trails listed in the CWCBR Trails and Tourism Programme. From a tourism perspective, the CWCBR is a unique place, filled with exceptional character and breathtaking natural beauty, biodiversity, paleontology, history and culture. Located in the Cape floristic kingdom, the reserve is known for its mosaic of diverse ecosystems and habitats that include marine, beach and frontal dune environments, pans, wetlands and rocky outcrops. Hiking and nature trails, golf courses, seafood restaurants and a wine region with cellars, make the study area attractive for visitors. Particular attractions for tourists and visitors include Koeberg Nature Reserve, The West Coast National Park, Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, The West Coast Fossil Park and Grotto Bay.