THE Cape Kelp Forest Trail on the Cape Peninsula and showcases the incredible biodiversity thriving in the ocean waters of the Table Mountain Marine Protected Area. Following the coastal road hugging the Peninsula, this trail tracks the natural meeting point between land and sea and offers an array of diverse experiences.
The vision for this trail is to highlight the importance of kelp as an ocean habitat that provides an important breeding and feeding refuge for a variety of species, showcase the vital role it plays as a beach-cast food source, and the protection it provides endangered nesting coastal birds. It is essential in the production of oxygen and as a coastal buffer zone with the ability to mitigate climate change as a carbon sink, while also being a highly sought-after resource.
Explorers can expect to enjoy an array of awesome experiences curated by established organisations, leaving the trail with a renewed respect for the kelp forest and a fascination for beach-cast kelp and its diversity of life, especially obvious in the number of bird species found on the beaches where it is left intact. They will also learn how to make positive environmental change through the power held by the choices they make everyday.
The experience has been enhanced by the production of Junior and Adult Explorer Passports that hold information about the kelp forest ecosystem and the trail stops, as well as fun activities and space for the stickers collected from each stop. A full sticker page results in a free gift. The trail essentially offers you the option to build your own adventure through selected experiences. A touring aspect with transport, accommodation, and guide options all available through the Cape Kelp Forest Trail website, will be coming soon.
The Cape Kelp Forest Festival, planned for next year, will bring together all the offerings of the partners, encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation for this unique ecosystem and to increase the environmental advocacy being voiced from the public.
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