Click here for the City of Cape Town Nature Reserves book. The second edition of this useful A5-sized book now covers the City’s more than 30 nature reserves and natural areas (PDF 3.8 MB). A comprehensive and colourful resource which showcases the many nature reserves and natural areas managed by the City of Cape Town. The book is available for R23 at these locations only: Helderberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Tygerberg Nature Reserves, Eerstesteen Resort (BCA). It is also available at the Botanical Society bookshop in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Click here for an informative poster of the City's nature reserves depicting typical ecosystems that display a wealth of flora and fauna set within the ever-expanding urban fabric of the city (PDF 6 MB).
Click here for a location map of the nature reserves within the City's boundary (PDF 304 KB).
Below is a list of over 30 nature reserves and natural areas, either owned or managed by the City of Cape Town. Please note that opening hours and tariffs are subject to change. We suggest that you contact the relevant reserve for confirmation beforehand.
NORTH
SOUTH
CENTRAL
EAST
NORTH
Mamre Nature Garden
ADDRESS: Head Office: Corner of R27 and Dassenberg Drive, Atlantis
OPENING HOURS: By prior arrangement only
SIZE: 254 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic site, short trail, 1.5-hour hiking trail to Louwskloof - a National Heritage Site (by prior arrangement only), alien clearing, woodcutting (alien trees)
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: By prior arrangement only
CONTACT: Tel 021 577 5000/2/3/4; Fax 021 577 5001
E-MAIL: witzandsnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Witzands Aquifer Conservation Area (includes Silwerstroomstrand Conservation Area & Atlantis Dunefields)
ADDRESS: Corner of R27 and Dassenberg Drive, Atlantis
OPENING HOURS: For activities in the Atlantis Dunefields: 07:00-19:00 (with pre-arranged permits)
SIZE: Approximately 3 000 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): Pre-arranged day permits: R10 per person on foot, R105 per 4X4 vehicle (incl. 4 people), R65 per quad-bike/motorcycle (passengers R10 per person extra)
- Annual permits (pro-rata): 4X4 vehicles R1 020, quad-bikes/motorcycles R685 (Must have green ID book when applying for annual permit as well as vehicle/trailer make, model, colour and registration number)
- Permits only available to purchase at the City's Bulk Water head office, 38 Wale Street, Cape Town and at the Wesfleur Cash Office, opposite the police station in Atlantis - opening hours: 08:00-12:30 (weekdays and the first and last Saturday of the month) Tel 021 577 2411
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Sand-boarding, beach-walking, rock pools, filming, 4x4 driving, camping (caravans, chalets & tents), picnic sites, braai areas, birdwatching, whale watching and fishing (permit required). Guided hikes are available upon request
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Formal programmes by appointment
FILMING: Small companies (still shoots) with a maximum of ten vehicles and 25 people pay one rate, with a higher rate applying for commercials and film shoots
CONTACT: Tel 021 577 5000/2/3/4; Fax 086 628 4872
E-MAIL: witzandsnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Blaauwberg Conservation Area (BCA)
ADDRESS: Bloubergstrand and Eerstesteen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive, Blouberg
OPENING HOURS: Coastal section: Sunrise to sunset (seven days a week); Eerstesteen braai and picnic facility: 08:00-19:00 (Nov-Apr), 08:00-17:00 (May-Oct)
SIZE: 953 ha
BLAAUWBERG HILL: By prior arrangement only
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): For Eerstesteen Resort only - adults R10; children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5; children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R16
- Learner/student groups: R4 per learner (pre-booked)
- 'Friends' of the BCA: free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): adults R105, family R160 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R53. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Eerstesteen Resort (BCA)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic sites, braai areas, hiking trails, historic buildings, surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, whale-watching and fishing (permit required)
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Classes on history, archaeology, geography and geology, as well as on the plants and animals in the local ecosystems (booking essential)
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of BCA host monthly activities
CONTACT: Tel/Fax 021 554 0957
E-MAIL: bca@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.bca.org.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES: Blaauwberg Conservation Area brochure [PDF 958 KB]
Blaauwberg Conservation Area – Floral Treasures brochure [PDF 1.9 MB]
Diep River and Fynbos Corridor
ADDRESS: Gie Road, Parklands
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 216 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Walking - by prior arrangement
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
CONTACT: Tel 021 550 1086
E-MAIL: diepriver.fynboscorridor@capetown.gov.za
Milnerton Racecourse Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Grand National Boulevard, Royal Ascot
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 19,4 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None; only northern area accessible
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: 20-minute walking trail in the northern area, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: By prior arrangement
CONTACT: Tel 021 550 1086
WEBSITE: www.royalascot.co.za
E-MAIL: milnertonracecourse.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
ADDRESS: Grey Avenue, Table View
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-17:30 (daily); water sports hours 10:00-17:00 (weekdays), 09:00-17:00 (weekends)
SIZE: 663,27 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): adults R10, children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5, children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R16
- Learner/student groups: R4 per learner (pre-booked)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): adults R105, family R160 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R53. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Eerstesteen Resort (BCA)
- Day Fishing Permits (excl. entrance fee): adults R34 (13 years & older), children R12 (3-13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R12. Maximum of 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Boating, picnic and braai areas, fishing, hiking and two bird hides
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Rietvlei Education Centre
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Rietvlei, www.friendsofrietvlei.co.za
CONTACT: Tel 021 557 5509 & 021 550 1086; Fax 021 550 1003
E-MAIL: rietvlei.wetlandreserve@capetown.gov.za
Zoarvlei Wetlands
ADDRESS: Between Donegal Street, Rugby; and Milner Street, Metro Industrial Township (Access points at Donegal Road, Rugby; Boundary Road, Milnerton; Milner Street, Metro Industrial Township; Wemyss Road or Justin Street, Brooklyn; and Section Street at the Canal, bordering Paarden Eiland and Brooklyn)
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 140 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Birdwatching, walking, jogging, hiking, photography and picnics (no liquor permitted). There is also a 5 km wheelchair-friendly pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: West Coast Field Studies Centre. For bookings, contact education officer Frank Wygold on 021 511 2384, 083 338 9319 or e-mail c/o petrigpr@iafrica.com
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of the Paarden Eiland Wetlands
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 689 8935 / 021 689 4184
E-MAIL: koos.retief@capetown.gov.za
(These wetlands are jointly managed by the City Parks and Environmental Resource Management departments)
SOUTH
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary
ADDRESS: Between Liesbeek Parkway and Station Road, Observatory
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 10 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi, bus or train
ACTIVITIES: Birdwatching, walking, picnicking
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of the Liesbeek, www.fol.org.za
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 689 9141
(This bird sanctuary is managed by the City Parks department)
Rondebosch Common
ADDRESS: Park and Campground Roads, Rondebosch
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 40 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi, bus or train
ACTIVITIES: Spring flower-spotting, history rambles, running, dogwalking
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: No formal programmes, but suitable
for nature and history lessons
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of Rondebosch Common keep the area clean, safe and free from litter and fire. The group controls the spread of alien vegetation, organises spring walks, keeps information boards updated, and has compiled a book on the common’s history, fauna and flora.
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 689 9141
(This common is managed by the City Parks department)
Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area
ADDRESS: Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
OPENING HOURS: By prior arrangement only
SIZE: 52 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi, bus or train
ACTIVITIES:Walks, and Friends of the KRCA activities (E-mail fkrca-owner@yahoogroups.com for bookings.)
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Programmes and presentations available upon request
CONTACT: Tel 021 700 1843; Fax: 021 797 6008
E-MAIL: conservation@goldcircle.co.za
WEBSITE: www.krca.co.za
(This conservation area is owned by Gold Circle, but is managed by the City of Cape Town)
Rondevlei Nature Reserve (Part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park)
ADDRESS: Corner of Perth Road and Fisherman’s Walk, Grassy Park
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-17:00 (seven days a week); 07:30-19:00 (on Saturdays and Sundays from December to February only); closed on Christmas Day
SIZE: 290 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): adults R10, children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5, children under 3 years free
- Learner/student groups: R4 per learner (pre-booked)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): adults R105, family R160 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R53. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Eerstesteen Resort (BCA)
- Day Fishing Permits (excl. entrance fee): adults R34 (13 years & older), children R12 (3-13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R12. Maximum of 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod
- Boat Trips: adults R12/hour, children (3-13 years) R7/hour
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnicking, bird hides, lookout towers, museum, lecture theatre, aquarium, fishing platforms, boat trips, overnight island bush camp, a boma and conference facilities
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Rondevlei Environmental Education Centre and Leonard Gill Field Museum (booking essential)
ACCOMMODATION: Island bush camp, run by Imvubu Nature Tours
FRIENDS GROUP AND BIRDERS: The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei consist of local community members who support the reserve. The Cape Bird Club and A Rocha International run birding and bird-ringing programmes.
CONTACT: Tel 021 706 2404; Fax 021 706 2405
For accommodation, contact Imvubu Nature Tours on www.imvubu.co.za or 021 706 0842.
For environmental education camps, phone Cape Town Environmental Education Trust on 021 706 8523.
E-MAIL: rondevleinaturereserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.rondevlei.co.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES: False Bay Ecology Park brochure [PDF 533 KB]
False Bay Ecology Park – Environmental Education brochure [PDF 242 KB]
False Bay Ecology Park poster: Front view [JPG 2.9 MB] Rear view [JPG 2 MB]
Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve (Part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park)
ADDRESS: Zeekoevlei Road, Pelican Park
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-19:30 (summer), 07:30-18:00 (winter)
SIZE: 344 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: Only for power boats, payable to the Cape Peninsula Aquatics Club
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES: Picnicking, fishing, boating, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Zeekoevlei Environmental Education Centre, Tel 021 396 1272
ACCOMMODATION: School camps, Tel 021 706 8523
FRIENDS GROUP AND BIRDERS: The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei consist of local community members who support the reserve. The Cape Bird Club runs birding and bird-ringing
programmes.
CONTACT: Tel 021 706 2404; Fax 021 706 2405
E-MAIL: zeekoevleinature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES: False Bay Ecology Park brochure [PDF 533 KB]
False Bay Ecology Park – Environmental Education brochure [PDF 242 KB]
False Bay Ecology Park poster: Front view [JPG 2.9 MB] Rear view [JPG 2 MB]
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Coniston Avenue, Marina Da Gama
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 200 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi, train or bus (within walking distance of Steenberg and Lakeside Station as well as Main Road)
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Jetty, bird hides, picnic sites, boating, walking, windsurfing
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Zandvlei Environmental Education Centre is within walking distance of Steenberg Station, and offers field trips for primary learners. (Book in advance for live reptile displays.)
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of the Zandvlei Trust help with conservation, education and awareness projects.
CONTACT: Tel 021 701 7542; Fax 021 701 7542
E-MAIL: zandvlei.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
De Hel Nature Area
ADDRESS: Between Southern Cross Drive and Constantia Nek Road, Constantia
OPENING HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
SIZE: 21,3 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES:Walking, jogging, birdwatching and photography
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Constantia Valley Greenbelts
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 689 9141
(This nature area is managed by the City Parks department)
Meadowridge Common
ADDRESS: Accessible from Edison Drive and Faraday Way, Meadowridge
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 8 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus or taxi
ACTIVITIES: Dog-walking, wild flowers, recreation
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Illustrated talks given upon request
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of Meadowridge assist with keeping the site clean and tidy, and controlling invasive alien species. The group keeps detailed botanical records, arranges spring walks, provides signage, and monitors the activities on the common. Contact them on 021 715 9206.
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 762 9180
(This common is managed by the City Parks department)
Die Oog Conservation Area
ADDRESS: Lakeview and Midwood Avenues, Bergvliet
OPENING HOURS: 07:00-19:00 daily
SIZE: 1,2 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES:Walking, birdwatching and quiet recreation. (Dogs, sports games and swimming are not allowed.) Guided visits can be arranged through the Friends of Die Oog.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: For school learner programmes, contact the Friends of Die Oog.
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Die Oog
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 762 9180 & Friends of Die Oog Tel/Fax 021 715 8665
E-MAIL: mppearce@lantic.net (Friends of Die Oog)
WEBSITE: www.dieoog.org.za
(This conservation area is managed by the City Parks department)
Lower Silvermine River Wetlands
ADDRESS: Clovelly Road, Clovelly
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: Not applicable
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Train or taxi. A 15-minute walk from Fish Hoek Station, or free parking just off Clovelly Road, at the traffic lights on Main Road
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES:Walking, birdwatching, self-guided trail for the blind, cycling.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
FRIENDS GROUP: The Riverine Rovers are a subgroup of the Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA)
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 701 1233 & The Riverine Rovers Tel 021 782 6144; Fax 086 603 7554
E-mail: terry@marques.co.za (The Riverine Rovers)
(These wetlands are managed by the City Parks department)
Glencairn Wetland
ADDRESS: Glen Road, Glencairn
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 20 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus or train
ACTIVITIES:Walking, birdwatching, guided hikes
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: School programmes; booking is essential. (Contact Rob Erasmus on enviro@absamail.co.za)
FRIENDS GROUP: Glencairn Education & Environment Support Enthusiasts (GEESE)
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 701 1233 & GEESE Tel 021 782 6400; Fax 021 782 5016
E-MAIL: cilla@bromley.co.za (GEESE)
WEBSITE: www.geeseglencairn.org
(This wetland is managed by the City Parks department)
Edith Stephens Wetland Park
ADDRESS: Lansdowne Road, Philippi
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays); bookings essential for weekends
SIZE: 39 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic sites, birdwatching, Working for Wetlands nursery, urban agriculture garden, medicinal garden
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The environmental education centre provides local residents and schools with conservation, recreational and educational opportunities, from teacher's workshops to children's holiday programmes.
CONTACT: Tel 021 691 8070; Fax 021 691 7375
E-MAIL: luzann.isaacs@capetown.gov.za
CENTRAL
Durbanville Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Racecourse Road, Durbanville
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 6 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic sites, wheelchair-friendly pathways, birdwatching, gazebo for meetings
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Educational activities for children in partnership with Cape for Kids (booking essential)
CONTACT: Tel 021 970 3097; Fax 021 979 0093
E-MAIL: durbanville.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Main gate: Totius Street, Welgemoed; Secondary gate: Meyboom Street, Plattekloof
OPENING HOURS: Summer 07:30-18:00 (weekdays), 07:30-19:00 (weekends and public holidays)
Winter 07:30-17:00 (weekdays), 07:30-18:00 (weekends and public holidays)
SIZE: 300 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): adults R10, children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5, children under 3 years free
- Learner/student groups: R4 per learner (pre-booked)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): adults R105, family R160 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R53. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Eerstesteen Resort (BCA)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking, picnic sites, birdwatching, panoramic views
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre is a well-run, popular venue, and contains a resource centre with a library and a herbarium. Lessons on a variety of topics, including geography, town planning and ecology, are offered. Booking is essential.
FRIENDS GROUP: Join the Tygerberg Bird Club, the Friends of the Tygerberg Hills or CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers) for lectures, hikes, birdwatching, rare plant surveys and alien plant hacks. E-mail jurgz@mweb.co.za for more information.
CONTACT: Tel 021 913 5695; Fax 021 913 6268
E-MAIL: tygerberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Bracken Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: 2 Reservoir Road, Brackenfell
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 36 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic areas, walking trails, birdwatching, wheelchair-friendly trail
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Brackenfell Environmental Education Centre (booking essential)
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of Bracken and CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers) arrange walks, birdwatching, plant surveys and alien clearing.
CONTACT: Tel 021 982 1323; Fax 021 982 7135
E-MAIL: bracken.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.brackenfell.org/bnr
Uitkamp Wetlands
ADDRESS: Mosselbank Road, Durbanville
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 32 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Nature walks amid a small wetland; interesting plants, birds and frogs
FRIENDS GROUP: Uitkamp Action Group, e-mail: yoellmj@mweb.co.za
CONTACT: Tel 021 970 3097; Fax 021 979 0093
E-MAIL: durbanville.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
EAST
Wolfgat Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Baden Powell Drive, Mitchell’s Plain
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 248 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Picnicking, fishing in designated areas (permit required), watching coastal birds, swimming, paragliding
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: An education officer assists schools with field trips for groups of 30-40 learners. Larger groups could take part in special programmes, like coastal hikes and clean-up campaigns.
CONTACT: Tel 021 392 5134/5; Fax 021 392 8878
E-MAIL: wolfgat.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Macassar Dunes Conservation Area
ADDRESS: Macassar Road, Khayelitsha; Baden Powell Drive, Macassar
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays); closed on weekends
SIZE: 1 116 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Picnicking, fishing in designated areas (permit required), hiking, swimming, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Outdoor educational programmes are offered to mark special environmental events, such as Arbor Day, Water Week and Marine Week.
CONTACT: Tel 021 392 5134/5; Fax 021 392 8878
E-MAIL: macassar.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Helderberg Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Verster Avenue, Somerset West
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-17:30, May-October; 07:30-19:00, November-April
SIZE: 398 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): adults R10, children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5, children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R5
- Learner/student groups: R4 per learner (pre-booked)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): adults R105, family R160 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), senior citizens (60+ years) R53. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Eerstesteen Resort (BCA)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic area, Oak Café, hiking trails, summer sunset concerts, information centre, gift shop, museum displays in the Maskew Miller Herbarium (10:00-16:00)
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Mike Woods Environmental Education Centre (bookings: 021 852 8831)
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve are active, and support the reserve manager by running programmes for environmental education, fundraising, maintenance, upgrades and promotions. They also run a museum, a shop and an indigenous nursery.
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
Silwerboomkloof Natural Heritage Site
ADDRESS: Van Gogh Road, Somerset West
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 4,9 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking trails, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: No formal programme
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
Lourens River Protected Natural Environment
ADDRESS: Somerset West to Strand
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: The river is 23 km long.
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic area, hiking trails, birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: No formal programme
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
ADDRESS: Broadway Boulevard, Strand
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 10 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES: The site offers a bird hide, and birdwatchers are advised to visit in groups.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
WEBSITE: www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za
Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: 11th Avenue, Strand
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 9 ha
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Plant monitoring, spring flowers, walking trail
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The Harmony Flats Working Group, supported and trained by CREW and Cape Flats Nature, organises lessons and plant monitoring.
CONTACT: Tel 021 856 5605; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: harmonyflats.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES: Harmony Flats Nature Reserve poster series (6-in-1) [PDF 2.3 MB]. Click here to download the posters individually.
Kogelberg Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Gordon’s Bay - 8 km along the R44 (Clarence Drive)
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00
SIZE: Approximately 3 000 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2010/11): R15 per person for hiking permit to enter Steenbras River Gorge (permit to be obtained beforehand at the gate or Sunbird Lodge nearby)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking trail, abseiling, kloof jumping (run by external company), whale watching, scenic drive and fishing (permit required)
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
ACCOMMODATION: The Kogel Bay Resort offers camping and caravanning facilities on the beachfront (reservations: 021 856 1286)
CONTACT: Tel 021 856 5605; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: kogelberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
For provincial and national nature reserves in the Western Cape, visit the following websites:
CapeNature manages 24 nature reserves and wilderness areas throughout the Western Cape. Most reserves offer overnight accommodation and/or camping and a variety of activities.
South African National Parks (SANParks) manages five national parks within the 'Cape Cluster': Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo, Agulhas and West Coast National Parks.
NOTE: The City of Cape Town is not responsible for the content of external websites, nor does it constitute an endorsement of these websites. They are solely intended to provide additional information sources that may be helpful.
Please consider the environment before printing this web page.
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