Tygerberg Nature Reserve lies in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Proclaimed as a Local Authority Nature Reserve in 1973, it supports one of the last remnants of the critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld vegetation type. The reserve covers an area of 309 hectares and boasts 562 different plant species. Of these, 23 are threatened, eight are endemic to Cape Town, and three endemic to Tygerberg itself.

The diversity of species found here is vast, with some 24 different mammal species, 137 bird species, 22 different reptiles, 7 types of frogs, and numerous different butterfly species. The view from the top of the reserve’s hill is magnificent, with a 360 degree view of the City and emphasises just how meagre the patches of natural vegetation are amid the urban sprawl. The eastern slope of the reserve consists of old ploughed fields that are in the process of being restored, while the Western slope is close to pristine Swartland shale renosterveld.

A spotted tiger?

From a distance, the blotches visible on the hills of the Western Cape reminded Dutch settlers of a leopard’s skin, and in 1657, the hills became known as Luipaerts Berghen (‘Leopard’s Mountain’). This was changed to Tijgerberghen (‘Tiger Mountain’) in 1661, and is now known as Tygerberg. These regular round patches are called ‘heuweltjies’ or small hills and are most noticeable during summer. Many scientists think that these hills are the remains of ancient termite nests. Harvester termites bring plant material into their burrows, and over time, they change the nature of the soil. As a result, the plants growing on the hills differ from those in the surrounding veld.

Key information - Tygerberg Nature Reserve

Address	Main gate: Totius Road, Welgemoed Secondary gate: Meyboom Avenue, Plattekloof
Opening hours	Welgemoed gate house, Totius Road (main gate) SUMMER (Oct-Mar) 07:30-18:00 (weekdays), 07:30-19:00 (weekends) WINTER (Apr-Sep) 07:30-17:00 (weekdays), 07:30-18:00 (weekends) Plattekloof gate house, Meyboom Avenue SUMMER (Oct-Mar) Selected weekdays only 07:30-18:00, Every second weekend 07:30 – 19:00 (see gate hours schedule for April - June 2012) WINTER (Apr-Sep) Selected weekdays only 07:30-17:00, Every second weekend: 07:30-18:00 (see gate hours schedule for April - June 2012)
Size	309 hectares
Entrance fee* (Jul.2011-Jun.2012)	Adults R12; Children (3-13 years), Students and senior citizens R6; Children under 3 years free - Learner/student groups: R5 per learner (pre-booked; discount may apply) - 'Friend' of this reserve: Free (proof of membership required) - Season Ticket (annual): Adults R111, Family R169 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), Senior citizens (60+ years) R56. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into this nature reserve for one year.
Public transport	Taxi or bus
Activities and facilities	Nature appreciation, hiking, trail running, birdwatching, picnic sites, 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.
Contact	Tel 021 913 5695; Fax 021 913 6268
E-mail	tygerberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Friends groups	- Friends of the Tygerberg Hills, www.tygerberghills.co.za, E-mail: bill@zeusfinance.co.za or info@walrusmedia.co.za - Tygerberg Bird Club, www.tygerberg-bird-club.yolasite.com, E-mail: gwingate@xsinet.co.za - Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers (CREW), for lectures, hikes, birdwatching, rare plant surveys and alien plant hacks

 Image gallery (click on image to enlarge)

*Subject to change every July.