Cape Town is unique amongst world cities due to its high concentration of species found only within the City of Cape Town's boundary and nowhere else in the world. A visit to the City's nature reserves and natural areas will take you through a diverse network of spectacular flora and fauna, which is all part of the daily lives of Cape Town's citizens and visitors.
Protection and conservation of these natural areas contribute towards conserving this biodiversity heritage for our and future generations' enjoyment.
For information purposes, a general location map of the nature reserves is available, as well as related publications.
Below is a summarised listing of over 20 nature reserves and natural sites, 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 AREA
SOUTH AREA
CENTRAL AREA
EAST AREA
NORTH AREA
Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Corner of West Coast Road (R27) and Dassenberg Drive, near Atlantis
OPENING HOURS: By prior arrangement only
SIZE: Approximately 3 000 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Beach-walking, rock pools, camping (caravans, chalets & tents), picnic sites, braai areas, birdwatching, whale watching and fishing (coast only - permit required). Guided hikes are available upon request
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Formal programmes by appointment only
CONTACT: Tel 021 577 5000/2/3/4; Fax 086 628 4872
E-MAIL: WitzandsNature.Reserve@capetown.gov.za
(The Mamre Nature Garden is also part of this nature reserve)
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve (More detail...)
ADDRESS: Bloubergstrand and Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive, Bloubergstrand
OPENING HOURS: Coastal section: Sunrise to sunset (seven days a week); Eerste Steen braai and picnic facility: 08:00-19:00 (Nov-Apr), 08:00-17:00 (May-Oct)
SIZE: 1445 hectares
BLAAUWBERG HILL: By prior arrangement only
ENTRANCE FEE (Jul.2011-Jun.2012): For Eerste Steen Resort only - Adults R12; Children (3-13 years), Students and senior citizens R6; Children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R16
- 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
- Blaauwberg Hill: Accommodation facility (self-catering, gas cooking, showers, solar lighting. No electricity or TV). Unit sleeps up to 4 persons: R600 per night (1-2 persons).
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)
CONTACT: Tel 021 554 0957; Fax: 021 554 8156
E-MAIL: BCA@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of BCA host monthly activities, www.bca.org.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
- General overview and image gallery of this reserve
- Blaauwberg Conservation Area brochure [PDF 958 KB]
- Blaauwberg Conservation Area – Floral Treasures brochure [PDF 1.9 MB]
Table Bay Nature Reserve (More detail...)
(This reserve consists of seven parts: Rietvlei Wetlands, Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Beach, Milnerton Racecourse, Zoarvlei Wetlands, Diep River and the Parklands Fynbos Corridor)
ADDRESS: Main entrance is at the southern end of Grey Avenue, Table View (Rietvlei Section)
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-17:30 (daily); water sports hours 10:00-17:00 (weekdays), 09:00-17:00 (weekends)
SIZE: 880 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE (Jul.2011-Jun.2012): None, except for Rietvlei Wetland:
- Adults R12; Children (3-13 years), Students and senior citizens R6; Children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R16
- 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.
- Day Fishing Permits (excl. entrance fee): Adults R36 (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 (including MyCiTi bus service)
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Boating, sailing, picnic and braai areas, fishing, hiking and two bird hides
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Rietvlei Education Centre
CONTACT: Tel 021 550 1086; Fax 021 550 1003
E-MAIL: TableBay.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUPS: Friends of Rietvlei, www.FriendsOfRietvlei.co.za; Friends of the Paarden Eiland Wetlands, E-mail: petrigpr@iafrica.com
INFORMATION RESOURCES: General overview and image gallery of this reserve
SOUTH AREA
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary
ADDRESS: Between Liesbeek Parkway and Station Road, Observatory
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 10 hectares
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, City of Cape Town)
Rondebosch Common
ADDRESS: Park and Campground Roads, Rondebosch
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 40 hectares
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, City of Cape Town)
Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area
ADDRESS: Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth
OPENING HOURS: By prior arrangement only
SIZE: 52 hectares
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
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area, www.KRCA.co.za
(This conservation area is owned by Gold Circle, but is managed by the City of Cape Town)
False Bay Nature Reserve (More detail...)
(This reserve consists of six parts: Rondevlei Section, Zeekoevlei Section, Strandfontein Birding Section, Pelican Park Section, Slangetjiebos Section and Zandwolf Coastal Section. The reserve is also part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park)
Rondevlei Section - FBNR
ADDRESS: Corner of Perth Road and Fisherman’s Walk, Grassy Park / Zeekoevlei
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 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE (Jul.2011-Jun.2012): Adults R10; Children (3-13 years), Students and senior citizens R5; 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
- Day Fishing Permits (excl. entrance fee): Adults R36 (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: Picnicking, bird hides, lookout towers, museum, lecture theatre, 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 (www.imvubu.co.za Tel 021 706 0842).
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, www.cteet.co.za.
E-MAIL: RondevleiNatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP AND BIRDERS: The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FoZR) consist of local community members who support the reserve. The Cape Bird Club and A. Rocha International run birding and bird-ringing programmes, www.capebirdclub.org.za.
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
- General overview and image gallery of this reserve
- 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 2.6 MB]
Zeekoevlei Section - FBNR
ADDRESS: Zeekoevlei Road, Pelican Park
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-19:30 (summer), 07:30-18:00 (winter)
SIZE: 344 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: Only for power boats, payable to the Cape Peninsula Aquatics Club
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES: Picnicking, fishing, boating and birdwatching
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Zeekoevlei Environmental Education Centre, Tel 021 396 1272
ACCOMMODATION: School camps, Tel 021 706 8523. School camps, Tel 021 706 8523. Cape Town Environmental Education Trust, www.cteet.co.za
CONTACT: Tel 021 706 2404; Fax 021 706 2405
E-MAIL: ZeekoevleiNature.Reserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP AND BIRDERS: The Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei (FoZR) consist of local community members who support the reserve, www.zeekoevlei.co.za. The Cape Bird Club and A. Rocha International run birding and bird-ringing programmes, www.capebirdclub.org.za.
INFORMATION RESOURCES:
- General overview and image gallery of this reserve
- 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 2.6 MB]
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Coniston Avenue, Marina Da Gama
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 200 hectares
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)
CONTACT: Tel 021 701 7542; Fax 021 701 7542
E-MAIL: Zandvlei.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of the Zandvlei Trust help with conservation, education and awareness projects. www.zandvleitrust.org.za
De Hel Nature Area
ADDRESS: Between Southern Cross Drive and Constantia Nek Road, Constantia
OPENING HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
SIZE: 21 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES:Walking, jogging, birdwatching and photography
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 689 9141
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Constantia Valley Greenbelts
(This nature area is managed by the City Parks department, City of Cape Town)
Meadowridge Common
ADDRESS: Accessible from Edison Drive and Faraday Way, Meadowridge
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 8 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Bus or taxi
ACTIVITIES: Dog-walking, wild flowers, recreation
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Illustrated talks given upon request
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 762 9180 & The Friends of Meadowridge Common Tel 021 715 9206
FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of Meadowridge Common 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. E-mail: MeadowridgeFriend@gmail.com, Website: http://meadowridgecommon.blogspot.com
(This common is managed by the City Parks department, City of Cape Town)
Die Oog Conservation Area
ADDRESS: Lakeview and Midwood Avenues, Bergvliet
OPENING HOURS: 07:00-19:00 daily
SIZE: 1,2 hectares
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
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 762 9180 & Friends of Die Oog Tel/Fax 021 715 8665
FRIENDS GROUP: Friends of Die Oog, E-mail: MPPearce@lantic.net, Website: www.DieOog.org.za
(This conservation area is managed by the City Parks department, City of Cape Town)
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
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 701 1233 & The Riverine Rovers Tel 021 782 6144; Fax 086 603 7554
FRIENDS GROUP: The Riverine Rovers are a subgroup of the Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (FOSNA), E-mail: terry@marques.co.za
(These wetlands are managed by the City Parks department, City of Cape Town)
Glencairn Wetland
ADDRESS: Glen Road, Glencairn
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 20 hectares
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)
CONTACT: City Parks Tel 021 701 1233 & GEESE Tel 021 782 6400; Fax 021 782 5016
FRIENDS GROUP: Glencairn Education & Environment Support Enthusiasts (GEESE), E-mail: cilla@bromley.co.za, Website: www.GeeseGlencairn.org
(This wetland is managed by the City Parks department, City of Cape Town)
Edith Stephens Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Lansdowne Road, Philippi (off Vanguard Drive)
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays); bookings essential for weekends
SIZE: 39 hectares
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 AREA
Botterblom Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Botterblom Road, Vierlanden, Durbanville
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 3.6 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Walking/hiking, bird watching, looking at fauna and flora found on site
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Off site at Durbanville Nature Reserve
CONTACT: Tel 021 970 3097; Fax 021 979 0093
E-MAIL: Durbanville.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Mosselbank Road, Durbanville
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 32 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Nature walks amid a small wetland; interesting plants, birds and frogs
CONTACT: Tel 021 970 3097; Fax 021 979 0093
E-MAIL: Uitkamp.Wetland@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP: Uitkamp Action Group, E-mail: yoellmj@mweb.co.za
Durbanville Nature Reserve (More detail...)
ADDRESS: Racecourse Road, Durbanville
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), 09:00-18:00 (weekends between October 2011 and April 2012)
SIZE: 6 hectares
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
INFORMATION RESOURCES: General overview and image gallery of this reserve
Tygerberg Nature Reserve (More detail...)
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 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
INFORMATION RESOURCES: General overview and image gallery of this reserve
Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Border of Visserhof, Bosmansdam and Potsdam Roads, Bothasig
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 10 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE: None
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking/walking pathways, birdwatching, nature appreciation, picnicking, dog walking (temporary), looking at fauna and flora found on site
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Off site at Tygerberg Nature Reserve
CONTACT: Tel 021 913 5695 / 021 417 0663; Fax 021 913 6268
E-MAIL: Tygerberg.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUP: Custodians made up of residents, assisted by Friends of Tygerberg Hills
Bracken Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: 2 Reservoir Road, Brackenfell
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 36 hectares
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)
CONTACT: Tel 021 982 1323; Fax 021 982 7135/ 086 563 6476
E-MAIL: Bracken.NatureReserve@capetown.gov.za
FRIENDS GROUPS: The Friends of Bracken and CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers) arrange walks, birdwatching, plant surveys and alien clearing. www.brackenfell.org/BNR
(The Perdekop Section is also part of this nature reserve)
EAST AREA
Wolfgat Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Baden Powell Drive, Mitchell’s Plain
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays), closed on weekends
SIZE: 262 hectares
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
Helderberg Nature Reserve (More detail...)
ADDRESS: Verster Avenue, Somerset West
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-17:30, May-October; 07:30-19:00, November-April
SIZE: 402 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE (Jul.2011-Jun.2012): Adults R10, Children (3-13 years), students and senior citizens R5, Children under 3 years free
- Vehicles: R5
- Learner/student groups: R5 per learner (pre-booked and run by the Mike Woods Education Centre)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: Free (proof of membership required)
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R111, Family R169 (parents & any 3 children up to 13 years), Senior citizens (60+ years) R59. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into this nature reserve for one year
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), bird watching. Please note: Helderberg Nature Reserve has a “no-bin policy” and visitors must remove all rubbish they bring in with them
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Mike Woods Environmental Education Centre (Bookings: Tel 021 852 8831)
CONTACT: Tel 021 851 6982; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: HelderbergNature.Reserve@capetown.gov.za
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. www.HelderbergNatureReserve.co.za
INFORMATION RESOURCES: General overview and image gallery of this reserve
(The Silwerboomkloof Section is also part of this nature reserve)
Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: 11th Avenue, Strand
OPENING HOURS: Not applicable
SIZE: 9 hectares
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
Steenbras Nature Reserve
ADDRESS: Gordon’s Bay - 8 km along the R44 (Clarence Drive)
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00
SIZE: Approximately 3 000 hectares
ENTRANCE FEE (Jul.2011-Jun.2012): R15 per person for hiking permit to enter Steenbras River Gorge*
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking trail*, abseiling, kloof jumping (run by external company), whale watching, scenic drive and fishing (permit required). *Please note: The Steenbras River Gorge hiking trails are closed from 1 May 2011 until further notice to allow for vegetation regeneration
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: None
ACCOMMODATION: The Kogel Bay Resort offers camping and caravanning facilities on the beachfront (reservations: 021 850 4172)
CONTACT: Tel 021 856 5605; Fax 021 851 2148
E-MAIL: Steenbras.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.
Publications on the City's nature reserves and natural areas
- City of Cape Town Nature Reserves book [PDF 3.8 MB]
A comprehensive and colourful resource which showcases more than 30 nature reserves and natural areas managed by the City of Cape Town. The book is also available in hard copy for R25 at these locations only: Helderberg Nature Reserve, Table Bay NR: Rietvlei Section, False Bay NR: Rondevlei Section, Tygerberg NR and Blaauwberg NR (Eerste Steen Resort). It is also available at the Botanical Society bookshop in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
- Cape Town Nature Reserves poster [PDF 6 MB]
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. Hard copy version no longer available.
Please consider the environment before printing this web page.
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