Click here for the Cape Town Nature Reserves booklet, a comprehensive and colourful resource that showcases the City of Cape Town's 24 nature reserves and natural areas (PDF 2.8MB). Copies of the booklet are available from the Helderberg, Rondevlei and Rietvlei Nature Reserves, as well as the Kirstenbosch Botanical Society Bookshop.
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 (JPG 2MB).
Click here for a location map of the nature reserves within the City's boundary (JPG 256 KB).
Below is a list of 24 nature reserves and natural areas, either owned or managed by the City of Cape Town. Please note that opening hours and fees are subject to change. We suggest that you contact the relevant reserve for confirmation.
Blaauwberg Conservation Area (BCA), Bloubergstrand
(Eerstesteen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive, Blouberg)
Three unique vegetation types: Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (thicket), Swartland Shale Renosterveld and Cape Flats Sand Fynbos.
Opening hours: Coastal section: sunrise to sunset (daily); Eerstesteen braai and picnic facility: 08:00 – 19:00 (Nov - Apr), 08:00 – 17:00 (May - Oct); Blaauwberg Hill: currently accessible by prior arrangement only
2009 Tariffs: Eerstesteen Resort: Adults R10.00 (13yrs & older), Children R5.00
(3-13yrs), Children under 3yrs free, Senior Citizens R5.00 (60+ yrs, ID required)
- 'Friends' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Learner/student groups: R3.00 per learner (pre-booked)
- Vehicles: R16.00
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R100.00, Family R150.00 (parents & any 3 children up to 13yrs), Senior Citizens (60+ yrs) R50.00. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Blaauwberg Conservation Area
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnic sites, braai areas, hiking trails, surfing spots, bird-watching, whale-watching, fishing (permit required), monthly ‘Friends’ group activities
Environmental education (EE): BCA EE Centre (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel/Fax 021 554 0957 | E-mail
bca@capetown.gov.za |
Website
www.bca.org.za (Friends of the BCA)
Resources: Blaauwberg Conservation Area brochure [PDF 958 KB]
Blaauwberg Conservation Area – Floral Treasures brochure [PDF 1.9 MB]
Bracken Nature Reserve, Brackenfell
(2 Reservoir Road, Brackenfell)
The nature reserve supports Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Swartland Granite Renosterveld vegetation types
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); closed weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnics, bird watching, wheelchair-friendly walking trail
Environmental education (EE): Brackenfell EE Centre (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel/Fax 021 982 1323 | E-mail bracken.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za |
Website http://jackdt.googlepages.com (Friends of Bracken Nature Reserve)
Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary, Strand
(Broadway Boulevard, Strand)
Opening hours: Not applicable
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: There is a bird hide and bird watchers are advised to visit in groups
Environmental education (EE): None
Contact: Tel 021 851 6982 | Fax 021 851 2148 |
E-mail helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Durbanville Nature Reserve, adjacent to Durbanville Racecourse
(Racecourse Road, Durbanville)
Transition zone of Swartland Shale Renosterveld and Cape Flats Sand Fynbos vegetation types
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); closed weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnic sites, walking paths, bird watching
Environmental education (EE): EE programmes run by "Cape for Kids" Tel 021 790 6067 (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 970 3097 | Fax 021 979 0093 |
E-mail durbanville.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Edith Stephens Wetland Park, Philippi
(Lansdowne Road, Philippi)
This wetland supports a variety of bird life
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); book for weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi, train or bus
Activities: Picnic sites, seasonal wetland, Working for Wetlands nursery, Urban Agriculture garden, medicinal garden
Environmental education (EE): Edith Stephens Wetland Park EE Centre (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 691 8070 | Fax 021 691 7375 | E-mail luzann.isaacs@capetown.gov.za
Harmony Flats Nature Reserve, Strand
(11th Street, Strand)
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (no controlled access)
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Walking trail, plant monitoring, spring flowers
Environmental education (EE): The Harmony Flats Working Group, supported and trained by CREW and Cape Flats Nature, organises lessons and plant monitoring
Contact: Tel 021 856 5605 | E-mail harmonyflatsnr@capetown.gov.za
Resources: Harmony Flats Nature Reserve poster series (6-in-1) [PDF 2.3 MB]. Click here to download the posters individually.
Helderberg Nature Reserve, Somerset West
(Verster Avenue, Somerset West)
This nature reserve supports Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos and Boland Granite Fynbos vegetation types and a small population of bontebok
Opening hours: Daily 07:30 – 19:00 (Nov - Apr), 07:30 – 17:30 (May - Oct)
2009 Tariffs: Adults R10.00 (13yrs & older), Children R5.00 (3-13yrs), Children under 3yrs free, Senior Citizens R5.00 (60+ yrs, ID required)
- 'Friends' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Learner/student groups: R3.00 per learner (pre-booked)
- Vehicles: R5.00
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R100.00, Family R150.00 (parents & any 3 children up to 13yrs), Senior Citizens (60+ yrs) R50.00. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Blaauwberg Conservation Area
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Picnic area (no braais), Duck Inn coffee shop, information centre, gift shop, museum display and walking/hiking trails
Environmental education (EE): Mike Woods EE Centre (please book by phoning 021 852 8831)
Accommodation: Sugarbird Campsite (for reservations phone 021 852 8831)
Contact: Tel 021 856 5605 | Fax 021 851 2148 |
E-mail helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za |
Website www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za (Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve)
Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area, Kenilworth
(Rosmead Avenue, Kenilworth)
Opening hours: By prior arrangement only
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi, bus or train
Activities: Walks
Environmental education (EE): No formal programmes, but there is great potential for environmental awareness training
Contact: Tel 021 700 1843 | E-mail mayas@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)
Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Gordon's Bay vicinity
(Route R44, 8 km east of Gordon’s Bay (Clarence Drive))
This reserve forms part of the greater Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve that supports Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos vegetation
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00
2009 Tariffs: R15.00 per person for hiking permit to enter Steenbras River Gorge (to be obtained at the gate or Sunbird Lodge nearby)
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Hiking, abseiling, kloof jumping (run by external company)
NOTE: Picnics and eating of food are strongly discouraged along trails due to baboons in area
Environmental education (EE): None
Accommodation: Camping (for reservations, phone 021 856 1286)
Contact: Tel 021 856 4975 | E-mail kogelberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Lourens River Protected Natural Environment, Somerset West vicinity
(Somerset West to Strand)
Opening hours: Parts of the river are accessible
Tariffs: None
Activities: Picnic area, hiking trails, bird watching
Environmental education (EE): No formal programme
Contact: Tel 021 851 6982 | Fax 021 851 2148 |
E-mail helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Macassar Dunes Conservation Area, Khayelitsha/Macassar
(Macassar Road, Khayelitsha / Baden Powell Drive, Macassar)
Coastal dunes supporting Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (thicket) vegetation
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); closed weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnicking and fishing along coast (permit required)
Environmental education (EE): EE programmes offered outdoors (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 392 5134/5 | Fax 021 392 8878 | E-mail macassar.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Mamre Nature Garden, Mamre
(Mamre Municipal Offices, Main Road, Mamre)
Opening hours: By prior arrangement only
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Picnic site, short trail, 1.5 hour hiking trail to Louwskloof, the national heritage site (by prior arrangement only)
Environmental education (EE): By prior arrangement only
Contact: Tel 021 576 0514 | E-mail charlene.liedeman@capetown.gov.za
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary, Observatory
(Liesbeek Parkway & Station Road, Observatory)
Opening hours: Not applicable
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi, bus or train
Activities: Bird watching, strolling, picnicking
Environmental education (EE): None
Friends: Friends of the Liesbeek - www.fol.org.za
Contact: Tel 021 700 1843 | E-mail mayas@goldcircle.co.za | Website www.krca.co.za
(This sanctuary is owned by Gold Circle, but is managed by the City of Cape Town)
Rietvlei Wetland Reserve, Table View
(Grey Avenue, Table View)
This wetland has Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (thicket) vegetation, which supports a variety of bird life
Opening hours: Daily 07:30 – 17:00
2009 Tariffs: Adults R10.00 (13yrs & older), Children R5.00 (3-13yrs), Children under 3yrs free, Senior Citizens R5.00 (60+ yrs, ID required)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Learner/student groups: R3.00 per learner (pre-booked)
- Vehicles: R16.00
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R100.00, Family R150.00 (parents & any 3 children up to 13yrs), Senior Citizens (60+ yrs) R50.00. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Blaauwberg Conservation Area
- Day Fishing Permits: Adults R32.00 (13yrs & older), Children R11.00 (3-13yrs). Maximum of 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Recreational water craft, picnic sites, fishing spots, braai areas, hiking trails, bird hide
Environmental education (EE): Rietvlei EE Centre (please book by phoning 021 521 9900)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 557 5509 | E-mail rietvlei.wetlandreserve@capetown.gov.za |
Website www.friendsofrietvlei.co.za (Friends of Rietvlei)
Rondebosch Common, Rondebosch
(Park Road and Campground Road, Rondebosch)
Opening hours: Not applicable
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi, bus or train
Activities: Spring flowers, history rambles, running, cycling and dog walking
Environmental education (EE): No formal programmes, but suitable for nature and history lessons
Friends: Friends keep the area clean, safe and free from litter and fire. They control the spread of alien vegetation, organise spring walks and information boards and have compiled a book on the history, flora and fauna
Contact: Tel 021 700 1843 | E-mail mayas@goldcircle.co.za | Website www.krca.co.za
(This common is owned by Gold Circle, but is managed by the City of Cape Town)
Rondevlei Nature Reserve, Grassy Park
(Cnr Perth Road & Fisherman’s Walk, Grassy Park)
This wetland supports a variety of bird life. It is home to some hippos and two unique vegetation types, Cape Flats Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (thicket). The reserve is part of a multi-use area of 1 200 hectares, making up the False Bay Ecology Park
Opening hours: Daily 07:30 – 17:00 (Sat & Sun until 19:30 from Dec - Feb)
2009 Tariffs: Adults R7.00 (13yrs & older), Children R4.00 (3-13yrs), Children under 3yrs free, Senior Citizens R4.00 (60+ yrs, ID required)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Learner/student groups: R3.00 per learner (pre-booked)
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R100.00, Family R150.00 (parents & any 3 children up to 13yrs), Senior Citizens (60+ yrs) R50.00. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Blaauwberg Conservation Area
- Day Fishing Permits: Adults R32.00 (13yrs & older), Children R11.00 (3-13yrs). Maximum of 2 rods with 2 hooks per rod
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnic sites, bird hides, lookout towers, a museum, an aquarium, fishing platforms, boat trips
Environmental education (EE): Rondevlei EE Centre; Leonard Gill Field Museum (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 706 2404 | Fax 021 706 2405 | E-mail rondevleinaturereserve@capetown.gov.za | Imvubu Nature Tours Tel 021 706 0842; for overnight camps phone 021 706 8523
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]
Silwerboomkloof Natural Heritage Site, Somerset West
(Van Gogh Road, Somerset West)
Opening hours: Public open space
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Hiking trails, bird watching
Environmental education (EE): No formal programme
Contact: Tel 021 851 6982 | Fax 021 851 2148 |
E-mail helderbergnature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Tygerberg Nature Reserve, Bellville
(Main gate: Totius Street, Welgemoed / Secondary gate: Meyboom Street, Plattekloof)
This is a nature reserve that supports one of the last remnants of the highly threatened Swartland Shale Renosterveld vegetation
Opening hours: 09:00 – 16:00 (weekdays); 09:00 – 18:00 (weekends & public holidays)
2009 Tariffs: Adults R10.00 (13yrs & older), Children R5.00 (3-13yrs), Children under 3yrs free, Senior Citizens R5.00 (60+ yrs, ID required)
- 'Friends' of this reserve: free (proof of membership required)
- Learner/student groups: R3.00 per learner (pre-booked)
- Season Tickets (annual): Adults R100.00, Family R150.00 (parents & any 3 children up to 13yrs), Senior Citizens (60+ yrs) R50.00. The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves: Helderberg, Tygerberg, Rietvlei, Rondevlei and Blaauwberg Conservation Area
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Hiking trails, picnic sites, bird-watching, panoramic views
Environmental education (EE): Kristo Pienaar EE Centre (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 913 5695 | Fax 021 913 6268 |
E-mail tygerberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Uitkamp Wetlands, Durbanville
(Mosselbank Road, Durbanville)
Opening hours: Public open space
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Nature walks amid a small wetland, interesting plants, birds and frogs
Environmental education (EE): None
Contact: Tel 021 970 3097 | Fax 021 979 0093 | E-mail vibeke.kragh@capetown.gov.za
| Uitkamp Action Group (Friends) E-mail yoellmj@mweb.co.za
Witzands Aquifer Conservation Area (includes Silwerstroomstrand Conservation Area & Atlantis Dunefields), Atlantis
(Corner of R27 and Dassenberg Drive, Atlantis)
Opening hours: Atlantis Dunes: 07:00 – 19:00 for activities in the dunefields (with pre-arranged permits)
2009 Tariffs: R9.00 per person entering the dunes on foot, R100.00 per 4x4 vehicle (which covers 4 persons per vehicle), R60.00 per quad-bike / motorcycle (passengers R9.00 per person extra)
Annual permits (pro rata): 4X4 vehicles R970.00; quad-bikes/motorcycles R650.00
Filming: Stills shoots R1710.00 (max. 10 vehicles & 25 people), film shoots: R3762.00
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Sand-boarding, beach walking, rock pools, filming, 4x4 driving, camping (caravan, chalets & tents), picnic sites, braai areas, hiking trails, bird watching, whale watching and fishing (permit required)
Environmental education (EE): Formal programmes by appointment
Contact: Tel 021 577 5000/2/3/4 | Fax 021 577 5001 | E-mail witsands.reserve@capetown.gov.za
Wolfgat Nature Reserve, Mitchells Plain
[Baden Powell Drive, Mitchells Plain]
Coastal dunes that support Cape Flats Dune Strandveld (thicket) vegetation
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); closed weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: Picnicking and fishing at designated points along coast (permit required)
Environmental education (EE): EE programmes offered outdoors (please book)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel 021 392 5134/5 | Fax 021 392 8878 | E-mail wolfgat.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve, Marina Da Gama
[Coniston Avenue, Marina Da Gama]
This estuary supports a variety of indigenous fish and bird species
Opening hours: 07:30 – 16:00 (weekdays); closed weekends
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Train
Activities: Jetty, bird hides, picnic sites
Environmental education (EE): Zandvlei EE Centre (book in advance for live reptile displays)
Accommodation: None
Contact: Tel/Fax 021 701 7542 | E-mail zandvlei.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve, Pelican Park
[Zeekoevlei Road, Pelican Park]
This wetland supports a variety of bird life. The reserve is part of a multi-use area of 1 200 hectares, making up the False Bay Ecology Park
Opening hours: Daily 07:30 – 19:30 (Nov - Apr), 07:30 – 18:00 (May - Oct)
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi
Activities: Picnicking and fishing
Environmental education (EE): Zeekoevlei EE Centre (please book)
Accommodation: Book for camps by phoning 021 706 8523
Contact: Tel 021 706 2404 (c/o Rondevlei Nature Reserve) | Fax 021 706 2405 |
E-mail zeekoevleinature.reserve@capetown.gov.za
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]
Zoarvlei Wetlands, Rugby
[Between Donegal Street, Rugby; and Milner Street, Metro Industrial Township]
Opening hours: Not applicable
Tariffs: None
Public transport: Taxi or bus
Activities: walking, bird watching
Environmental education (EE): West Coast Field Studies Centre. Contact Frank Wygold to book the Centre, on 021 511 2384 or 083 338 9319; E-mail jamaica@stonedragon.co.za
Contact: Tel 021 689 4184 (David Curran) / 021 550 1086 (Koos Retief)
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.
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