Explore our rivers and wetlands
Cape Town is blessed with a network of beautiful rivers and wetlands and the perfect climate for getting outdoors. If you're looking to have a picnic, go for a scenic hike, or in the mood for some paddling, you're in luck. Explore with friends and family but remember to respect our plants and animals, and make sure you follow our safety guidelines.
Visit the City’s wetland areas
A visit to the
City’s nature reserves and other natural areas will take you through a diverse network of protected flora and fauna.
A number of our natural areas – and some of our parks – are home to wetlands/vleis and estuaries:
River and wetland walks
Most of the City’s protected natural areas – including our parks – offer walks for the whole family. Enjoy the sounds of nature and the cooling effect of the waters as you stroll along a river or explore a wetland on foot.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Tread the figure-of-eight footpaths at
Glencairn Wetland
- Wander in
De Hel, where tree-covered slopes run down to the riverbed.
- Choose from the many nature walks on offer in the
Table Bay Nature Reserve, which includes Rietvlei, Zoarvlei, Milnerton Lagoon and Diep River.
Find an updated list of walks and hikes in our nature reserves in our
Nature Reserve Hiking Trail, Nature Walk and Public Pathway Guide.
Top tip
Many river walks are open to dog walkers too. Check the signs to see if your dog needs to be on a leash and always clean up your dog’s poop.
Picnics along the water
Take a refreshing break on a hot summer’s day and head to the water for a picnic or braai with family and friends. Many of the City’s nature reserves have dedicated picnic and braai areas.
For example, head to the grassy shores at
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve – which also offers a number of water sports if you’re feeling adventurous – or grab a picnic table at
False Bay Nature Reserve, Rondevlei Section and try to spot the elusive hippos.
Bird watching
Healthy wetlands offer homes, food and breeding sites to an astonishing range of birds – making them the perfect place for new and experienced bird watchers too.
The
False Bay Nature Reserve is the fifth most important habitat for wetland birds in southern Africa. It hosts about 250 bird species – at times up to 30 000 birds – including fish eagles, pelicans and flamingos. The posters below gives you an idea of the enormous diversity of this area.
False Bay Ecology Park brochure – front page
False Bay Ecology Park brochure – back page
Rietvlei Wetland, part of the
Table Bay Nature Reserve, offers a variety of water habitats, including a permanent freshwater lake, shallow marshes that flood in winter, reed beds, a river, and an estuarine lagoon.
With around 196 bird species, it is a birder’s paradise – especially in spring and summer, when migrant birds arrive from the northern hemisphere. And it has two bird hides!
Fast fact
Two of our Biodiversity Areas,
Raapenberg and
Dick Dent, are also dedicated bird sanctuaries.
River safety
The flat, still surface of rivers can give a false sense of security. Currents, undertows or submerged objects can be dangerous. These waterways are not patrolled by lifeguards, which means there may not be anyone around to help in an emergency. Have fun, while always following our safety guidelines.
River safety tips:
- Never swim alone
- Avoid drinking alcohol around water
- Wear a lifejacket while in a watercraft
- Learn lifesaving skills
- Only swim in safe natural conditions
- Never let children swim unsupervised (supervision saves lives)
- Enter feet first to make sure the water is safe and deep enough for swimming
- Obey watercraft rules
- Do not swim if the river is polluted
- Do not enter a river if you have open cuts/wounds
Watercraft rules:
- Stay seated when the boat is in motion
- Never sit on the side of the boat
- Watch out for swimmers and smaller boats
- Never throw litter off the boat
- Steer clear of docks, the shore, and other boats
- Obey the posted speed limits
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