About
Tygerberg Nature Reserve lies in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Proclaimed as a Section 23 Nature Reserve under the Protected Areas Act in 2016, this reserve covers an area of 388 hectares and boasts 562 different plant species. Of these, 23 are threatened, 8 are endemic to Cape Town, and 3 are 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.
The Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre is a popular, well-run venue and contains a resource centre with a library and a herbarium. Lessons are taught to school learners, university and college students. A variety of topics are offered, including biodiversity and ecology. The hall is also available for hire for conferences and meetings; however it is not zoned for social functions.
Opening hours
During the period from 1 May - 31 August
Weekdays, weekends and public holidays
07:30 - 17:00
During the period from 1 September - 31 April
Weekdays
07:30 - 18:00
Weekends and public holidays
07:30 – 19:00
Closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday
Entrance fees
For more information about seasonal passes please consult the nature conservation tariffs in the document downloads section below.
Location
Totius Street, Welgemoed
Features and facilities
- Events facilities
- Facility hire
- Path and walkways
- Picnic areas
- Environmental education centre
Activities
- Private events and functions
- Educational programmes
- Running and jogging
- Hiking and walking
- Picnics
Facility sizes
388 hectares
Booking and tariffs
Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre bookings
Telephone:
021 444 9263
Monthly enviro-talks and canon firing enquiries
Friends of the Tygerberg Hills
Email:
danesterhuyse@gmail.com
Bird talks and bird ringing enquiries
Tygerberg Bird Club
Email:
b.dekock@mweb.co.za
Hikes and rare plant survey enquiries
Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers
Email:
tygerberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
For a detailed list of costs please consult the tariffs in the document downloads section below.
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