Table Bay Nature Reserve Rietvlei section bird hide temporarily closed
09 October 2023
The City of Cape Town’s Spatial Planning and Environment Directorate would like to inform members of the public about the temporary closure of the Old Friend’s hide and a section of the boardwalk leading to the hide located in the Table Bay Nature Reserve’s Rietvlei section following the severe rainfall and subsequent flooding on the weekend of 22 – 25 September 2023. Repairs are expected to take place over a period of one month.
Following the floods, reserve staff investigated the trails and found significant damage to the boardwalk and Old Friend's bird hide at the Table Bay Nature Reserve. Vast quantities of water resulted in wooden material breaking off the structures. The boardwalk leading to the Old Friend's bird hide has been temporarily closed to the public.
Repairs are expected to take a month as there are structural concerns along the boardwalk. The closed off section will only be re-opened once the walkways are deemed safe.
City staff are currently cleaning debris from the boardwalk in order to make sure the walkway is safe for all users.
The rest of the boardwalk and the Sunset bird hide is open for visitors. Visitors can also consider the following activities:
- Hiking and jogging on the trails
- Birdwatching
- Braai and picnic on Rietvlei's shoreline
- Environmental education programmes on offer (enquire with reserve management)
- Sail, ski, powerboat, paddle and canoe at Rietvlei and Milnerton Aquatics Club
- Fishing at selected sites (freshwater fishing permit required)
Opening hours:
Daily
07:30 – 16:00 (exit reserve by 17:00)
Water sports hours:
Monday to Friday
10:00 – 16:30
Weekends
07:30 – 16:30
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
