Cape Town is teeming with incredible natural gems. From waterfalls to oceans to mountainous hiking trails – there’s a little something for everyone. While we should embrace the beauty that our planet has so generously gifted us on a daily basis, protecting it at all costs, Earth Day is an annual event that demonstrates support for the protection of our environment.
The event is celebrated on 22 April, and this year residents are being treated to something extra special. Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews is encouraging residents to enjoy the countless nature reserves that our beautiful city has to offer at R0.00.
“Go out and appreciate these precious nature reserves this Earth Day, 22 April 2022 at no cost. We would like residents to take some time out on Friday to visit their local nature reserve. The natural beauty and peace one finds at these well-preserved nature reserves is something I would like everyone to experience. So find your most preferred or closest spot and enjoy all that our natural environment has to offer,” he said.
The City’s nature reserves do an incredible job of protecting and conserving the natural areas and biodiversity heritage of the Mother City. Many of the nature reserves scattered throughout Cape Town offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy unique biodiversity that can only be found in our beautiful City.
Many of these reserves offer residents the opportunity to lace up their hiking boots and enjoy a strenuous or easy hike or enjoy the glorious waters of Cape Town’s water bodies through sailing and boating. Bird watching and picnic spots are also on the menu when visiting one of the many reserves around the City. These reserves not only help to conserve and promote the biodiversity of our city but give residents the chance to enjoy all of its natural wonders – you may even spot a few small critters or two.
Here is a list of nature reserves residents can enjoy this Earth Day on 22 April:
Southern Suburbs:
- Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve
- False Bay Nature Reserve (includes Rondevlei and Zeeköevlei)
- Edith Stephens Nature Reserve
- De Hel Nature Area
- Meadowridge Common
- Die Oog Conservation Area
- Lower Silvermine Wetlands
- Glencairn Wetland
- Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary
- Rondebosch Common
Northern Suburbs:
- Durbanville Nature Reserve (includes Uitkamp Wetlands)
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
- Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve
- Bracken Nature Reserve
West Coast:
- Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
- Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
- Table Bay Nature Reserve (includes Diep River Fynbos Corridor, Zoarvlei Wetlands, Milnerton Racecourse)
False Bay:
- Wolfgat Nature Reserve
- Helderberg Nature Reserve (includes Silwerboomkloof)
- Harmony Flats Nature Reserve
- Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
For more information make sure you visit: www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves.
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Picture: Helderberg Nature Reserve
