Cape Town is not just a cultural urban hub at the tip of the country, but also a known sanctuary for nature lovers, boasting a collection of beautiful nature reserves that offer amazing outdoor experiences.
Reconnect with nature and the people around you by visiting these nature reserves in and around Cape Town:
1. Durbanville Nature Reserve
Durbanville Nature Reserve preserves the city’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Spanning six hectares, this reserve is a meeting point for the critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos, showcasing approximately 241 plant species.
Beyond its floral wonders, the reserve shelters a diverse array of wildlife, including birds like the Cape sugarbird and lesser double-collared sunbird, as well as mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
- Location: Racecourse Road, Durbanville
- Times: Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4pm | Saturday 8am to 1pm | Sunday 12pm to 5pm
- Entrance fee: Free
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2. Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve
Encompassing 500 hectares, the the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve is renowned for the Atlantis Dunes, a pristine spot adorned with the endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Atlantis Sand Fynbos. The landscape is full of wildlife, including steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and the caracal.
Beneath the surface lies a vital underground aquifer, supplying potable water to the neighbouring communities of Atlantis, Mamre and Pella. Beyond its ecological significance, the reserve offers thrilling recreational activities such as 4×4 adventures, quad biking, off-road motorcycles and sandboarding.
- Location: Atlantis Dunes, Dassenberg Drive (R307), Atlantis
- Times: Every day 7am to 7pm
- Entrance fee: Free
3. Table Bay Nature Reserve
Within the Table Bay Nature Reserve are seven distinct sections, each contributing to the reserve as a whole: Rietvlei Wetlands, Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Beach, Milnerton Racecourse, Zoarvlei Wetlands, Diep River and the Parklands Fynbos Corridor.
Spanning an impressive 880 hectares, this lies against the backdrop of the Cape Flats dune strandveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos vegetation. A focal point, the Rietvlei Wetland, cradled in the Diep River floodplain between Milnerton and Table View, channels its waters into Table Bay through the Milnerton Lagoon.
This wetland presents a variety habitats, including a permanent freshwater lake, seasonal shallow marshes, reed beds, a river and a lagoon adorned with salt marshes that extend openly to the sea.
- Location: Main entrance is at the southern end of Grey Avenue, Table View (Rietvlei Section)
- Times: Every day 7:30am to 4pm
- Entrance fee: R0 to R420 (standard adults R20)
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4. Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Positioned atop the majestic Blaauwberg Hill, the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve consists of fynbos-covered slopes, overlooking the city, a seven-kilometre stretch of rocky coastline and the ocean.
What makes this vantage point truly extraordinary is its unique perspective, offering a rare view of two World Heritage Sites: Table Mountain and Robben Island.
- Location: Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive (M14), north of Bloubergstrand
- Times: Every day 8am to 7pm
- Entrance fee: R0 to R28
5. Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve
The Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve is full of local flora and fauna. Embodying the city’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage, this reserve offers an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts.
Perfect for nature walks, the Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve is centred around a small wetland.
- Location: Mosselbank Road, Durbanville
- Entrance fee: Free
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Picture: City of Cape Town / Facebook