Durbanville Nature Reserve

Durbanville Nature Reserve is set in an endangered indigenous veld environment. Photo courtesy Deon Maritz

Two rare plant species, indigenous veld types, short hiking trails, bird watching and picnicking are the main attractions of the Durbanville Nature Reserve.

The 6ha (15 acre) Durbanville Nature Reserve, located in the heart of Durbanville, is unique despite its diminutive size, as it’s set in an endangered indigenous veld environment, where renosterveld coastal fynbos and mountain fynbos grow together.

The reserve was proclaimed primarily to protect a rare flower – Aristea lugens – and to conserve a transition zone between the renosterveld and sandveld fynbos. Serruria bronii is another rare and endangered floral species that has been identified in the confines of the reserve.

A wide range of indigenous plant species has attracted many birds, creating a birdwatchers’ paradise.

Walking trails are suited to those who prefer less strenuous activities, yet wish to take in the beautiful and famous flora of the Cape. The reserve also features an indigenous plant nursery including rare species of Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos vegetation types.

Extra info

Opening hours: 07h30 – 16h00 (weekdays); closed weekends

Entrance fee: None

Public transport: Taxi or bus

Activities: Picnic sites, walking paths, birdwatching

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Phone: +27 (0)21 970 3097
Physical Address: Durbanville Nature Reserve, adjacent to Durbanville Racecourse (Racecourse Road, Durbanville)

African Wildlife

Although Cape Town and the Western Cape are probably not the best places to experience a safari (Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces are better known for that), it is possible to have an encounter with South Africa’s big game not far from the Mother City.