Intaka Island

Intaka Island, photo courtesy Ian Junor

The word “intaka”, which means “bird” in isiXhosa, is a fitting name for an island that offers a safe haven to many feathered species. This 16ha wetland lies in the middle of Century City, a retail, residential, office and leisure hub 7km to the east of Cape Town’s centre.

Attracting the birds
The first man-made islands were constructed in 2001 in an effort to encourage birds to roost and breed. Intaka Island holds more than aesthetic appeal; the birds and wetland ecology have also contributed to the purification of the canal water.

Getting to the island
Visitors reach the island via a bridge across the circular canal. A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs R20, adults pay R8, children and pensioners pay R4.

Boat Rides
There are also boat rides available. A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs R115, adults pay R55, children (aged 3-12) pay R25 and pensioners pay R30.

Flora and fauna
Of the 120 birds found on the island, open-water species include the white-breasted cormorant, reed cormorant, red-knobbed coot, winged stilt and blacksmith plover. There are 177 species of indigenous plants, 10 of which are rare and threatened with extinction. Tours may be conducted by visitors or with a guide. Enquire at the reception hut.