Step into a nature’s paradise when you visit Table Bay Nature Reserve. This Cape Town attraction is known for its hiking trails, birdwatching, and watersport activities.
Planning a visit? Here’s what to expect.
Nature’s paradise
Table Bay Nature Reserve covers just under 1000 hectares of diverse habitats ranging from riverine floodplains, permanent and seasonal wetlands, open pans, a tidal estuary, and coastal dunes.
The nature reserve lies on the Table Bay coastline, stretching from close to the city centre to the north of Parklands and surrounds.
The reserve consists of different management sections, including Rietvlei, Zoarvlei, Milnerton Lagoon, Milnerton Racecourse, Diep River, Parklands Fynbos Corridor, Sandown Fynbos Corridor, and the Coastal Section.
At the reserve, you will find endangered Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and critically endangered Cape Flats sand fynbos. It is also home to over 400 plant species, which include threatened species like Cliffortia ericifolia, Hermannia procumbens sp. procumbens, Leucadendron levisanus, and Acrolophia bolusii.
Bird and animal watching
Birdwatching enthusiasts can be on the lookout for 200 bird species at the Rietvlei Section, including large flocks of flamingos, pelicans and numerous migrating wading birds.
The Rietvlei Section has two bird hides where you can search for a few species. Travellers can also be on the lookout for 30 mammals, including the Cape clawless otter, Cape grysbok and caracal.
The reserve is also home to various frog species, including the clicking stream frog, the Cape river frog, and the common platanna.
Get active
If you’re in the mood for some adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Table Bay Nature Reserve offers a range of educational, recreational and water sports opportunities. Visitors can sail, ski, powerboat, paddle and canoe at Rietvlei or enjoy fishing at selected sites.
Visitors can wander the hiking and jogging trails with routes catering to beginners and pros. Travellers can also braai or picnic on Rietvlei’s shoreline or environmental education programmes.
Opening hours: The reserve is open daily from 07:30am until 4pm. Visitors need to exit the reserve by 5pm. Hours for water-related activity: Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm and weekends from 07:30am-4.30pm.
Cost: Entry fees start from R8,70 for children and senior citizens and R14,78 for adults.
For more information, visit www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Nature%20reserves/Table%20Bay%20Nature%20Reserve
