A List of Nature Reserves in Cape Town – East & Northern Regions
Cape Town is home to some of the most beautiful natures reserves in South Africa. From north to south, and from the central region to the east, many adventures are waiting. As a professional Cape Town hiking tour service, we pride ourselves in keeping people informed. Hence, we’ve compiled this list of nature reserves in Cape Town. In addition to the names of these reserves, there is some information on what makes the reserve special. We hope you find what you are looking for, and if you feel like experiencing all the beauty the Mother City has to offer, don’t hesitate to look at our packages.
Nature Reserves in Cape Town – Eastern Region
- Wolfgat Nature Reserve
Named after the strandwolf that inhabited the area up until the 19th century, Wolfgat is 248 HA of endangered dune vegetation. It’s a coastal reserve with magnificent cliffs and more than 150 species of plant life. It’s also home to a wide variety of birds.
- Macassar Dunes Conservation Area
The Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation is the focus point of this conservation. While it boasts with an incredibly versatile wildlife scene, the endangered White Milkwood Tree also draws a lot of attention. It’s also known for the highest dune in the Cape peninsula.
- Helderberg Nature Reserve
You can find the Helderberg Nature Reserve on the southern slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, and it’s one of the nature reserves in Cape Town that really stand out. With more than 600 plant species growing wild, and about 170 bird species, you are sure to have the Cape Town hike of a lifetime. The animals you can expect to see include tamed leopards, mongoose and the Cape grysbok.
- Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary
If you appreciate a magnificent bird-life scene, then the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary is a must see reserve. It’s a sanctuary for birds and managed by the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
- Kogelberg Nature Reserve
The Kogelberg Nature reserve in Cape Town has no less than 1600 species of plant life that spreads across 3000 HA of land. There’s a wide range of Proteas and fynbos, but that’s only the beginning of it. Indigenous trees, like the Wild Almond and Yellowwood, can also be found here.
Nature Reserves in Cape Town – Northern Region
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- Mamre Nature Garden
Mamre Nature Garden may not be the biggest reserve, but it does protect a valuable vegetation type, namely the Atlantis Sand fynbos. Of course this isn’t the only thing that’s safe within the 254 Ha of diverse animal and plant life. Then there’s also the rich cultural history attached to the land.
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- Witzands Aquifer Conservation Area
For those who are into whale watching, sand-boarding and camping, then the Witzands Aquifer Conservation Area is a must Cape Town hike. It spans across 3000 HA of land and preserves two endangered vegetation types – Atlantis Sand Fynbos and Cape Flats Dune Strandveld. Of course there are lots of animals to see as well, such as the globally threatened black harrier.
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- Blaauwberg Conservation Area
A hiking trail South African style is to view two proclaimed world heritage sites from one spot. It’s one of those experiences you just can’t buy. The Blaauwberg Conservation Area offers you one of the rarest opportunities in the world, which is to see Table Mountain and Robin Island from one place.
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- Rietvlei Wetland Reserve
Last but not least on our list of nature reserves in Cape Town, the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve it’s all about protecting the waterbirds. It’s also one of the most important conservation areas in South Africa. In terms of tourist attractions, there are water sports available, picnic areas, bird watching, sport recreational activities, and much more.
Hiking Up Table Mountain
What better way to experience a nature reserve than by hiking? Or what about hiking up Table Mountain after spending a night at the Silvermine Nature Reserve? It’s one of the most popular Cape Town hiking trails, and we’d love to guide you all the way to the summit. If you feel you don’t have the energy to walk down, you descend with a comfortable ride in the cable car.
We have a passionate team of guides who love every second of the outdoors, especially when it’s exploring some part of Africa. Let us make your Cape Town hiking trip the most memorable you’ll ever have.