Durbanville Nature Reserve

Overview

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This precious six hectare site conserves two critically endangered veld types: Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos, along with many threatened plants and animals.

The discovery of a small patch of Aristea lugens, long thought to be extinct, led to the establishment of the nature reserve in 1966.

To protect the beauty of the reserve, visitors are asked to stick to designated paths and respect the plants and animals that live in the reserve by not littering or disturbing the wildlife.

The nature reserve offers walking trails which you can walk along at your own leisure or you can request a guided walk. It also offers picnicking, bird watching, educational activities and a venue to hire. The guided walks, educational activities and venue hire must please be booked in advance.

Durbanville Nature Reserve conserves about 220 different plant species. Among them are species of gladioli, moreas, watsonias and proteas; three of which are endemic to Cape Town and 10 are threatened with extinction.

These vegetation types are rich in bulbs which flower in spring, creating a vibrant and colourful landscape of indigenous flowers,

The site is home to several animal species, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Birds such as the Cape sugarbird (Promerops cafer), lesser double-collared sunbird and Cape spurfowl (Pternistes capensis).

The small grey mongoose and angulate tortoise also occur here, as well as the endemic and vulnerable Cape rain frog which can be heard when it rains.

ADDRESS: Racecourse Road, Durbanville, Cape Town (GPS -33.8408725 S, 18.644544 E)

OPENING HOURS:
SUMMER (September - April) weekdays 07:30 to 16:00; weekends 09:00 to 18:00
WINTER (May - August) weekdays 07:30 to 16:00; weekends (closed)
Closed on all public holidays

ENTRANCE FEE: None

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic sites, wheelchair-friendly pathways, birdwatching, small EE centre facility available for meetings/functions

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Educational activities are available for schools (booking with reserve management is essential)

Cape Town Green Map
updated 10/2014 by Cape Town Green Map