CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE
(WESTERN CAPE REGIONAL SERVICES COUNCIL)
This reserve, which incorporates the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, has many surprises up its sleeve. Stretching along some 40km of rocky coastline, the reserve is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the waters of False Bay in the east.
Covering 7 750ha, the reserve houses a truly astonishing variety of plant species - heath, sedges, ericas, milkwood trees, succulents, proteas, ground orchids and many more. About 1 200 different plant species have been identified in the reserve, thirty of which are considered endangered or rare. It is said that this area contains more floral species than the whole of the British Isles!
Although regarded as a botanical reserve, there is an extensive network of roads allowing visitors to view game species such as grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, eland, red hartebeest, duiker, chacma baboon, Cape fox, caracal, rock dassie, porcupine and ostrich. Visitors are requested not to feed the baboons as this has already caused numerous problems.
Bird species total more than 150. On the bird checklist are gannet, crowned plover, fish eagle and black-shouldered kite, to name but a few. One of the reserve's most interesting creatures is the endangered sago-belly frog which lives in a few shallow, freshwater pools in a specially protected area. A marine reserve reaches out to sea on the western coast of the reserve and there is a distinct difference between the marine life on the western shore and that found on the eastern shore.
Apart from its flora and fauna, the reserve also hides some archaeological treasures. Early man inhabited this part of the continent more than 200 000 years ago and several prehistoric sites have been identified in the reserve. According to popular belief the first European to set eyes on the Cape of Good Hope was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeus Dias, in 1488.
There are several hiking trails, ranging from ten minutes to six hours, and one overnight trail. The most popular spot in the reserve is Cape Point with its spectacular view over the vast ocean. Visitors can walk to the viewpoint (a steep climb) or take the funicular railway. This is the perfect spot for whale-watching and visitors often see groups of southern right whale in winter and spring. The reserve has picnic sites, a restaurant and kiosk. Fishing (permits required) is allowed along a section of the coast and there is a slipway for launching boats at Buffels Bay.
There is no accommodation for general visitors. School groups will find overnight education facilities at Skaife and Goldfields centres. Tourists should take note that this area experiences strong winds, particularly from November to March. Wind speeds often reach up to 40 km/h. The reserve is open throughout the year. Opening time: October to March - 07h00 to 18h00; April to September - 07h00 to 18h00. Exit from the reserve must be no later than sunset.
How to get there:
From Cape Town take the M4 through the southern suburbs to Fish Hoek and along the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula to the entrance gate of the reserve. The turnoff is clearly signposted on the left. Alternatively, from Cape Town the M6 runs down the western, Atlantic coastline of the peninsula; after driving through Noordhoek turn right onto the M65 to Kommetjie and follow this road to the entrance gate. An entrance fee is charged. Permits are required and these are available at the main gate.
Contact details:
Postal address: PO Box 1073, Cape Town, 8000, SOUTH AFRICA
Tel (International): +27-21-706245
Tel (South Africa): 021-706245
Fax (International): +27-21-7062404
Fax (South Africa): 021-7062404
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