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The City of Cape Town has set aside over 30 areas within the metro boundary to be managed as nature reserves in an effort to protect its unique biodiversity.
One of these areas includes the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, which lies in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. This nature reserve is in the process of being re-proclaimed as a Section 22 Nature Reserve under the Protected Area Act. The reserve supports one of the last remnants of the critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld vegetation type. It covers an area of 309 hectares and boasts 562 different plant species. Of these, 23 are Red list species, eight are endemic to Cape Town, and three endemic to Tygerberg itself.
The diversity of species found here is vast, with some 24 different mammal species, 137 bird species, 22 different reptiles, 7 types of frogs, and numerous different butterfly species. The view from the top of the nature reserve’s hill is magnificent, with a 360 degree view of the city and emphasises just how meagre the patches of natural vegetation are amid the urban sprawl. The eastern slope of the reserve consists of old ploughed fields that are in the process of being restored, while the Western slope is close to pristine Swartland shale renosterveld.
These amazing attributes are right on your doorstep and available to all Capetonians. There are approximately 13 kilometres of self-guided walking trails for hikers, walkers and trail runners; a few picnic areas where one can relax with family and friends, and plenty of bird watching for those bird enthusiasts.
Environmental educational programmes and activities are conducted from the Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre. These programmes are available to the public by booking with the environmental education officer.
A SPOTTED TIGER?
From a distance, the blotches visible on the hills of the Western Cape reminded Dutch settlers of a leopard’s skin, and in 1657, the hills became known as Luipaerts Berghen (‘Leopard’s Mountain’). This was changed to Tijgerberghen (‘Tiger Mountain’) in 1661, and is now known as Tygerberg. These regular round patches are called ‘heuweltjies’ or small hills and are most noticeable during summer. Many scientists think that these hills are the remains of ancient termite nests. Harvester termites bring plant material into their burrows, and over time, they change the nature of the soil. As a result, the plants growing on the hills differ from those in the surrounding veld.
ADDRESS: Main gate: Totius Street, Welgemoed; Secondary gate: Meyboom Ave, Plattekloof
OPENING HOURS:
Welgemoed gate house, Totius Street
Directions: From the N1, turn into Jip de Jager Road towards Durbanville. Turn left into Kommissaris Street and follow the brown Tygerberg Nature Reserve signs.
SUMMER: (October to March)
- Week days: 07:30 – 18:00
- Weekends and public holidays: 07:30 – 19:00
- Closed Christmas Day
WINTER: (April to September)
- Week days: 07:30 – 17:00
- Weekends and public holidays: 07:30 – 18:00
Plattekloof gate house, Meyboom Avenue
Directions: From Plattekloof Road towards Panorama Hospital – turn into Olienhout. Take the third street right into Meyboom Avenue. Visitors may park between Melkhout and Vlamboom Streets.
- Week days only: 07:30 – 16:00
- Closed for the month of January
ENTRANCE FEE (2011/12):
Adults: R12, 00
Children between ages 3 and 13: R6, 00
Children under 3 years: Free entry
Pensioners and students: R6, 00
Students: R6, 00
Tygerberg Nature Reserve season tickets are available at the gate.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Hiking, trail running, picnic sites, birdwatching, panoramic views
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre is a well-run, popular venue, and contains a resource centre with a library and herbarium. Lessons on a variety of topics such as biodiversity, history of the reserve and its importance, and ecology, are offered. Booking is essential.
FRIENDS GROUPS: Join the Tygerberg Bird Club (www.tygerberg-bird-club.yolasite.com), the Friends of the Tygerberg Hills (www.tygerberghills.co.za) or CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers) for lectures, hikes, birdwatching, rare plant surveys and alien plant hacks.
CONTACT: Tel 021 913 5695; Fax 021 913 6268
E-MAIL:
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For more information on the City’s nature reserves, visit www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves.
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