Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve is a 300-hectare nature reserve and recreational area located in Muizenberg near Cape Town, South Africa.
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ESTUARY SANCTUARY Entering the ocean in the suburb of Muizenberg, Zandvlei is the only functioning estuary on Cape Town’s False Bay coast. It is also one of the most important estuaries for recruitment of fish such as garrick, steenbras and two species of stumpnose.
The surrounding wetland is an important habitat for birds and has 166 species on its official list. It is also a vital habitat for amphibians and about 20 species of reptile such as the angulate tortoise, marsh terrapin, mole snake and brown water snake. Porcupines, grysbok, otters and mongoose can also occasionally be spotted. The plant life is typical of Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and Cape Wetland vegetation. Rare or interesting plants include Gladiolus angustus and Salvia africana-lutea. The estuary was neglected in the past, and suffered from farming, urban development, dredging and the introduction of alien invasive species. The original vegetation has been partly restored through local government and volunteer efforts. There is now an Environmental Education Centre and the reserve is home to the Imperial Yacht Club and Peninsula Canoe Club. SCOUTS South Africa operate their Sea Scout base from there, conducting sailing and rowing regattas there, in addition to various training courses and the annual Kon-Tiki raft building competition. Fishing is popular, with many large garrick having been landed. A standard fishing...
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It's super relaxing walk in the reserve with few distractions from the water and birds throughout the area.
It's good to see incremental improvement over time and the contruction of the bord hides and viewing platforms is pretty good.
It's wheelchair friendly in parts, but perhaps pretty limited for wheelchair users.
Parking is also a bit limited and not clearly marked.
It's fairly well hidden away and the road leading to the reserve is not paved, so drive slowly.
It's pretty safe, and there are security patrols to ensure safety. Multiple bathrooms are available on site as well as an...
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I personally think that this is one of the best nature reserves I've ever been to. I haven't been at that place in 2 years. This place offers you a spot to have your lunch or picnic, gives you information on the different species of animals that are in the nature reserve. There are little museums where it gives you even more information on the species of animals there. I personally loved everything that was there. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for to look at the beauty of...
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