"Rondevlei Nature Reserve" Cape Town Off The Beaten Path Tip by Waxbag

Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a bird sanctuary located in Cape Flats established to protect the large wetlands area surrounded by low coastal dunes and to serve as an educational center. This is South Africa’s 6th most important coastal wetlands for birds. Rondevlei is one of the largest breeding colonies in the Cape Peninsula. There are several bird hides located around the lakes that are accessible by paths and boardwalks. On any given day you have a great chance of spotting at least 20 species of birds. There is an environmental educational centre with stuffed birds of the region, diagrams on the ecology and environment, as well as some cages and aquiraium with regional rodents, fish, and reptiles.

Floral:
There are 320 species of plant found here which San Plains Fynbos, and Strandvled vegetation are mainly protected. 17 plant species are endangered with extinction which 2 species are found here and no where else.

Fauna:
231 bird species have been recorder here. There are many local species here such as the darter, little bittern, African spoonbill, avocet, purple gallinule, and white pelican. Between July and December colonies of heron, egrets, and ibis come to breed in the reed beds.
There are 20 species of mamals found here include grysbok, cape clawless otter, cape grey mongoose, porcupine, and newly introduced hippos.
There are 29 species of reptiles including the puff adder and freshwater terrapin.
There are 8 species of frogs.

There is a picnic area available, boat trips can be taken, carp fishing platforms, look out tower and telescopes.

Cost R5 per person. Great Value!

Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Fisherman’s Walk Road
Zeekoevlei 7941
Cape Town, South Africa

Off of the M5 turn on 5th Avenue (east) and then follow Perth Road (south) to the end.

Website: http://www.rondevlei.co.za