Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

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The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve is located approximately 25 km from Cape Town’s city centre, representing one of the most intact and diverse lowland vegetation habitats in Cape Town, marking the beginning of the West Coast flora. The reserve contains approximately 1 445 hectares of rich biodiversity.

The Blaauwberg Hill, which forms part of the nature reserve, offers one of the few viewpoints in the world from which two World Heritage Sites can be viewed, namely Table Mountain and Robben Island.

The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve presents a rich cultural and historical heritage of various periods in history. Shell middens dating back to approximately 15 000 years have been observed, indicating early human occupation. In addition, the reserve conserves the site of the Battle of Blaauwberg in 1806, where the British took second occupation of the Cape and retained ownership until South Africa’s independence. Blaauwberg Hill features several buildings constructed during World War II, one of which includes the first radar station built in South Africa.

The nature reserve comprises three highly threatened lowland vegetation types: Cape Flats dune strandveld, Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos. The combination of these vegetation types are seldom found in a single conserved area. Over 560 plant species have been identified, of which more than 40 are considered to be threatened with extinction. This is more than one-third of the total number of plant species found in the British Isles.

Some plants that can be found include Amphithalea ericifolia erecta, Aspalathus retroflexa bicolor and Serruria trilopha.

Over 40 mammal, 28 reptile, 5 amphibian and 30 butterfly species have been identified at the reserve. The recently discovered Blaauwberg dwarf burrowing skink (Scelotes montispectus) is only known from six individuals, three of which are found within the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. Some other species found here include the honey badger (Mellivora capensis), Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis) and caracal (Felis caracal).

Over 140 bird species, including the threatened African black oystercatcher, have been recorded. The Jackal buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus), Black harrier (Circus maurus) and Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) are some of the raptor bird species that occur here.

ADDRESS: Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive (M14), north of Bloubergstrand (GPS -33.777559 S, 18.449142 E)

OPENING HOURS:
Coastal section: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Eerste Steen braai and picnic facility:
SUMMER (Nov-Apr) Daily 08:00 to 19:00
WINTER (May-Oct) Daily 08:00 to 17:00
Blaauwberg Hill: By prior arrangement only

ENTRANCE FEES* (July 2014-June 2015):
- Vehicles R18
- Adults (18+); R13, Children (aged 3-17), students and senior citizens R6,50 (proof required); Children under 3 free entry
- Learner/student groups: R5,50 per learner (pre-booked; discounts may apply)
- 'Friend' of this reserve: free entry (proof of Friends group membership required)
- Season Ticket (annual): Adults (18+) R120, Family R185 (parents & any 4 children up to 17 years), Senior citizens R62 (60+ years). The season ticket provides unlimited entry into the following nature reserves for 365 days from date of issue. Helderberg (excl. vehicle fee), Tygerberg, Table Bay (Rietvlei: excl. vehicle fee), False Bay (Rondevlei) and Blaauwberg (excl. vehicle fee) Nature Reserves. The ticket includes access outside official opening hours only where permitted
- Blaauwberg Hill: Montispectus self-catering accommodation (gas cooking, shower, solar lighting, braai. No electricity or TV). Unit sleeps up to 4 persons: R630 per night (1-2 persons, single beds) Peak Season (1 Sep-30 Apr), R400 Off-peak Season (1 May-31 Aug); R105 per additional person (i.e. persons 3 & 4 in bunk beds). Any booking over a weekend (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) shall be a minimum of two nights stay, e.g. a booking for a Friday night shall include a Saturday night. The daily entrance fee is also applicable per person each day: R13 (adult 18+), R6,50 (children 3-17 years); R18 per vehicle
*Fees subject to change annually.

RESERVATIONS: Blaauwberg@capetown.gov.za (Montispectus reservations)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Picnic sites, braai areas, hiking trails, historic buildings, surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, whale-watching and fishing (permit required)

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: Classes on history, archaeology, geography and geology, as well as on the plants and animals in the local ecosystems (booking essential)

FRIENDS GROUP: The Friends of BCA host monthly activities, www.bca.org.za

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