Tygerberg Nature Reserve

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Tygerberg Nature Reserve is situated in the northern suburbs and covers 388 hectares. It was proclaimed as a Local Authority Nature Reserve in 1973 and supports one of the last remnants of the critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld. The eastern slope of the hill consists of old ploughed fields and is in the process of being restored, whereas the western slope is near-pristine Swartland shale renosterveld.

The view from the hilltop is magnificent and not only provides visitors with a 360° vista of the City, but also emphasises just how meagre the patches of natural vegetation are amidst the urban sprawl. It is also one of the few viewpoints in the City to provide such a view of two World Heritage Sites, namely Robben Island and Table Mountain. The False Bay coastline is also visible on a clear day.

The nature reserve is not only the largest conserved piece of Swartland shale renosterveld but is also an important water catchment area, ecological corridor for animals with large home ranges and a “green lung” for the city of Cape Town.

The reserve boasts over 560 plant species, of which 23 are on the IUCN Red List, eight are endemic to Cape Town and three are endemic to Tygerberg itself. “Heuweltjies”, which are circles of different vegetation created by termites, give the hills a spotted appearance. Disturbed areas are dominated by Athanasia trifurcata and Otholobium hirtum. In spring the vegetation changes from a dull grey colour to show off its abundance of incredible annual flowers such as Dimorphotheca, daisies, Oxalis species as well as the numerous bulb species such as Wachendorfia, Lachenalia, Spiloxene and Gladiolus. The shrub component is dominated by renosterbos, wild rosemary, Helichrysum and wild olive.

In 2010 approximately 24 mammal species were confirmed, including the Cape fox, honey badger and striped weasel. These species are a significant indication that ecological corridors are still available through and around the Tygerberg Nature Reserve and that these areas can cater for the needs of species with large home ranges, such as the honey badger. Of the 137 bird species identified, three are listed on the IUCN Red List: the peregrine falcon, the Caspian tern and the white pelican. The reserve is also home to 22 reptile and seven frog species, as well as 27 recorded butterfly species.

ADDRESS: Main gate: Totius Road, Welgemoed GPS -33.87813 S, 18.600322 E; Secondary gate: Meyboom Avenue, Plattekloof GPS 33.515940 S, 18.350087 E

OPENING HOURS:
Welgemoed gate house, Totius Road (main gate)
SUMMER (Oct-Mar) 07:30-18:00 (weekdays), 07:30-19:00 (weekends)
WINTER (Apr-Sep) 07:30-17:00 (weekdays), 07:30-18:00 (weekends)
Plattekloof gate house, Cnr Meyboom Avenue and Vlamboom Crescent
SUMMER (Oct - Mar) 07:30 to 18:00 (selective weekdays), 07:30 to 19:00 (every second weekend)
WINTER (Apr - Sep) 07:30 to 17:00 (selective weekdays), 07:30 to 18:00 (every second weekend)

ENTRANCE FEES* (July 2014-June 2015):
- 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
*Fees subject to change annually.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus

ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES: Nature appreciation, hiking, trail running, birdwatching, picnic sites, panoramic views

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: The Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre is a popular well-run venue and contains a resource centre with a library and a herbarium. Lessons on a variety of topics are offered, including geography, town planning and ecology. The hall is also available for hire. Booking is essential on Tel 021 444 9263

FRIENDS GROUPS: - Friends of the Tygerberg Hills www.tygerberghills.co.za, E-mail: hannev@telkomsa.net
- Tygerberg Bird Club www.tygerberg-bird-club.yolasite.com, E-mail: b.dekock@mweb.co.za
- Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wild Flowers (CREW) for lectures, hikes, birdwatching, rare plant surveys and alien plant hacks. E-mail: estummer@mweb.co.za

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