False Bay Nature Reserve is not a single site but a system. The City of Cape Town manages six parts as one reserve on the northern shore of False Bay: the Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf Coastal sections, all of which form part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park. Between them they hold permanent and seasonal wetlands, Cape Flats sand fynbos and Cape Flats dune strandveld, and some of the most productive bird habitat in the city. Visitor access is concentrated at Rondevlei, a bird sanctuary since 1952, and at Zeekoevlei, where water sports, camping and self catering accommodation are on offer.
Most Cape Town reserves are a place you drive to. False Bay Nature Reserve is a system you move through. The City of Cape Town manages six separate parts as one reserve along the northern shore of False Bay, and the whole of it forms part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park. Where the Rondevlei page on this site covers one of those parts in detail, this page is the map of the whole.
The six sections are Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf Coastal. They are not equally set up for visitors. The City publishes opening hours, facilities and contact details for Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei, which are the two sections with staffed access. The other four are managed conservation areas, and anyone hoping to see them should speak to reserve management first rather than arriving unannounced.
Rondevlei is where the reserve began. Concerned bird lovers established it as a bird sanctuary in 1952, and its 290 hectares now hold a museum, an auditorium, a network of footpaths, viewing towers and several bird hides named after well known birders. A permanent wetland with Cape Flats sand fynbos lies to the north, and seasonal wetlands with Cape Flats dune strandveld to the south. Zeekoevlei, at 344 hectares, is the water section, and the City lists water sports, camping, self catering accommodation, picnic areas and facility hire among its offerings.
What holds the six parts together is the wetland system itself, and the reason to protect it is what lives in it. Birds are the headline, from the reed beds and open water of the vleis to the coastal ground at Zandwolf, and the reserve carries a working environmental education programme alongside the recreation. School camps and education are run by Nature Connect, accommodation through Imvubu Nature Tours, and general enquiries go to reserve management on 021 400 9593. Entry to the Rondevlei Section costs nothing. Everything beyond simple entry, from water sport permits to camping, is tariffed by the City.
Highlights
- Six conservation sections managed as a single reserve on the False Bay shoreline
- Part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park
- Rondevlei, a bird sanctuary since 1952, with viewing towers and named bird hides
- Permanent and seasonal wetlands alongside Cape Flats sand fynbos and dune strandveld
- Water sports, camping and self catering accommodation at Zeekoevlei
- Environmental education programmes and school camps run on the reserve
Tips
Rondevlei is the section to start with if you want hides, footpaths and viewing towers. Zeekoevlei is the section for water sports, camping and overnight stays. Accommodation is booked through Imvubu Nature Tours on 021 706 0842, and environmental education and school camps through Nature Connect on 021 706 8523. Bring binoculars, and check the seasonal closing time before a late afternoon visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is False Bay Nature Reserve?
It is a City of Cape Town reserve made up of six parts rather than one site: the Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf Coastal sections. The reserve also forms part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park.
Which sections can visitors access?
The City publishes visitor hours and facilities for the Rondevlei and Zeekoevlei sections, which are the two set up for public visiting. The Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf Coastal sections are managed as conservation areas, and the City does not publish separate visitor hours for them. Contact reserve management on 021 400 9593 before planning a visit to those sections.
Is it good for birdwatching?
Yes. Rondevlei was established as a bird sanctuary in 1952 and has a network of footpaths, viewing towers and several bird hides named after well known birders. The mix of permanent wetland, seasonal wetland and coastal habitat across the reserve supports a wide range of species.
What are the opening hours?
The Rondevlei Section opens daily at 07:30 and closes at 17:00, extending to 19:00 on weekends from December to February, and is closed on Christmas Day. The Zeekoevlei Section opens at 07:30 and closes at 19:30 in summer and 18:00 in winter.
Can I visit Rondevlei from here?
Rondevlei is a section of False Bay Nature Reserve rather than a separate reserve. It has its own entrance at the corner of Perth Road and Fisherman’s Walk in Grassy Park, and it is the part of the reserve with the museum, auditorium, hides and footpaths.
Is there accommodation or camping?
Yes. The City lists self catering accommodation and camp sites among the reserve facilities, with accommodation queries handled by Imvubu Nature Tours on 021 706 0842. Environmental education and school camps are run by Nature Connect on 021 706 8523.
