Nature reserves
Home Accommodation Sport and adventure Food and wine Nature reserves Cultural and historical
Entertainment Whale watching Fossils Arts Crafts and Theatre Bird watching Tourist information
Transport services Travel and tourism services Map of the route
The great species richness and the high level of endemism make the West Coast a very special place to wild flower lovers the world over. We have species of plants in flower throughout the year but the mass displays are from August to October. Our endemic species accrue mainly in sandveld and renosterveld and these together with the strandveld, limestone and granite veldtypes give visitors the chance to have a spectacularly different floristic experience. The area’s proximity to Cape Town makes it an easy day or self drive tour. The Darling Flora route with its 10 floral reserve’s is a must see before the visitor moves on to the West Coast National Park
National
Park, Nature Reserves, Nature Gardens
Koeberg
Nature Reserve
Contact: Koeberg Nature
Reserve, Melkbosstrand
Tel: 021 553 2466
Fax:021 553 4171
E-mail: gert.greeff@eskom.co.za
The
reserve is a haven for some of the last remaining Strandveld along the West
Coast of which 1% is being conserved. During
spring the veld comes alive with a sea of colourful flowers of various shapes
and sizes that make for a brilliant display.
The reserve also supports various wetlands, a number of unique coastal
landforms and animal life that includes the previously endangered bontebok,
springbok, duiker, steenbok and various predators such as the African wild cat
and the caracal. A number of
species have been introduced to the reserve to great success and include
Burchell’s zebra, eland and gemsbok. With
just fewer than 200 identified bird species, the Koeberg Nature Reserves makes
the ideal location for hours of uninterrupted bird watching with a specially
constructed bird hide for this purpose. Species
that can be viewed include the African Black Oystercathcer, Blacshouldered Kite,
Cape francolin and Fiscal shrike amongst other.
Two circular hiking trails lead hikers through widely varying terrain and
offers panoramic views of Table Mountain. Both
trails have various options to accommodate both family and experienced hikers.
A new edition to the reserve is a mountain bike trail of 19km designed
for cyclists who whish to enjoy nature in a different way.
The
reserve can accommodate groups and members of the public for educational
presentations and displays (by appointment only). Entrance to the reserve along
with the use of hiking and mountain biking trails are free of charge.
Visitors are only required to register at the trail registration point.
Rondeberg
Nature Reserve, off R27 near Darling
Tel: 022 492 3099 Fax:
022 492 3435
Cell: 082 821 0990
E-mail: duckswc@wcaccess.co.za
Website: www.rondeberg.co.za
Proclaimed
as a nature reserve in 2000 Rondeberg provides an opportunity for the public to
enjoy the West Coast veld anytime from Easter to December.
Previously access to the West Coast veld was limited to 4x4’s with
private landowner concent only. Now
here at Rondeberg is a first time quality opportunity to enjoy the lowland
sandplain fynbos of the West Coast in the company of a knowledgeable guide.
Some 150 bird species have also been recorded in the Reserve.”
At the conservation centre in the reserve meet owners and hosts Mark and
Carol Duckitt and artist Lynda de Wet. The
shaded and thatched outdoor area is complete with wood stove and open
fireplaces. Refreshments are available and meals are prepared and served
by the hosts. Pre-booked of course!
The centre displays the original “Lynda’s Cape West Coast Collection:
currently of some 850 different flora species in
water colour. Originals are for
sale together with other local items. The
Pixie Littleworth Herbarium is taking shape as the scientific collection of our
flora continues to grow. Rondeberg
offers more than most. Nature,
flora, artwork and hospitality.
West
Coast National Park, near Langebaan
Tel: 022 772 2144 Fax:
022 772 2607
E-mail: garydk@parks-sa.co.za
Just
inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure water of
the Langebaan lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of
seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly
into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home to vast
concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. During the spring
the strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in
the Postberg section many antelope are to be seen in a setting that is as unique
as it is idyllic. The Postberg section is only open during the flower season
(August & September)
The
Geelbek Goldfields Environmental Centre in the Park boasts a restaurant where
authentic West Coast cuisine can be enjoyed in the grounds of the 200 year-old
homestead. Other facilities in the park include picnic sites, bird hides (3) and
hiking trails. Ecology courses for environmental groups are available on
request.
A
Houseboat (sleeping 4 adults and 2 children) at Kraalbaai can be rented.
Bookings Tel: 012 428 9111 or E-mail: reservations@parks-sa.co.za.
Three self-catering cottages in the Park are also on offer.
Bookings can be made through the Park on tel: 022 772 2799 or 022 772
2144.
Rocherpan
Nature Reserve
Enquiries and
reservations: Tel: 022 931 2900
E-mail: porterville@cnc.org.za
Rocherpan Nature Reserve near Velddrif is renowned for its wonderful bird
life and its best-kept secret as an ideal whale watching spot.
Two bird hides on a seasonal pan provide excellent opportunities for bird
spotting. Day visitors can obtain
their self-issue permits at the reserve gate.
Here, information on the bird life, and flora is obtainable from a small
interpetation centre.
The choices of accommodation are:
An equipped cottage at the edge
of the pan with direct access to one of the bird hides.
It sleeps six people. Bring
your own bedding.
A bungalow of three rondavels on top of a dune with spectacular views.
Gaslights and hot water geyser are provided. Bring own bedding
Bird
Island Nature Reserve at Lambert’s Bay
Tel: 022 931 2900 or 072
133 1440
E-mail: Porterville@cnc.org.za
Bird
Island shelters the only breeding colony of Cape gannets in the world that is
accessible by foot. This 3 ha
Island, connected to the Harbour, is also home to penguins, cormorants, other
sea birds and Cape fur seals. Paths with interpretation en route have been laid out leading
to and from the hide-cum-interpretation centre where visitors can observe at
close quarters, the activities of the Cape gannets.
The history of the Island and the exploitation of guano is reflected in
the information centre in the visitors’ complex that also offers a mini
aquarium, coffee & curio shop and penguin pool penguins are fed daily.
It is open 7 days a week from 07h00 to 19h00(summers or 17h00 (winter)
Cape
Columbine Nature Reserve
(Furthest Westerly
destination in the Western Cape)
The reserve covers an
area of 263 ha along the rocky stretch of coastline with numerous inlets and
coves. This area was declares a
nature reserve in December 1973. The vegetation of typical West Coast veld
ranges from the well-known West Coast fynbos to Succulent Karoo.
In winter and spring (July to October) the area has a great variety of
wild flowers. This reserve boasts
the last manned lighthouse to be built in South Africa.
It is usually the first South African lighthouse to be seen by ships
coming from Europe. The lighthouse
was built in 1936 on Castle Rock. The
light stands at a height of 80m above sea level and casts a beam, which is
visible for about 50 km.
The significant white boulders, where great hump-shaped rocks crouch
around little rocky bays, make this unspoiled gem one of the most beautiful
beaches on the West Coast. The vast
beach, washed by a fresh Atlantic Ocean can satisfy the enthusiastic kayaker in
a safe paddling environment.
Apart from dophins and whales along the coastline, together with an
abundance of mussels, this area is very famous for the West Coast Roack Lobster
(jasus lalandii), Abalone and other seafood.
The peaceful surroundings that typify this place of “Red Gold” also
offer pristine hiking trails and unforgettable sunsets that slowly vanish in
brilliant colors
FLOWER SHOWS
The
Darling Wild Flower Show held the 3rd weekend of September annually
is the show piece of the Darling Conservation Community. But there is a lot more
to the area. Land-owners have through the decades been conserving flora on their
properties. On a few of these reserves have been formally declared.
On
the R 307 is the Contreberg reserve about 12km from Darling. 4km further north lies the Waylands reserve with a very
important Renosterveld vlei, home to several red data listed species. A
kilometer further is the Oude Post Reserve bordering on Duckitt Orchid
Nurseries. Next is the new Klein
Oudepost Reserve.
The
Darling commonage has the Darling Renosterveld Reserve, which has just been
declared a local authority reserve by the Swartland Municipality. This is a good
example of Lowland Renosterveld. On the R 315 to Yzerfontein lies the Darling
Groenekloof Reserve. Still needs
rehabilitation, but worth a walk.
Next
on the R315 is the Tienie Versfeld Reserve on the farm Slangkop. There is always
something worthwhile to observe in this reserve. Depending on rainfall quality
displays can last to early November. The endemic “Geel Kelkiewyn”, Geissorhiza
darlingensis, can only be seen late September.
Near
Yzerfontein on the R315 is the “Bokbaai-vygie” route, only open in September
but worth the effort. The whole of Yzerfontein is an urban conservancy with
excellent eco-systems containing coastal fauna and some sand plain specimens.
Buck, porcupines, pheasants, partridges, tortoises, etc are in abundance and are
all being conserved.
Off
the R27 lies the West Coast Rural Conservancy home to Koeberg Nature Reserve and
the Rondeberg Nature Reserve. Further north is the southern gate of the West
Coast National Park. The Postberg
is open to the public during August and September. Entrance charges apply at the
West Coast Park and Rondeberg
Flowers
can also be seen along all roads. Remember
no picking please! Quality flower
information is available at the Darling Tourism Bureau, or from the Biosphere
office at Vyge Valley on the R27
Hopefield
Fynbos Show (Last
Weekend in August)
Enquiries: Mrs Fiona
Kotze
Tel/Fax: 022 783 0856
E-mail: langriet@new.co.za
The spectacular
Hopefield Fynbos Show is an annual event held at the Hopefield Sport Club.
More than 300 species of the Renosterveld, Sandveld, Rietveld and Wetland
areas of the Hopefield District are exhibited annually in their natural habitat.
Knowledgeable locals will accompany you on a walk through the exhibition.
A specimen table is also available. The Fynbos Park opposite the sports
grounds is in the process of being developed and provides a natural veld flower
garden where the nature lover can wonder around at leisure.
Other activities include a tractor ride through the veld and farmyard
where various breeds of cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and even wild pigs caught
in the wetland area can be viewed. Enjoy
a traditional meal or pancakes and stroll through the stalls where local produce
such as honey and “waterblommetjies” – local delicacy – can be bought
Darling
Wildflower Show
Enquiries: Dianne
Tel: 022 492 3361
E-mail: darlingwfs@westc.co.za
Website: www.darlingwildflowers.co.za
The Darling Wildflower Society has held a show virtually every year since
the first show in 1917. The ideals expressed by the founders still hold true
today. They wanted to display Darling’s God-given wealth for the
world to see. At the same time they promoted the conservation of flowers amongst
the farmers of the district, who have since maintained the botanical diversity
of the region over several generations.
The Darling Wildflower Show takes place annually over the third weekend
in September at the Darling Club. All
flowers and plants on show grow wild in the Darling district and are picked
under strict supervision of the Darling Wildflower Society.
The displays include the botanical and common names of all flowers
exhibited as well as interesting information on conservation.
The detail can vary substantially, being dependent on the rainy season,
but one can always expect to see variety, particularly at the specimen tables.
Besides the variety of floral wealth on display at the show, visitors can
browse through flea market and craft stalls and enjoy delicious country meals
and award-winning local wines.