Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary

The Rondevlei Bird Sanctuary is part of the greater False Bay Nature Reserve, which encompasses Strandfontein and Zeekoeivlei as well. The sanctuary is in the Cape Flats area of False Bay of Cape Town. The entrance to this sanctuary is not easily found, and it would be recommended to use a GPS if you do not at least have some knowledge of the area. Entrance fee is payable per person, but it is a small amount of R15. Birding at Rondevlei is really excellent. There are a clear walkways and a number of bird hide-outs as well as two lookout towers. Large amounts of waterbirds reside there as well as many other bird species you would normally find in fynbos vegetation. Rondevlei is a good place to go for an easy stroll, since the area is not very big. It will be a great place to take children as well as paths are wide and safe, and distances to walk would not be too far. The beauty of the environment and nature etc. around Rondevlei is good. You have nice views of mountains, and of the sprawling pans and lakes, but every now and again you spot a glimpse of something that remind you, you are in the middle of a residentual area. The facilities at Rondevlei is good with toilet facilities and benches for picnics on the premise. There seem to be options of renting the place for a group function, or a school outing etc. since there are a boma where you can braai and there are a games room and small hall next to one of the dams. Rondevlei also have a small museum with stuffed animals and birds in it. As a whole the Rondevlei bird sanctuary is defnitely a place worth visiting for birders. The whole birding experience scores an A. 

The list of birds that I have personally photographed is: Great Crested Grebe, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Little Egret, Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Hadeda Ibis, Egyptian Goose, Yellow Billed Duck, Red Billed Duck, Cape Shoveller, Spur Winged Goose, African Fish Eagle, Cape Spurfowl, Common Moorhen, Red Knobbed Coot, Three Banded Plover, Blacksmith Lapwing, Water Thickknee, Cape Gull, Speckled Pigeon, Cape Turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, White Backed Mousebird, Red Faced Mousebird, Malachiet Kingfisher, Pied Crow, Cape Bulbul, Cape Robin Chat, African Reed Warbler, Little Rush Warbler, Levailant's Cisticola, Karoo Prinia, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Wagtail, Common Fiscal, Common Starling, Red Winged Starling, Southern Double Collared Sunbird, Cape White Eye, Cape Sparrow, Cape Weaver, Southern Masked Weaver, Yellow Bishop, Common Waxbill, Streaky Headed Seedeater.

A Reed Cormorant sitting in the rain. 

The Hadeda Ibis is a very common bird in Cape Town.

A yellow Billed Duck photographed from one of the bird hide-outs.

Cape Spurfowl can be spotted the easiest from walkways in the sanctuary.

This Cape Gull photographed from close range flying overhead.

This young Cape Bulbul do not have the pronounced white eye ring the adults have.

A levaillant's Cisticola photographed next to water.

This is a young Fiscal Flycatcher, which look very different from the adult bird.

A Cape White Eye in one of the trees in the sanctuary.

The Common Waxbills congregated in groups on the grassy areas next to the reeds.

According to Cape Town Tourism, Rondevlei Nature Reserve, which forms part of the greater False Bay Ecology Park, offers a unique eco-experience in Cape Town. The park is home to around 230 bird species, as well as many reptiles and mammals, including a small hippopotamus population. The park is the only reserve in Cape Town home to hippos.

Rondevlei Nature Reserve is a 2km2 protected area comprising a wetland and lake. Just a short drive from the city centre and Muizenberg, this spot is popular with bird-watchers and walkers. There is an attractive path along the water’s edge and six hides for keen twitchers. Pack your binoculars and head out from the bustling city to enjoy the company of ibis, herons, gannets, and egrets, among other feathered species.

Apart from the fauna, the flora in the park is well worth having a closer look at – it includes types of threatened fynbos found only in the Western Cape of South Africa.

While keen anglers might like to cast a line for carp, those interested in the park’s history and animals should pay a visit to the reserve’s Leonard Gill Museum.

Visitors wanting a little more leisure time can be accommodated in the overnight bush camp in the park, where conference facilities can seat up to 45. Chartered boat trips are a great way to see some of the diverse wildlife from the water.

Contact our Visitor Information Centre for insider information about what to do in the reserve or to locate accredited guides and tour operators. Search Zeekoevlei or the surrounding suburbs of Muizenberg, Grassy Park and Tokai in our accommodation database for great places to stay in the area.

According to Cape Town Municipality, the False Bay Nature Reserve consists of six parts: Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding Section, Pelican Park Section, Slangetjiebos Section and Zandwolf Coastal Section.

Concerned bird lovers established Rondevlei as a bird sanctuary in 1952. Today, it is a well-run nature reserve, 290 hectares in extent, with a museum, an auditorium, a network of footpaths, viewing towers, and several bird hides named after well-known birders. There is a permanent wetland with Cape Flats sand fynbos to the north, and seasonal wetlands and Cape Flats dune strandveld in the south.

About 256 species of indigenous plants grow at Rondevlei. Rare and endangered plants are strongly nurtured: These include the Cape Flats cone bush (Leucadendron levisanus), the Rondevlei spiderhead (Serruria aemula foeniculaceae) and the Cape Flats erica (Erica verticillata), which became extinct in the wild. The Cape Flats erica was discovered in a botanical garden, and has since been propagated and replanted at Rondevlei.

In addition, there are 241 bird species, from ducks to herons, ibises, pelicans, weavers and more. Hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) have been reintroduced, and there are 20 other mammal species, including Cape grysbok (Raphicerus melanotis), porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis), Cape dune mole rat (Bathyergus suillus), Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) and large-spotted genet (Genetta tigrina). Twenty nine types of reptiles and eight frog species have been seen. The only indigenous fish present is the Cape galaxia (Galaxias zebratus), while introduced alien fish species include the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), banded tilapia (Tilapia sparrmanii), Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus), mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis) and sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Birding in Your Own Neighbourhood Update (Val de Vie)

In October I published my first post for the everyday birder blog. The blog was about birding in your own neighberhood, and in my case it is specifically Val de Vie Winelands Estate. see the post here.

The list of birds I have photographed then at Val de Vie was: Reed Cormorant, African Darter*, Black-Headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Hadeda Ibis, Egyptian Goose, Yellow-billed Duck, Jackal Buzzard*, Cape Spurfowl, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crowned Lapwing, Blacksmith Lapwing, Spotted Thick-Knee, Speckled Pigeon, Spotted Eagle-Owl*, Speckled Mousebird, African Hoopoe, Greater Striped Swallow*, Cape Robin Chat, Karoo Prinia, African Dusky Flycatcher, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Wagtail, African Pipit, Common Fiscal, Bokmakierie*, Common Starling, Malachite Sunbird, Southern Double-Collared Sunbird*,Cape Weaver, Yellow Bishop, Swee Waxbill, Cape Canary, Common Peacock.

(Please check out the highlighted bird names in the list as these link to blog entries specific to those bird species.)

I have recently went for a long early morning stroll in the estate where I stay, and armed with a camera was able to extend the list of photographed birds: Sacred Ibis, African Black Duck, Yellow Billed Kite, Red Eyed Dove, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Crow, Cape Bulbul, Levaillant's Cisticola, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Sparrow, Grey Headed Sparrow, Southern Masked Weaver.

These Yellow Billed Kites are spotted regularly gliding through the air above Val de Vie.

I was lucky to find this grey headed sparrow next to the Bergriver at Val de Vie, since I think this is probably at the perimeter of their distribution.

A Levaillant's Cisticola is one of many, the Levaillant's Cisticolas seems to be the most prominent cisticola species of the few that would normally occur in this region.

The last time I scored the whole idea of birding in your neighberhood a C as a birding outing, but I think I should rather update it to an A. The more people become aware of the natural world surrounding them in their own neighbourhoods the more people will be carefull not to trample and destroy this secret world surrounding them.

Strandfontein Bird Sanctuary

Strandfontein is part of the larger False Bay Nature Reserve. It is situated in the False Bay area and stretches from the False Bay beach area close to Muizenberg towards Grassy Park in the Cape Flats. Strandfontein is part of the sewage works in this area of Cape Town. Like many sewage works the bird sanctuary attracts an amazing array of birds. False Bay area in Cape Town is an excellent area for birding, and Strandfontein will not be a letdown for any serious birder. For birding therefore this area is excellent. If you are not such a serious birder, and would like to combine nature excursions with a bit of light birding on the side, then Strandfontein might not be your first choice simply for the reason that the place is part of sewage works, therefore not the most breathtaking in the beauty department (however not scruffy in the least either). You can walk inside, but it probably is best to drive in your car, since there are many places to see and lots of distances to cover. Strandfontein has a dedicated  entrance, but is open on the beach side, therefore safety is not guaranteed (I never once felt unsafe there, since there are many people and cars about). Entrance is free, but there are no facilities there in terms of touristy attractions or shops or restaurants etc. To summarize, Strandfontein is excellent for birding, but average when it comes to beauty, hiking and general facilities, I will give Strandfontein a C for the complete experience.

My list of birds I have personally photographed at Strandfontein Bird Sanctuary is:

Black Necked Grebe, Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, White Breasted Cormorant, African Darter, Grey Heron, Black Headed Heron, Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Hadeda Ibis, Greater Flamingo, Egyptian Goose, Yellow Billed Duck, Cape Teal, Red Billed Teal, Cape Shoveller, Southern Pochard, Spur Winged Goose, Cape Spurfowl, African Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, Red Knobbed Coot, African Oystercatcher, Common Ringed Plover, Kittlitz's Plover, Blacksmith Lapwing, Wood Sandpiper, Ruff, Pied Avocet, Black Winged Stilt, Cape Gull, Hartlaub's Gull, Speckled Pigeon, Brown Throated Martin, Cape Crow, Cape Bulbul, Levaillant's Cisticola, Karoo Prinia, Cape Wagtail, African Pipit, Cape Whiteye, Southern Masked Weaver, Cape Canary, Common Peacock.

White Breasted Cormorants were gathered in their dozens together at the North Eastern part of the sanctuary. 

This Cattle Egret were very interested to see how close I will attempt to approach it.

There are many Greater Flamingos in all the pools and dams in the sanctuary. 

Cape Spurfowl can be seen scampering off the road in front of you on occasion as your car approaches.

The African Oystercatcher is always a satisfying bird to photograph.

This Wood Sandpiper is one of many wading birds that could be found on the southern western side of the sanctuary where some dams are silt filled.

Cape Gull are plenty towards the beach side of the sanctuary, with some of them flying really close to you.

Cape wagtail is common in reserves as well as in gardens in Cape Town.

This African Pipit almost melds with the dirt road as its background.

According to Southern African Birding The Strandfontein Sewage Works is the best waterbird locality close to Cape Town. The sewage plant is surrounded by a vast network of pans, connected by good dirt roads (however, beware of the southern coastal road which is often very sandy).

BirdingA good variety of waterbirds inhabit the pans, among them Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, South African Shelduck and Maccoa Duck (the latter particularly in the central, deeper pans on your right as you approach the plant buildings from the Zeekoeivlei entrance). In summer the usual selection of Palaearctic migrants occur, including Wood Sandpiper and large numbers of Little Stint and White-winged Tern. Most of the ponds are fringed by reedbeds, which are inhabited by African Purple Swamphen, Black Crake and Purple Heron. The coastal pans, adjacent to Baden-Powell Drive, usually have small numbers of African Black Oystercatcher, and there is a vast roost of Cape Cormorant, sometimes numbering in the tens of thousands. The vegetation surrounding the pans consists largely of alien acacia thicket, with an unremarkable bird community. Over the last few years there have been a number of interesting vagrants, including Garganey, American Purple Gallinule, American Golden Plover, Black-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Phalarope, Franklin's Gull and Grey Wagtail.


GeneralThe most reliable way to enter the sewage works is from the Zeekoeivlei side. From the M5 freeway, turn left into Ottery road at the Ottery turn-off, then turn right into Strandfontein road. Continue along this road then turn right at the Zeekoeivlei sign, just after the Shell petrol station. Continue through the gum plantation and past Zeekoeivlei, after which the road enters the sewage works. It is also possible to enter the works from the False Bay side: an inconspicuous dirt road crosses the dune between Baden-Powell Drive and the pans.

Please visit the Cape Bird Club website for guidelines when visiting Strandfontein.

Conservation Office Tel: +27 21 706 2404
Conservation Officer (Morne Carstens): email: strandfontein@gmail.com
Waste Water Treatment Works - +27 21 396 1060

According to Birdlife Centred on the False Bay Waste Water Works (also known as the Strandfontein Sewage Works), the proclaimed False Bay Nature Reserve also includes Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei. It is situated on the Cape Flats between Muizenberg and Mitchell's Plain, 20 km south of Cape Town. Like many wetlands around South Africa's major cities, Strandfontein is almost entirely human-made. Prior to 1922, the only wetland habitats at the site were the small and temporary Maccoavlei and Tamatievlei. A small sewage works was built in 1922 and additional water was channelled into the system from nearby Zeekoevlei. Over the years the complex has been enlarged and by 1976 the small waterbody known as Tamatievlei had been converted into 34 settling ponds covering more than 306 ha.


The system provides a range of semi-natural habitats, including deep and shallow open water, seasonal open ponds, canals with aquatic vegetation, beds of reeds, rushes and sedges, bare and vegetated shorelines and islands. Well-grassed banks separate the ponds. Several distinctive wetland plant communities occur, including perennial wetland, reedbeds, and reed and sedge marsh. The perennial wetland is characterised by sparse aquatic vegetation, while Typha capensis and Phragmites australis dominate the reedbeds. The reed marsh consists of virtually monospecific stands of Phragmites australis, invaded in parts by Typha capensis.

The sewage works now depends largely on chemical treatment and reasonably clean water is released into the ponds. It previously functioned entirely by algal decomposition, a process that requires a large number of shallow vleis. The algae and the numerous copepods associated with them provided a rich food supply for many bird species. The rationale for maintaining the ponds is that should there be a failure of the chemical plant, the previous sedimentation method of sewage treatment could be temporarily utilised. The water levels in the pans can be manipulated. In summer the strong south-easterly wind can cause water levels to drop, resulting in variability in the water condition.

The natural terrestrial strandveld surrounding the wetland consists of a scattered perennial overstorey of spinescent species, succulents and moderately tall evergreen thickets. Annuals are conspicuous in the open areas in spring. Two vegetation types occur in the IBA, both of which are endemic to within the City of Cape Town boundaries. The dominant type is Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, which is Endangered, and the other is Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, which is Critically Endangered. This vegetation is heavily invaded in many areas by a woody overstorey of alien species, mainly Acacia cyclops and A. saligna. The area is now largely surrounded by suburban development.

The natural waterbodies of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei were historically fed by ground water infiltrating from the north and west. Recent urbanisation has resulted in these two vleis now being fed primarily by urban storm-water run-off. This has resulted in eutrophication of the waterbodies and extensive reed growth. Measures taken to improve water quality in Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei have included a cut-off drain, limited dredging and annual draw-downs of the waterbodies, all of which have shown some degree of success. In the past, Zeekoevlei was infested with water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes, which has subsequently been exterminated.

Apart from the large natural waterbodies, numerous smaller seasonal wetlands exist in the dune troughs in the False Bay Nature Reserve. These temporary wetlands often support interesting communities of plants and amphibians.


Although the wetlands act as a network, most of the birds are concentrated at Strandfontein Sewage Works, where a total of 168 species has been recorded. Of these, 76 are freshwater wetland species and a further 18 are coastal species that visit the area to roost or breed. Breeding has been confirmed for 45 waterbird species. This high diversity of waterbirds is due to the wide range of wetland habitats present and the proximity of Strandfontein to the ocean, which permits both freshwater and coastal species to exploit the system.


The abundance of waterbirds supported by Strandfontein has increased progressively since the 1950s, reaching an average of more than 23 200 individuals during the period 1980–1990. In extreme years, numbers are boosted above 30 000. Threatened and near-threatened species found at the sewage works are Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus, Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus, African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus, African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini, Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis, Caspian Tern Sterna caspia and Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus. Strandfontein occasionally holds globally significant numbers of Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma, Cape Shoveler Anas smithii, Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta, Hartlaub's Gull Chroicocephalus hartlaubii and Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus historically occurred in very high numbers, but these have declined dramatically over the past few decades.

Recent data analysis has shown that certain of these key species are in decline and may no longer meet the IBA threshold for a significant congregatory population. This trend is possibly in response to changes in water level and quality at the sewage works, as many of the settling ponds have been decommissioned. A further possible local reason for the decline is the invasive water hyacinth, which is not susceptible to biological control due to the cold winds. This has resulted in certain ponds no longer being suitable for birds that require open water. Cormorant species have also experienced a decline at this site, as they have in other areas, and declining fish stocks may be responsible for this decrease.

The site holds a regular tern roost of some 3 000 birds when the water is low enough for islands to form in the shallow pans, including fairly large numbers of Common Tern Sterna hirundo, Sandwich TernThalasseus sandvicensis and Swift Tern T. bergii. Strandfontein also occasionally holds regionally uncommon species such as Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia. The surrounding alien Acacia vegetation and the remaining strandveld hold Cape Spurfowl Pternistis capensis and Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis.

Helderberg Nature Reserve

The Helderberg Nature Reserve is probably the best place for birding in the Helderberg area of the City of Cape Town. I would classify the birding as very good there, but the beauty of the place and the facilities adds to the experience. The nature reserve is very beautiful, with lovely mountains and lots of natural flora, including some spectacular proteas. The facilities can also be rated as very good. You pay a small amount to enter, but then have access to a restaurant and some easy walkways as well as lovely hiking trails up onto the mountain. The walking/hiking/access of Helderberg Nature Reserve is near perfect, and adds to the joy of the place. I will score Helderberg Nature Reserve an A for the whole experience.


The list of birds I have photographed at the Helderberg Nature Reserve is;

Hadeda Ibis, Egyptian Goose, African Black Duck, Cape Spurfowl, Helmeted Guinea Fowl, Common Moorhen, Red-Eyed Dove, Cape Turtle Dove, Red-Faced Mousebird, Fork Tailed Drongo, Pied Crow, Cape Bulbul, Olive Thrush, Cape Robin Chat, Karoo Prinia, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Batis, Common Fiscal, Cape Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Southern Double Collared Sunbird, Cape White Eye, Cape Weaver, Yellow Bishop, Pin Tailed Whydah, Cape Canary, Yellow Canary.

Helmeted Guinea Fowl scrubbing for food on the big lawns situated in front of the buildings.

A Fork-Tailed Drongo in one of the trees at the parking areas, before you venture onto the mountain hiking trails.

A Cape Bulbul surveying the area around him.

A female Cape Sugarbird extracting some nutrients from one of the many protea flowers on the mountain.

A Cape Weaver photographed around the small dam next to the restaurant.

A Yellow Canary sitting in a tree next to the restaurant.

According to the Helderberg Nature Reserve website Reserve is situated in Somerset West on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain overlooking False Bay.

There are picnic spots, an information centre, our Guinea gift shop, exhibitions and hiking trails for young and old. Enjoy our abundant birdlife, stroll around and watch the tortoises lazily mowing our lawns.

According to the City of Cape Town Helderberg Nature Reserve, nestled above the Somerset West area on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, was proclaimed on the 23 September 1960. It was initially proclaimed as a wildflower garden and to protect water resources for Somerset West. Today the 402 hectare reserve supports the protection of critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld and Kogelberg sandstone fynbos, as well as the vulnerable Cape Winelands shale fynbos, and pockets of the least threatened Southern Afro-temperate Forest.

The reserve is home to 613 plant species, 13 of which are threatened with extinction. In the deep, more fertile granite soils, species such as the waboom/wagon tree (Protea nitida), and the green sugarbush (Protea coronate) form a fairly dense, closed shrubland. In wetter areas, restios and a variety of ericas and watsonias, as well as other shrubs are found.

Helderberg Nature Reserve has a confirmed bird list of over 170 species which includes all seven of the fynbos endemics. A mammal list comprising 42 species has also been recorded. The Cape leopard (Panthera pardus) has been sighted on the slopes within the reserve, as well as the striped weasel (Poecilogale albinucha), honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and the recently re-introduced grey rheebok (Pelea capreolus). Smaller mammals such as grey duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) and Cape hare (Lepus capansis) are often seen within the well maintained picnic sites.

30 reptile and eight amphibian species have been recorded in the reserve, of which the leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis), although not locally indigenous to the area, is the most commonly spotted. Amphibians such as the clicking stream frog (Strongylopus grayii) and De Villiers moss frog (Arthroleptella velliersi) can be heard from the many streams and pools in the area.

The five hectare Silwerboomkloof Section of the reserve conserves a fine forest of silver trees (Leucadendron argenteum) along with granite fynbos and renosterveld. The area is accessible from Van Gogh Road in Somerset West.

The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve, a key partner with the City, assist with environmental education and provision of information at the Maskew Miller Information Centre and Herbarium. The Friends also assist reserve management with fundraising initiatives, and most of the funding is generated from the annual Summer Sunset Concert Series.

Other public facilities include the Oak Café which serves light meals, tea and coffee, universal access boardwalks that are located in the lower part of the reserve, and an extensive trail and footpath network snake their way around the upper slopes. The picnic sites are well maintained and are serviced daily, and have large ablution facilities to accommodate the many visitors the reserve receives.


This nature reserve is located on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains. Its 398 ha consist mostly of “Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos” (an incredibly species-rich vegetation type) with smaller patches of “Boland Granite Fynbos” and “Southern Afrotemperate Forest”. Altogether about 600 species of plant have been recorded here, including a wide range of Proteas. Particularly prominent plants include thePincushion Proteas (Leucospermum sp.), Cone bushes (Leucadendron sp.), Sugar Bushes (Protea sp.), Heaths (Erica sp.) and theWaboom tree (Protea nitida).

Animals that can be found here include a group of tame Leopard, Caracal, Grey Duiker, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, Mongoose, Angulate andPadloper tortoises and over 170 species of bird.

The reserve hosts outdoor music concerts in the summer, and has a café, picnic area, gift shop, Environmental Education Centre and museum displays.

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Close to the beautiful town of Stellenbosch lies the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.My personal birding experience at the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a bit of a mixed bag. Birding is a bit dissapointing, as there really aren't that many birds around, but the rest of the experience is really great. It will be difficult to match the beauty of the place, and for nature lovers and hikers, joggers, cyclists etc. it is ideal. There is a small restauarant at the entrance gate where you can relax and have something to drink or eat as well. Although birding itself is just okay, the rest of the experience more than adequately make up for the whole experience and for that reason I give Jonkershoek Nature Reserve an A for the whole birding experience. 

Stellenbosch is 53 km (33 mi) east of Cape Town via National Route N1. Stellenbosch is in a hilly region of the Cape Winelands, and is sheltered in a valley at an average elevation of 136 m (446 ft), flanked on the west by Papegaaiberg (Afrikaans: Parrot Mountain), which is actually a hill. To the south is Stellenbosch Mountain; to the east and southeast are the Jonkershoek, Drakenstein, and Simonsberg mountains. Die Tweeling Pieke (Afrikaans: The Twin Peaks) has an elevation of 1,494 m (4,902 ft); the highest point is Victoria Peak 1,590 m (5,220 ft).

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve lies about 9 km (5.6 mi) east of Stellenbosch, and the Helderberg Nature Reserve is about 23 km (14 mi) south viaprovincial route R44.

Just south of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is Strand, a seaside resort town.

The soils of Stellenbosch range from dark alluvium to clay. This, combined with the well-drained, hilly terrain and Mediterranean climate, prove excellent for viticulture. Summers are dry and warm to hot, with some February and March days rising to over 40 °C (104 °F). Winters are cool, rainy and sometimes quite windy, with daytime temperatures averaging 16 °C (61 °F). Snow is usually seen a couple of times in winter on the surrounding mountains. Spring and autumn are colder seasons, when daytime temperatures hover in the twenties.

The Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek valleys form the Cape Winelands, the larger of the two main wine growing regions in South Africa. The South African wine industry produces about 1,000,000,000 litres of wine annually. Stellenbosch is the primary location for viticulture and viticulture research. Professor Perold was the first Professor of Viticulture at Stellenbosch University. The Stellenbosch Wine Route established in 1971 by Frans Malan from Simonsig, Spatz Sperling from Delheim and Neil Joubert from Spier, known as Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes since 2002, is a world-renowned and popular tourist destination.

The region has a mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and cool wet winters. Stellenbosch lies at the foot of the Cape Fold mountain range, which provides soil favourable to viticulture. Grapes grown in this area are mainly used for wine production, as opposed to table grapes. The region possesses a wide range of soils in the area, from light, sandy soils to decomposed granite. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is beginning to get a good reputation as a fine wine.

The Jonkershoek nature reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, lies near the town of Stellenbosch in the south-western Cape. Visitors may choose to explore one or both reserves, as they are in easy reach of each other. The reserves are about 9km from Stellenbosch, on the Jonkershoek valley road.

The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking enthusiasts. The Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers all start high in these mountains, although only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek valley. The area is also rich in animal and plant life, with over 1 100 plant species and a variety of small mammals, birds and reptiles. Hikers should be on the lookout for berg adders, puff adders, boomslang and Cape cobras.

The reserve is about 9 800 hectares, while Assegaaibosch is about 204 hectares. The smaller reserve is home to the historical Assegaaibosch farmstead, a national monument built in 1792.

Jonkershoek is hot in summer, and cold and wet in winter. Visitors in the colder months may even see snow dusting the higher mountain peaks. Hikers should note that weather conditions can change rapidly.

From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway out of Cape Town towards Stellenbosch. Take exit 33 for Baden Powell Drive towards the R310/Stellenbosch/Macassar. Turn right onto Polkadraai Road/R310 and follow the road. It becomes Adam Tas Street. Turn right onto Langstraat-Suid Road and continue onto Helshoogte Road. Turn right onto Simonsberg Road and at the roundabout take the first exit onto Martinson Road. Continue onto Jonkershoek Road and follow the signs until your reach the reserve entrance.

GPS: 33 57 48.70 S  18 55 31.98 E

Office hours: 07:30–16:00

Office number: +27 (0)21 866 1560

The Reserve comprises the upper reaches of the Jonkershoek Valley, and is an excellent place to find many of the fynbos endemics. Although the Reserve does not hold a huge variety of birds, one can expect to see up to 50 birds in a mornings birding.

Specials

Jackal Buzzard, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Bulbul, Cape Rock-jumper, Victorin's Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, Protea Seedeater.

Habitats

The predominant vegetation type of the Reserve is Fynbos. The Eerste river draining the Reserve holds thick riverine vegetation. Some of the gullies hold forested ravines.

Facilities

Visitors to the Reserve are provided with an opportunity to walk, drive or cycle. The road network consists of a good gravel road running up and down either side of the Eerste River. Numerous walks lead from this circular gravel road. A picnic area is situated on the banks of a small dam in the Reserve.

Birding

1. The area around the entrance gate has many large indigenous and exotic trees and time spent in the area can produce a number of species. The many exotic trees attract a variety of birds including African Olive-Pigeon, Cape Weaver, Cape Canary, Fork-tailed Drongo and African Dusky Flycatcher, while the thickly wooded indigenous vegetation holds Black Sparrowhawk, African Dusky Flycatcher, Cape Batis Brimstone Canary, Southern Boubou, Sombre Greenbul and Olive Woodpecker. Birders arriving in the early morning could be rewarded with sightings of Fiery-necked Nightjar.

2. The Eerste River is flanked by dense riverine vegetation. Birds to look out for along the river include Sombre Greenbul, Southern Boubou, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Robin-Chat, Bar-throated Apalis, African Paradise-Flycatcher (summer), Cape Batis and Forest Canary. Check the scrub growing on either side of the riverine vegetation for Karoo Prinia, Grey-backed Cisticola, Speckled Mousebird, Swee Waxbill, Cape Bulbul and Cape Spurfowl. Keep an eye out for Black Saw-wing flitting over the riverine vegetation.

3. In the open Fynbos on either side of the Eerste River species such as Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Siskin and Yellow Bishop can be seen.

4. The dam approximately a third of the way up the valley should be checked for African Black Duck, whilst the moister areas hold Levaillant's Cisticola. Familiar Chat are often present on the dam wall.

5. Some of the walks leading up the valley can be very rewarding. A walk up the Swartboskloof which may take up to 2 hours, leads through some mature Protea nitida woodlands, where the diminutive Neddicky can often be heard calling. Orange-breasted Sunbird and Malachite Sunbird are usually present in this area. Further up the valley, one can see Cape Robin-Chat, Cape Bulbul, Cape Grassbird, Victorin's Warbler, Cape Siskin, Yellow Bishop and Forest Canary. Knowledge of the cheerful call of the Protea Seedeater will definitely help in locating small groups of this sought-after seed-eater, usually found in clumps of dead proteas and in the forested ravines of the Swartboskloof. More energetic climbers moving up to the higher altitudes might be rewarded with sightings of Cape Rock-jumper and Ground Woodpecker feeding in small family groups.

6. Throughout the Reserve, an eye should be kept out for raptors such as Jackal Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Verreauxs' Eagle and White-necked Raven patrolling the cliffs above.

My personal list of birds photographed at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is: White Breasted Cormorrant, Egyptian Goose, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Fork-Tailed Drongo, Karoo Prinia, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Batis, Southern Boubou, Malachite Sunbird and Swee Waxbill.

A Pied Kingfisher Hovering above water, hoping to catch its next meal.

A Karoo Prinia, is well camouflaged between the rocks on the ground.

Limietberg Nature Reserve

My personal experience of Limietberg Nature Reserve is that the easiest way to do some birding is to drive to the Tweede Tol camping site. From there you can take one of the few short hiking paths and walk into the mountains. Within a few minutes of walk you find yourself removed from any noises in the camping sites, and being surrounded by the most beautiful mountainous areas. Birding is limited to typical species found in the local fynbos, therefore do not expect too much with regards to birding.

My personal list of birds I have photographed at Limietberg Nature reserve is:

Cape Turtle Dove, Greater Striped Swallow, Cape Bulbul, Familiar Chat, Cape Robin Chat, African Dusky Flycatcher, Cape Wagtail, Red-winged Starling, Malachite Sunbird, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Cape White-eye, Pin-tailed Whydah, Streaky-headed Seedeater and Cape Bunting.

Familiar Chat

Cape Bunting

Cape Bulbul

According to Cape Nature Limietberg Nature Reserve is a pristine nature reserve tucked away in the Du Toitskloof Mountains, near Paarl. The reserve stretches from Franschhoek in the south, eastwards towards Groot Drakenstein, and northwards as far as Voëlvlei Dam.

Limietberg offers a number of beautiful hikes through steep kloofs and deep valleys. Du Toits Peak, at 1 996m, is the highest point within the reserve. Visitors can also visit the many historical sites along the trails, including ancient rock art, a disused manganese mine and the graves of convicts who helped build the Bainskloof Pass.

The reserve gets extremely hot and dry in summer, but in winter the high mountain peaks are capped with snow. When visiting Limietberg, please check the weather forecast, as hikers can get caught in unpredictable conditions and the mountainous terrain makes rescue operations difficult.

Tweede Tol is a perfect spot for picnicking, but to avoid disappointment we suggest you come early, as day visitors are limited to 120 people per day.

How to get there:

From Cape Town: Take the Klapmuts/ Wellington turn-off on N1. Turn left and drive for 20km until you get into Wellington. At the third set of traffic lights, turn left into Piet Retief Street and then right at the next set of traffic lights into Church Street. This will lead you into Bainskloof Pass towards Worcester. Tweede Tol will be on your left, about 16km from the Bainskloof Pass signboard, outside Wellington. Drive cautiously as the road through the pass is narrow.

GPS: 33 43 58.91S 19 07 16.14E

Office hours: 08:00–18:00

Tel: +27 (0)21 871 1535/6/7
Emergency tel: +27 (0)82 4949 707
Accommodation and permit bookings Tel: +27 (0)21 483 0190.

According to Wellington Tourism The Nature Reserve stretches over a part of the Boland Mountain range and contains 9 different hiking trails through fynbos rich areas. The Tweede Tol campsite-cum-caravan park of 25 mostly shady sites is in Bainskloof Pass. The park is on the site of the old camp at which the prisoners who built the pass were kept, but things are more comfortable now. The ablution facilities, for instance, have hot showers.

Also part of the park is a day picnic site that can accommodate up to 120 people. Short, enjoyable hikes with stunning views are available to the camper, as are clear rock pools to cool off in on hot days. Peace and tranquility, especially during the week or outside of school holidays, is a certainty. There are a number of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountains and some of the most exquisite species of wildflowers can be seen at certain times of the year. Please obtain a permit from: 

Wellington Tourism: +27 (0)21 873 4604/8

or

Cape Nature Conservation: +27 (0)21 483 2949

To Summarize:

The Limietberg Nature Reserve is good for birding, but the real allure lies in the astounding natural beauty of your surrounds and the wonderful hiking trials you can take. The facilities is a basic camping type setup with a river and swimming holes nearby. The facilities have more more potential than what is actually done with the place. I give Limietberg Nature reserve an overall B for the complete birding experience.