Experience Blaauwberg Nature Reserve

The City has been encouraging residents to seek outdoor adventure this winter, urging residents to play outside and avoid missing out on the natural beauty that Cape Town has to offer. There are 16 nature reserves in Cape Town – many of which have hiking trails which offer visitors and residents an opportunity to access certain parts of the natural environment which they may not have been exposed to before. One of these trails in particular is the recently launched, 4,4 km coastal hiking trail at the City’s Blaauwberg Nature Reserve.

The trail starts and ends at the Eerste Steen Resort and meanders through threatened Cape Flats dune strandveld vegetation. The hiking trail follows the historical routes used in the area dating back to the early 1900s and points of interest along the trail include an old milkwood tree, a well point and a kraal. Shell middens and archaeological remains along the coastline and to the east of Blaauwberg Hill are testament to the indigenous Khoi communities who once inhabited this landscape. Hikers will be able to enjoy stunning views of two World Heritage Sites – Robben Island and Table Mountain. The area also features picnic sites, braai areas, historic buildings, surfing, windsurfing, birdwatching, whale-watching and fishing (permit required).

The Blaauwberg Nature Reserve offers overnight accommodation where visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the top of Blaauwberg Hill and experience the eco-friendly self-catering unit, named Montispectus – a renovated World War II officers’ mess building which sleeps up to four guests in an open-plan bedroom with two single beds and a double bunk bed. A special off-peak rate has been introduced up until August.

Montispectus can be booked through the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve administrative offices on Tel: 021 444 0454 or via e-mail to: Reservations.Blaauwberg@capetown.gov.za

Source: City of Cape Town press release.