Tygerberg Nature Reserve – the perfect winter escape!

Capetonians are invited to visit the Tygerberg Nature Reserve where they can picnic, enjoy the scenery, attend an environmental education session and hike or trail-run along 13 kilometres of self-guided walking trails.

The Tygerberg Nature Reserve is a 309 hectare stretch of land that has been set aside to conserve the critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld - only one percent of this vegetation type is presently conserved. The reserve forms part of the Cape Floral Region, which is the smallest and richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms.
The Tygerberg Hills tower over the northern suburbs of the city allowing visitors a 360 degree view of the Cape Peninsula where it is possible to see two world renowned heritage sites, Table Mountain and Robben Island.

Tygerberg Nature Reserve is also home to a wide variety of plant and animal life. To date 562 floral species have been recorded in the reserve, of which 23 are threatened. One hundred and thirty seven bird species, including the iconic Jackal Buzzard which soars over the reserve; 24 mammal species including Caracal, Grey Rhebuck and Honey Badger; seven amphibian and 27 reptile species can also be found in the reserve.

Environmental educational programmes and activities are conducted from the Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre in the reserve. These programmes are available to the public by booking with the Environmental Education Officer.

Capetonians are encouraged to support their local nature reserve and make a difference.

Key facts

Physical address:

Welgemoed Gate, Totius Road (main gate). Directions: From the N1, turn into Jip de Jager Road towards Durbanville. Turn left into Kommissaris Street and follow the brown Tygerberg Nature Reserve signboards.

Opening hours:

Winter (April-September)
Weekdays: 07:30-17:00
Weekends & public holidays: 07:30-18:00


Summer (October-March)
Weekdays: 07:30-18:00
Weekends & public holidays: 07:30-19:00
Closed: Christmas Day

Visitors can also access the reserve via the smaller Plattekloof Gate, which is in Meyboom Avenue. This is open from 07:30-16:00 each weekday throughout summer and winter and is closed on weekends and the month of January.

Entry fees:

Adults - R12
Children between ages 3 and 13 - R6
Children under 3 years - Free entry
Pensioners and students - R6

Season tickets are available at the gate.

Contact details:

Tel: 021 913 5695
Fax: 021 913 6268
E-mail: tygerberg.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za