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Riebeek Kasteel Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods. The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Nature Reserves near Swartland
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and are not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Nature Reserve
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Riebeek Kasteel (37.4 km from Swartland) Bartholomeus Klip Reserve is teeming with herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok. Many other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope, live here too, and it is known that leopards still occur in the mountains.Among the birdlife at Bartholomeus Klip is the world’s largest bird, the ostrich, once farmed here in large flocks at the height of the ostrich feather boom in the 1870s and today one of the leopard’s favourite foods. The magnificent black eagle (correctly known as Verreaux’s eagle) nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
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Paarl (59.1 km from Swartland) Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve overlooks the attractive Boland town of Paarl and neighbours the Taal Monument. It is known for its lovely walking trails, mountain biking, fishing in the dams and stunning view of Table Mountain and False Bay across the Cape Winelands.
Of special interest is the many species of Proteas, the enormous granite boulder called Paarl Rock, prolific birdlife and the Wild Flower Garden. Most visitors climb Bretagne Rock to see the best view of Table Mountain.
The reserve can be accessed from various places, the easiest of which is from the main road in Paarl.
Open daily from 07:00 – 19:00 in summer and 07:00 – 18:00 during winter. Entrance is free except weekends and public holidays.
+27 (0) 21 872 3658
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Melkbosstrand (65.6 km from Swartland) Eskom controls 3000 ha of West Coast around the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. In keeping with both Eskom's environmental policy and national conservation trends, Eskom has decided to open this property to the public. Grysbok, Steenbok and the larger Duiker are buck species in the area and Bontebok and Springbok have been introduced as well. The elusive African wild cat, Grey mongoose and genet can also be seen. 153 Bird species can also be observed. A hidden treasure in the reserve is a large underground lake that supplies a lot of the surrounding areas with water.
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Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve (75.6 km from Swartland) Discover Elandsfontein’s rich fossil heritage on a guided Quad Bike Fossil Safari or 4WD Nature Drive.
The dunes on Elandsfontein are the final resting place of early humans and animals that date back to the early Stone Age. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served. All quad bikes have fully automatic gearboxes to ensure that even novice riders can enjoy this unique experience. To manage the impact on the dunes the number of quad bikes is limited to eight, but each quad bike is big enough for two passengers.
Watch wildlife in comfort during the 4WD Nature Drive. Originally the home of the largest inward migration of game in the history of the Western Cape, Elandsfontein is waiting to be discovered by nature lovers. Guests on the three hour nature drive can expect to see include eland, hartebeest, zebra, wildebeest, oryx, kudu, bontebuck, springbuck and Cape buffalo, the first of the Big Five to be reintroduced into the reserve. Unspoilt nature and rich and diverse birdlife complete the experience. The safari includes a rest stop where light refreshments are served.
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Plattekloof (77.4 km from Swartland) A short drive from the centre of Cape Town is the 300ha Tygerberg Nature Reserve where bontebok once again roam freely after a 100 year absence.
The name “Tygerberg” is a legacy of early settlers, who mistakenly identified endemic leopards as “tijghers”.
The reserve protects the critically endangered renosterveld vegetation.
Activities include hiking trails, picnic areas, views of Cape Town, a variety of animals and bird watching.
The reserve’s Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre features a resource centre, library and herbarium where geography, biodiversity and ecology lessons are offered. Booking is essential.
Open every day except Christmas Day.
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West Coast National Park (82.2 km from Swartland) About an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, the West Coast National Park stretches from Yzerfontein up to the edge of Langebaan.
The park surrounds most of the enormous Langebaan Lagoon, a water sports junkie’s paradise with awesome kayaking, snorkelling and some of the best windsurfing and kite surfing on the planet.
In summer, migratory water birds flock in thousands from as far away as northern Eurasia. In the middle of the lagoon is Schaapen Island, a bird sanctuary that is off limits, but you can paddle close to it and watch the garrulous marine birds.
The park is a good place for cycling and spotting eland and small animals but the star attraction is the spring wildflower spectacle. Kraalbaai has a few lovely houseboats for rent and there’s a superb restaurant at Geelbek. Bicycles and canoes can be hired in Langebaan.
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Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (84.6 km from Swartland) Beautiful well-maintained and managed nature reserve approx 15km from Stellenbosch. A favourite for Stellenbosch residents and well worth the visit. Offers an amazing array of trails suitable for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers.
The trails will suit the novice to the most experienced athlete. Stunning waterfalls and rivers are easily accessible and make an ideal picnic excursion for the family. Cash required to pay for entry permit at the gate.
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Rondebosch (90.2 km from Swartland) This public open space has many walking paths. The ever changing landscape and pretty seasonal endemic flowers, birds, butterflies and other creatures making it a great escape from rush-rush of everyday life. Dogs, children and their accompanying adults make it a great meeting place for the neighbourhood. The sunsets are stunning and in the winter mists you may see Blue Crane,and the natural ponds abound with tadpoles. It is 5 minutes walk from the guesthouse.
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West Coast National Park (91.3 km from Swartland) Postberg is one of the best places on the West Coast to see fields of wild flowers. This section of the West Coast National Park is only open to visitors during spring.
You can do some game viewing from your own vehicle. It’s easy to spot a variety of antelope ranging from Africa's largest, the eland, to pronking springbok or maybe a shy little greysbok.
Ostrich and their chicks wander about and if you've got sharp eyes you will discover tortoises, field mice, mongoose and myriads of birds, bees and butterflies. There are also a few great viewpoints for whale watching.
Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities are available for day visitors. There is a shop at the entrance that sells various field guidebooks. Entry is free to Wild Card holders.
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Somerset West (93.9 km from Swartland) Initially a wild flower garden, the 407-hectare Helderberg Nature Reserve was proclaimed a reserve in 1960 to preserve an important enclave of Mesic Mountain Fynbos.Along with the incredible plant diversity, the reserve has a rich fauna. Visitors can experience bontebok grazing at any time of the day and some 169 species of birds have been recorded. Look out for three types of tortoise – the mountain tortoise, the angulate tortoise and the padloper.There are several lovely walking trails, of which only the Brown Route is non-circular. Facilities in the reserve include an information centre, plant herbarium, gift shop, indigenous nursery, resource centre, walking paths and benches, Oak Café restaurant, picnic area, facilities for the disabled and ablutions.