Rondevlei Nature Reserve image

Rondevlei Nature Reserve

Tourist attraction Nature preserve

One of the Best Places To Visits in Cafda Village


Address

Pelikan Park, Cape Town, 7941, South Africa

Website

www.zeekoevlei.co.za

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (631 reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 7:30 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 7:30 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: bird (27) nature (17) birds (15) hippos (11) hides (11) reserve (9) walk (9) hippo (8) species (8) towers (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Adam “MrAdam” H. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely bit of nature in the middle of the Cape Flats. Didn't see the hippos, but we did hear them in the reeds. Amazing to have free entry to such a gem.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carla R. 3 months ago on Google • 3 reviews New
    What a gem. Free to get in and we had such a lovely time. Saw a hippo, pelicans and two tortoises. Go early as it gets hot on the walkways.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rayhanna G. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing Experience this morning being with nature. Sitting and listening to the birds made me realise that we are so lucky to have this place our area.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Keith L. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to go for bird watching and photography.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Domonic H. F. 1 year ago on Google • 185 reviews
    What a lovely place. Well maintained bird hides to enjoy an abundance of bird live. We identified 21 species - some of the birds are African Darter, Pelican, African Spoonbill, Great Crested Grebe and Purple Gallinule.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chantel P. 2 months ago on Google • 111 reviews New
    This nature reserve is under management of City of Cape Town. Entry is free of charge. This is and a great place to go for bird viewing and hippo spotting. In summer not so ideal as it is dry and the water ponds are in the distance. However, we still spotted a hippopotamus 🦛 I will go back in May and hopefully they will be visible from the bird viewing decks. We went on a morning when the January heat was unbearable and by 10am could no longer bear the heat. We didn’t finish the trail but will return on a cooler month.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Raymond F. 3 months ago on Google • 322 reviews New
    I must go back when there more water. We saw a hippo, which was nice and all the houses were spotless.

  • 4/5 Carmen 2 months ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    It’s just my favourite place to go down the road from where I live, it’s lovely for kids to give them an outdoorsy walk and nature combination. It’s a bit dry now so not much to see, I think best season is still coming. Definitely 5 stars in the rainy season, more birds to see 🦤🥰
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Willem Van der M. 10 months ago on Google • 33 reviews
    I think Rondevlei is one of the most under estimated nature reserves in Cape Town with a lot to offer! The entrance is via the M5, M35 and Perth Road. A must for bird watchers and there is about four well kept bird watching huts alongside the waters edge. Very quiet and peaceful. Apparently there are still hippo's roaming around, we have not seen any, but just be careful!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marie van S. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Excellent holiday program for the kids. From 10h00 to 14h00. No charge it is free
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Geraldine P. 2 years ago on Google
    Natural species in abundance. Safe birding.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Omar H. 3 years ago on Google
    The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is located in Grassy Park, Zeekoevlei and Lavenderhill, suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. The bird sanctuary covers approximately 290 hectares of mostly permanent wetland and consists of a single large brackish lagoon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hoosain N. 5 years ago on Google
    an excellent place on one's doorstep to get into touch with nature. Not only is there a huge variety of fynbos to be seen, but a plethora of birdlife and if one is lucky or observant, one may see the hippo's, snakes, tortoise and other. Schools get to visit for free and there is a nominal charge for others. With several bird hides and observation towers with tower viewers/binoculars, one can really get to see animal life up close. Well maintained pathways makes it a pleasure to ramble around. Staff are extremely helpful and friendly. There is also the museum type building with further information and displays that is very educational.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Jody F. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Diana M. 2 years ago on Google
    This is a wonderful place to watch water and reed birds. There are numerous hides facing away from the sun which makes watching comfortable. Some times the water levels are high as this month September 2021. And sometimes the water is very low as in the drought a few years ago.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Guy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Very tranquil and beautiful but not an animal in sight, the walk did us good though. If you looking for animals, including the hippos, I wouldn't recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ronéll B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful winter morning walking spot
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raymond F. 3 months ago on Google • 151 reviews New
    So peaceful. We saw one of the hippos which was nice but week have to return in Winter as the water level in Summer was kind of low. Facilities were very clean.

  • 3/5 Najuwah 10 months ago on Google • 138 reviews
    This a great trail for taking a walk with the family or friends. I would not recommend you walk alone. It is super safe, but you never know when a hippo could come charging if they still have Hippos, lol. Two towers to take in the great view and bird watch. There are a few resting places with benches to bird watch, too. Dont forget your binoculars.

  • 5/5 Neil V. 3 months ago on Google • 132 reviews New
    We had a very enjoyable walk exploring the reserve and the various bird hides. Definitely worth a visit for any bird watchers and you always stand a chance of spotting one of the five hippos that reside in the reserve.

  • 5/5 Natasha V. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous views and allot of bird species. But very shy hippos.

  • 4/5 Zaheer B. 4 years ago on Google
    A place to take the kids to get a slight feel of nature with many different bird species to learn about, however of you not interested in birds or don't wish to just have a relaxing walk through nature than this is not the place for you , didn't unfortunately see a hippo but there were tracks of them so who knows perhaps you can see the hippo wonder about aswell

  • 4/5 Jill F. 4 years ago on Google
    We went to the Reserve for the first time on a Sunday. The entry was free and it is clean and nicely kept with a good selection of birds. No hippo sightings but the guard assured us there is a family of 7 hippos who spend their day hidden underwater, so you've just got to be lucky. The board walks are easy and the bird hides are a pleasure to spend time in.

  • 5/5 Rashied B. 4 years ago on Google
    When nature calls u answer a beautiful place everything on point

  • 3/5 Ardiel T. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely for walking or jogging plus the wildlife and hippos are an extra

  • 5/5 Dirk M. 4 years ago on Google
    Helpfully staff, free entrance(at least when we went) and plenty of hides to observe the numerous birds. Pitty we didnt spot the hypos

  • 5/5 David Muller (the Merry S. 2 years ago on Google
    Quiet, peaceful, soothing to the soul. Good bird life; excellent hides to watch birds. May even see some hippos.

  • 5/5 Angus E. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful and calm nature experience. Various bird species to view and a nice stroll along the paved foot paths visiting the various bird pit stops

  • 5/5 Abigail I. 1 year ago on Google
    One of our natural beauties. All hidden in its own little cocoon / safe haven. Tranquil, invigorating, inspiring, breath taking, clean fresh air in this wetland. Nature, surrounded by all its wonder. Many species of birds, reptiles, pand the infamous hippopotamus. Plant species which are endangered. This Nature Reserve, established in 1952, has nature trail walk, picnic spots, tall bird watching towers, bird club, yacht club, a museum, etc. All for only a small entrance fee. Grab the kids and make it a day. You don't need hundreds of rands to enjoy a memorable day out with the family.

  • 5/5 Grant Van N. 1 year ago on Google
    Tranquil surroundings, a wide variety of birds, bird hides, watch towers, and friendly staff make this a great destination.The pathways and facilities are well maintained.

  • 3/5 Chad M. 5 years ago on Google
    Great experience visiting Rondevlei Nature Reserve. However unfortunate that due to the drought in Cape Town at the time water levels were very low, and subsequently we never saw any of the Hippo family that lives in the park. The very cold and windy conditions on the day also didn't make the visit any easier however, it remains nevertheless a fantastic place to see for any and all nature lovers and what's more we were the only visiters to the park the day we went so it was like having it all to ourselves. You cannot imagine the peace and tranquility we experienced on that day. Definately worth a visit and we will be back again soon...

  • 3/5 Zahieda A. 1 year ago on Google
    The sanctuary is beautiful. Birds come and go as they please. There are visitors allowed but it is not a picnic spot. It is popular for excursions and tourist. There is no coffee shop.

  • 4/5 Jeanette D. 1 year ago on Google
    Perfect place for a quiet stroll. Lots of birdlife. Lookouts and towers to view the surroundings. Love going there.

  • 4/5 Shadreck N. 1 year ago on Google
    it's a peaceful place .

  • 4/5 Carmel Pereira Do C. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful Tranquil setting with a variety of Bird Species to observe. Saw tracks of a hippo...but didn't get an opportunity to see it. Hopefully on my next visit 🙂

  • 5/5 Nathan F. 9 months ago on Google
    I took my son's school on an outing, I was very pleasantly surprised by the amazing reserve. The kids loved the interactive information given y very knowledgeable staff and the reserve was safe and well maintained

  • 3/5 vieira a. 4 years ago on Google
    Food's okay

  • 5/5 Brendan G. 3 years ago on Google
    What an amazing experience. So many different bird life and so calm and peaceful.

  • 5/5 Theresa S. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a lovely little place. About 750m paved walk with 2 viewing towers (heads up during windy season!) and a few hides along the way to sit quietly and watch the wonderful bird life. Ashley at the gate was very friendly and informative.

  • 4/5 Clinton Forlee - Property Investment C. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a wonderful walk with the family. Great views from the towers. Excellent for bird watching. Was hoping to see some hippos. Next time.

  • 5/5 Jono M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautifully preserved wetland with impeccably maintained facilities and friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Marie A. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing reserve in the middle of cape Town. As so chuffed to see the hippos today

  • 5/5 Rofhiwa S. 3 years ago on Google
    It's crazy how Zeekovlei and Rondevlei are in the same place...altogether on the either side...

  • 5/5 David R. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent biodiversity

  • 5/5 C. L. 3 years ago on Google
    Tranquil birdwatching spot. There are walkways leading to hides where there's a great view of birds on the vlei. Observation towers give you a great view of the surrounding area too. Staff are friendly and the community of nature lovers who frequent the place are always happy to give you a bird name or to point out something interesting.

  • 4/5 Ennie K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place indeed

  • 5/5 Charmaine G. 3 years ago on Google
    The variety of birds and plants to see. So peaceful and beautiful.

  • 4/5 Titus M. 3 years ago on Google
    A priceless nature gem...

  • 4/5 Alton F. 3 years ago on Google
    It's an awesome place with hinden gems all over the place and it's rite in Cape Town

  • 5/5 RELAX & REJUVENATE MOBILE PHYSICAL THERAPY S. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning

  • 5/5 Linda S. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of awesome nature

  • 5/5 nadiem f. 4 years ago on Google
    Hidden gem, well maintained but authentic. Great observation huts to observe several indigenous Cape species in their elememt.

  • 5/5 Adam K. 4 years ago on Google
    Our backyard

  • 5/5 Fahdiel C. 4 years ago on Google
    Love nature

  • 5/5 Nas P. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved the different birds wow definitely a fantastic place to be

  • 5/5 Colin and Judy G. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome gem

  • 5/5 Kim L. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Percy M. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolute stunning place! This place is literally in my back yard! Great for the whole family, whether to explore, hiking or picnic. They even got real hippos! Entry is absolutely Free! Ashley, at the front office entrance, is absolutely amazing and very helpful. Definitely worth visiting.

  • 5/5 Antonia E. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the scenery

  • 5/5 ILHAAM R. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful check it out!

  • 5/5 Hayley M. 4 years ago on Google
    A peaceful, welcome escape from the bustle of a big city...

  • 5/5 Nosibulelo M. 4 years ago on Google
    Had the best time of my life they literally have most of the birds and fynbos plants I am obsessed.

  • 5/5 a m. 4 years ago on Google
    Get transported to another place and time! Rondevlei Nature Reserve is tucked neatly and secretly away in Grassy Park. You're immediately teleported out of suburbia to another realm. You'd be forgiven, brave adventurer, for thinking that you were out in the wilds. Well maintained footpaths, bird watching hides and pretty tall lookouts, what more could you ask for from a nature reserve. Hippos, that's what! This place has 'em! I do not lie. I didn't get to see them when I visited though, I was too blinded by the majestic birds but they live there. Nestled between Grassy Park and Lavendar Hill. Hippos! Alas, leaving the reserve is a bit of a downer though as you're quickly flung out of a fantasy world and into mundane and boring suburbia.

  • 5/5 Bevan S. 4 years ago on Google
    Nature reserve

  • 5/5 Salama P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great trekking

  • 5/5 Steven Orlando B. 4 years ago on Google
    Quiet with lots of paths to follow.

  • 5/5 Fahiem K. 4 years ago on Google
    The peace and the pathways animals

  • 5/5 Prince M. 3 years ago on Google
    Refreshing environment 🤗


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Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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