Rietvlei Nature Reserve

Rietvlei Nature Reserve is a large wetland situated between Milnerton and Table View.

This 560-hectare reserve comprises mainly of permanent and seasonal wetlands, surrounded by Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation where more than 220 plant species having been recorded.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Cape Town Nature, Cape Town

The vlei drains into Table Bay via the Milnerton Lagoon.

This reserve has a variety of habitats, including a permanent freshwater lake, shallow marshes that flood in winter, reed beds, a river, and an estuarine lagoon with salt marshes, which is open to the sea.
A strip of coastal dunes separates it from Table Bay.

This is a birders’ paradise, especially in spring and summer when migrant birds arrive from the northern hemisphere.
More than 180 bird species, which include Pelicans, Flamingos, Ducks, Coots,Herons, Plovers,Weavers and Swallows, are listed.

There are two bird hides to sit and enjoy what the reserve has to offer.

Bird Hide, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Cape Town Nature, Cape Town