At the tip of the Cape Peninsula is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve – possibly one of the fairest places on earth. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve covers an area of 7 700ha of coastal shrub land and incorporates 40 km of coastline. It was included in the larger Table Mountain National Park when the South African Parks Board took over the management of several areas of conservation, to cover a total area of 30 000 ha. Included in the proclaimed area are the Table Mountain range and several existing nature reserves such as the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, the Silvermine Nature Reserve and the Cape Point and Boulders coastal park.
The Western Cape region has a Mediterranean climate, with dry, warm and often windy summers and cool wet winters. The annual rainfall of Cape Town is 515mm. Average temperatures range from a summer maximum of 26°C to a winter minimum of 7°C.
The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is located at the south western end of the Cape Floral kingdom and it has more plant species than any other area of comparable size in the world. 141 of the 2285 plant species are endangered and 90 of the plant species are endemic to this area. Commonly known as fynbos – the proteas and Erica (heath) vegetation, (plants adapted to dry summer conditions), is dominant in this area.
112 bird and animal species in the park are also endemic to the area.
Eland, small numbers of bontebok, grey rhebok, grysbok and hartebeest are found here. Baboons (adapted to a marine diet), porcupine, ostrich and mountain zebra can be found in the park. Fish eagles, black shouldered kites, crowned plovers, black oyster catchers and gannets have been recorded. Marine life is abundant: snoek, whales, seals, porpoises and sharks can be seen.
The most popular spot within the Cape of Good Hope Reserve is most probably the Point itself with the highest sea cliffs of the world, carved by the restless Ocean of Storms. The view from the top is magnificent and can be reached by foot or funicular ferry service. Overnight accommodation is provided at Olifantsbos Lodge. Many picnic spots are available. Hiking, swimming and fishing are allowed. |
