Wolfgat Nature Reserve, covering 248 ha, was declared a reserve in 1986. It protects spectacular coastal limestone cliffs along Baden Powell Drive. Still covered with Cape Flats Dune Strandveld vegetation, this reserve conserves more than 150 different plant species. Evergreen shrubs, annual and perennial daisies, vygies and arum lilies are common. A colony of kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus vetula) nest on the limestone cliffs, and African black oystercatchers (Haematopus moquini) scurry along the rocky and sandy shores.
Challenges
Alien rooikrans (Acacia cyclops) trees have invaded large areas of the False Bay coast. Littering also remains a problem. However, Wolfgat Nature Reserve works with youth organisations in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain, supporting youth development through conservation activities, such as beach and litter cleanups. The reserve was one of the pilot sites for the Cape Flats Nature project.
RUNNING WITH WOLVES
Wolfgat is named after the brown hyena or strandwolf (Hyaena brunnea), which occurred in Cape Town around the 1840s. A fossil den site of a brown hyena was found in the Wolfgat cliffs in 1962, dating back to about 45 000 years ago.
ADDRESS: Baden Powell Drive, Mitchell’s Plain
OPENING HOURS: 07:30-16:00 (weekdays)
SIZE: 248 ha
ENTRANCE FEE (2020): None. By prior appointment only
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Taxi or bus
ACTIVITIES: Picnicking, fishing in designated areas (permit required), watching coastal birds, swimming, paragliding
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: An education officer assists schools with field trips for groups of 30-40 learners. Larger
groups could take part in special programmes, like coastal hikes and clean-up campaigns.
CONTACT: Tel 021 400 3856/ 61; fax 086 576 1721
E-MAIL: wolfgat.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za
Source: City of Cape Town (2010) City of Cape Town nature reserves: A network of amazing biodiversity. City of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
