[imagesource:capebirdclub]

The City of Cape Town has notified residents and visitors that the land-based areas of Rietvlei in the Table Bay Nature Reserve are once again open to the public for recreational activities such as birdwatching and walking.

The City closed the land-based areas of the Rietvlei section on 11 July 2024 after severe flooding affected roads, trails, picnic areas and boardwalks.

The reserve staff undertook an assessment and found significant damage to the boardwalk that leads to the Sunset bird hide, as well as the Sunset bird hide itself. As a precaution, both the section of boardwalk leading to the Sunset bird hide and the Sunset bird hide, will however remain temporarily closed to the public while the reserve team undertakes the necessary repairs.

Luckily, the Old Friend’s bird hide is open for public enjoyment. The reserve staff have cleared the debris from the boardwalk to ensure the remaining walkways and bird hide are safe for visitors.

‘Our Table Bay Reserve management monitored the water levels at Rietvlei and conducted daily patrols and investigations of the recreational areas. I am happy to say that the situation has improved over the past weeks and that this section is now open to the public again. I want to thank all for their support and remind visitors that the Sunset hide is unfortunately inaccessible until further notice.’

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the reopened areas and explore the following activities, accessible from 9 PM to 4 PM daily:

• Hiking and jogging along the trails
• Birdwatching
• Braai and picnic at the Rietvlei shoreline
• Environmental educational programmes – ask the reserve management for more information
• Sail, ski, powerboat, paddle and canoe at Rietvlei and the Milnerton Aquatics Club
• Fishing at selected sites, be mindful that a freshwater fishing permit is required

[source:capetown.gov]