Accessible Cape Town

The Tygerberg Nature Reserve consists of 278 hectares of land, surrounded by urban development, above Plattekloof and Tygerberg in Cape Town.

Most visitors who fly into Cape Town will fly down the west side of the Tygerberg as they prepare to land at Cape Town International airport.

It is a long range of hills which has been left virtually untouched along its upper reaches. The reserve however is important as it is one of the few places you will find the extremely endangered species of renosterbosveld (Rhino bushveld).

Near the main entrance gate is a conference centre which is used by the Bird Club. They have their monthly meetings in the hall where members and visiting speakers show slides and lecture on birds and wildlife.

Views from Tygerberg Hills

The Tygerberg Hills have a spectacular unhindered view of the Cape Peninsula. The view towards the west over Cape Town and Table Bay is splendid and you can watch the changing moods of Table Mountain as the sun moves to the west. Sunsets are breathtaking.

From your vantage point you can see as far as Cape Point. Due south you will see False bay shimmering in the distance and in between are the Cape Flats. To the east you can see Somerset West, Stellenbosch and the mountains which form the eastern seashore of False Bay.

At the highest point of the Reserve there is a picnic area and a look out point. From here you can look down on the planes as they fly past on their way to the airport.

Access to Tygerberg

The Friends of Tygerberg have recently laid out a wheelchair accessible loop trail with lookout points and parking facilities. Able-bodied visitors have to walk up a steep hill to reach the trail, but disabled visitors can drive up and two parking bays are provided at the top.

The trail starts from the forested picnic area and is fairly rough and rugged, suitable for the more “able” wheelchair user, or someone who is accompanied by an able-bodied friend or family member.

Further information

To get to Tygerberg, take the N1 north, exit 20, turn left into Jip de Jager, turn left into Kommisaris, and follow the signs.

For information contact Jurg Zimmerman on 083 701 8496.