Question: What if I told you that Cape Town holds a secret haven where nature thrives amidst urban life? That place is Sandvlei. Sandvlei Estuary is the largest of eight estuaries on the False Bay coastline. It borders Lakeside, Marina da Gama, Muizenberg and Steenberg.
Sandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve protects the only functioning estuary, wetland and river system on the False Bay Coast. The City of Cape Town owns the property. The vision for Zandvlei is a beautiful component of Cape Town’s natural assets. It is valued by the community for recreation and education. It balances conservation with the needs of users for the benefit of present and future generations.
In 1978, 22ha in the north was proclaimed as the Zandvlei Bird Sanctuary. In 2006, it was enlarged to 204ha and proclaimed as the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve. In 2015, it was proclaimed as the 220ha Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve. Zandvlei functions as a fish hatchery and habitat for animals, especially birds. Various endangered species find refuge here.
Zandvlei receives fresh water from three river systems. These drain the eastern slopes of the south Peninsula mountain chain. They are the Westlake, Keysers and Sand Rivers. The Sand River starts as the Diep River. It flows through greenbelts and public spaces before crossing under the M3 Freeway. It enters Little Princessvlei and Zandvlei. After it leaves Little Princessvlei it becomes known as the Sand River. The Westlake River starts on the lower slopes of the Steenberg. It flows through the Steenberg Estate, Pollsmoor Prison and the Kirstenhof Wetlands before entering Zandvlei. The Keysers River rises on Constantiaberg. It starts as a series of small streams. The most notable are the Grootbosch, Spaanschemat and Prinkasteel rivers. All these rivers and streams have been affected by urban development. They have been modified in various ways.
The Zandvlei Estuary drains into False Bay near Muizenberg Beach. Zandvlei is rated within the top 25% of all estuaries along the South African coastline in terms of its importance. The estuary was neglected. It was negatively affected by farming, urban development, dredging and alien invasive species. The original vegetation has been partly restored through local government initiatives and volunteers.
Zandvlei is home to over 500 plant species. Seven of these are Red Data Species. There are also 25 declared invasive plant species in the reserve. The Zandvlei Herbarium is at the Environmental Education Centre. It houses a specimen of each of these plants. Because of human pressures, the existence of a number of plants is threatened.
Zandvlei is important for fish recruitment. The surrounding wetland is an important habitat for birds. It has 166 species on its official list. It is a vital habitat for amphibians and about 20 species of reptile. Porcupines, grysbok, otters and mongoose can occasionally be spotted. Six species of amphibians are recorded in Zandvlei. One of these, the Western Leopard Toad is endangered. Of the 166 different birds recorded for the Reserve 6 are Red Data Species. Thirty four species of fish have been recorded in the estuary.
Zandvlei is a recreational area. It is popular with windsurfers and picnickers. It is one of the most accessible reserves. It is next to Lakeside Station and close to Main Road. The Zandvlei Environmental Education Centre is on the northern side. Juvenile marine fish use the estuary as a nursery. It is important that the estuary mouth is open to enable young fish to enter and older fish to return to the ocean.
Today, Zandvlei is used by many people. Visitors, residents, sports lovers, fishermen, walkers and students all come here. The grounds offer opportunities for animal lovers to exercise their dogs. Walkers without pets are also spotted regularly. Come and experience the beauty and biodiversity of Zandvlei.