| Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve | |
|---|---|
  Map ofCape Town | |
| Location | Muizenberg,Western Cape,South Africa |
| Coordinates | 34°04′56″S18°28′01″E / 34.0822°S 18.4669°E /-34.0822; 18.4669[1] |
| Area | 200 ha (490 acres) |
Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve (also spelt "Sandvlei") is a 300-hectare (740-acre)nature reserve and recreational area located inMuizenberg nearCape Town,South Africa.
Entering the ocean in the coastal town ofMuizenberg, Zandvlei is the only functioning estuary on Cape Town'sFalse Bay coast, open to the Atlantic Ocean throughout winter and in summer the mouth is manually closed by a sand bar to contain the water, and is opened monthly for a few days at full moon to maintain salinity levels and then closed again. It is also one of the most important estuaries for recruitment of fish such as garrick, steenbras and two species of stumpnose.
The surroundingwetland is an important habitat for birds and has 166 species on its official list.[2] There are a number of bird hides available to the public. It is also a vital habitat for amphibians and about 20 species of reptile such as theangulate tortoise,marsh terrapin andmole snake.Porcupines, grysbok,otters andmongoose can also occasionally be spotted.
The plant life is typical ofCape Flats Dune Strandveld andCape Wetland vegetation. Rare or interesting plants includeGladiolus angustus andSalvia aurea (syn.S. africana-lutea).[3]
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The estuary was neglected in the past, and suffered from farming, urban development, dredging and the introduction of alieninvasive species. The original vegetation has been partly restored through local government and volunteer efforts.There is now an Environmental Education Centre and the reserve is home to the Imperial Yacht Club and Peninsula Canoe Club.SCOUTS South Africa operate theirSea Scout base from there,[5] conducting sailing and rowing regattas there, in addition to various training courses and the annualKon-Tikiraft building competition. Fishing is popular, with many large garrick having been landed. A standard fishing permit is required.[6]
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