The Tygerberg Nature Reserve covers an area of 388 hectares, encompassing Tygerberg Hill in the Northern Suburbs and offering unique 360-degree views of the greater Cape Town area.
Located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.Find Tygerberg Nature Reserve on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Stand on the Eastern slopes and watch the sun rise from behind the Hottentots Holland mountains. From the Southern slope, you can see across the urban sprawl as far as False bay. A little to the right and you are treated to a picture-perfect view of Table Mountain rising above the CBD. To the West you can gaze out to where Robben Island lies in Table Bay.
The reserve supports the endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld (also referred to as the West Coast Renosterveld). The western slope of the hill is near-pristine Renosterveld, while the eastern slope of the hill is in the process of being restored. Tygerberg boasts 562 different plant species: 23 species that are threatened, 8 that are endemic to Cape Town and 3 that are endemic to Tygerberg Nature Reserve.
There is also a vast diversity of species to be found: 24 different mammal species including Bontebok which have been absent from the area for 100 years, 137 bird species, 22 different reptiles, 7 kinds of frogs as well as many different butterfly species.
The Kristo Pienaar Environmental Education Centre is a resource centre with a library and a herbarium. Lessons and monthly talks are given on topics such as biodiversity and ecology. The Educational Centre can also be hired for meetings and conferences.
Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers a variety of hiking routes ranging from easy to moderate, each named for local flora and fauna. There is a map of the hiking trails at the main gate, alternatively you can download if from the City of Cape Town at this link. Remember to wear appropriate footwear if you are walking or hiking in the reserve, lather on the sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
There are a variety of well-maintained benches and picnic areas, perfect for romantic moments and fun, family events. There is also a 500m long wheelchair friendly path from the picnic area on top of the hill to various lookout points.
The cannon on top of Tygerberg Hill is fired on certain public holidays by experienced gunners and it can also be fired on special occasions such as weddings or birthdays for a fee to cover the gunpowder.
Useful information:
Access the Tygerberg Nature Reserve via the main gate in Totius Street, Welgemoed.
+27 (0)21 913 5695
Monday to Friday
07:30 – 18:00
Weekends and public holidays (except for Christmas Day and Good Friday)
07:30 – 19:00
There is a secondary gate in Meyboom Avenue, Welgemoed.
It is only open in Summer from 7:30 – 4pm on alternating days. We recommend calling first to make sure the gate is open.
Entry fees:
Adults (18 and over) R15
Children (3 to 17), students and senior citizens (proof required) R8
Children under 3 Free
Tygerberg Nature Reserve is located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Open 7 Days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 23.7km
Where: 1 Totius St, Welgemoed, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 913 5695 | [email protected]
West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature
West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.
Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way:
Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve.
For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Follow us on on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.