New Opening Times for Rietvlei Wetland Reserve

The reserve, which is administered by the City of Cape Town, will now open from 07:30 in the morning until 17:30 in the afternoon, seven days a week.

Public access for water sports will however remain unchanged. On weekdays, this is from 10:00 in the morning until 16:00 in the afternoon, and on weekends from 09:00 until 16:00, allowing a grace period until 17:00 for watercraft to leave the waters.

"The new opening times - 1,5 hours earlier than before - will allow visitors, and especially joggers, hikers and bird-watchers, to enjoy the tranquil morning beauty of the wetland," says Koos Retief, Reserve Manager.

"Rietvlei offers wonderful opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, braaiing, and water-sports activities such as dinghy sailing, wind surfing, power boating, skiing, wake boarding and shore-based angling.
Picnic and braai facilities are also available, as well as short walking trails and a bird hide.

"The Rietvlei Education Centre also offers outdoor education opportunities for visiting school groups by prior arrangement. The environmental education programme focuses on the importance of wetlands and water birds. Tailor-made programmes can also be designed on request," says Retief.

Entrance fees remain R5 for adults, R2 for children, R2.50 for pensioners, and R15 for vehicles.

"All watercraft need to be registered for a 12 month period and must be safety-checked by the water ranger. The registration fee per craft is
R25 and daily launching tariffs are R35 for powerboats and R15 for sail boats. No paddle craft are allowed on the water body. Anglers have to be in possession of valid freshwater angling permits, which are obtainable from CapeNature. A rod tariff of R30 is payable," says Retief.

For more information, please contact Rietvlei Wetland Reserve at 021 550 1086, or the main entrance gate at 021 557 5509. Right of admission is reserved.

Issued by:
Charles Cooper
Tel: 021 400 3719
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Email: media@capetown.gov.za
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Koos Retief
Reserve Manager
Rietvlei Wetland Reserve, Milnerton
Tel: 021 550 1086 or 021 557 5509 (Main Entrance)