Categories: Nature

Experiencing Nature’s Bounty: The Extensive Picnic Spot at Rondevlei

The picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve has been expanded and repurposed from a plant nursery into a 15 x 25 meter picnic section, complete with a children’s playground and an opportunity to share your picnic with the famous hippos of Rondevlei. This lush sanctuary is home to birds and other wildlife, offering visitors an idyllic picnic spot amid the wonders of nature. The expansion also emphasizes accessible recreation and promotes community involvement in conservation efforts.

What is the expanded picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve?

The expanded picnic area at Rondevlei was previously a plant nursery and has been ingeniously repurposed into an extended picnic section. The enlarged picnic spot is now a generous 15 x 25 meters and offers an additional area for families and children to celebrate, as well as an opportunity to share their picnic with Rondevlei’s renowned hippos, adding an element of thrilling wildlife interaction to their experience. The spot also offers accessible recreation and a children’s playground.

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The Wonders of Rondevlei

Step into an oasis where the symphony of birdsong greets you, the frolicking hippos delight your children, and the wonders of the sky set the stage for an idyllic picnic. Welcome to the newly enlarged picnic site at the Rondevlei section of the False Bay Nature Reserve. This lush sanctuary, hidden away in the core of Cape Town, comprises six different sections: Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos, and the coastal enclave of Zandwolf. Each of these sections offers a unique encounter, captivating visitors with their individual allure.

On 1st December 2023, a notable celebration was organized. During this event, the City’s Biodiversity Management team, accompanied by Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews, introduced the expanded picnic area. This spot, previously a plant nursery, has been ingeniously repurposed into an extended picnic section.

Since its establishment in 1952, Rondevlei has been a treasured refuge for birds, offering sanctuary to countless species. This significant enlargement not only provides an additional area for families and children to celebrate but also offers the opportunity to share their picnic with Rondevlei’s renowned hippos, adding an element of thrilling wildlife interaction to their experience.

Emphasizing Accessible Leisure

A key aspect of this enlargement is its devotion to promoting accessible recreation. “With the extra picnic area, visitors to Rondevlei can appreciate the outdoors even more,” declared Alderman Eddie Andrews during the unveiling celebrations. He reiterated that efforts are being made to increase access to Cape Town’s splendid natural resources to amplify visitors’ enjoyment in reserves and protected areas.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Friends of Zeekoevlei and Rondevlei, donors, stakeholders, and City staff, showcasing the collaborative effort that propelled the project. The enlarged picnic spot, now a generous 15 x 25 meters, stands as a testament to the community’s dedication to fostering outdoor activity and conservation.

One key feature of this expansion has been the conversion of the previous nursery into a children’s playground. Addressing the persistent demand for child-friendly amenities in the reserve, Alderman Andrews proudly announced the inclusion of a jungle gym in the play area. The reserve, through this provision, extends an invitation to everyone – families, children, and nature enthusiasts – to visit and enjoy the facilities.

A Place to Learn and Enjoy

The enlargement of the Rondevlei picnic spot in the False Bay Nature Reserve has not only broadened its size but also its capacity to accommodate, entertain, and educate. As we anticipate sharing outdoor meals, laughter, and creating new memories in this extended space, let’s pledge to respect and conserve the abundant biodiversity that surrounds us.

With the holiday season on the horizon, Alderman Andrews encourages the community to discover and appreciate the offerings of the False Bay Nature Reserve. However, it’s essential to note that the Rondevlei section will shut at 13:00 on 24th and 31st December 2023 and will remain closed throughout 25th December 2023.

A Cherished Spot for Making Memories

In conclusion, the expanded picnic area at Rondevlei is more than merely a place to picnic and play – it is a space that strengthens our bond with nature, a location for creating enduring memories, and undoubtedly, a place to treasure for years to come. Therefore, gather your picnic essentials, bring along your adventurous spirit, and come experience the natural beauty and serenity of Rondevlei.

1. What is Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve?

Rondevlei is a lush sanctuary in the core of Cape Town, comprising six different sections: Rondevlei, Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos, and the coastal enclave of Zandwolf. It is a treasured refuge for birds, offering sanctuary to countless species, located in the False Bay Nature Reserve.

2. What is the expanded picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve?

The expanded picnic area at Rondevlei was previously a plant nursery and has been ingeniously repurposed into an extended picnic section. The enlarged picnic spot is now a generous 15 x 25 meters and offers an additional area for families and children to celebrate, as well as an opportunity to share their picnic with Rondevlei’s renowned hippos, adding an element of thrilling wildlife interaction to their experience. The spot also offers accessible recreation and a children’s playground.

3. What is the purpose of the expansion of the picnic area at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve?

The purpose of the expansion is to promote accessible recreation and community involvement in conservation efforts. The expansion provides visitors with an idyllic picnic spot amid the wonders of nature, emphasizing accessible leisure and promoting community involvement in conservation.

4. What is the significance of the enlargement of the Rondevlei picnic spot in False Bay Nature Reserve?

The enlargement of the Rondevlei picnic spot in the False Bay Nature Reserve has not only broadened its size but also its capacity to accommodate, entertain, and educate. It is a cherished spot for making memories and is a location for creating enduring memories. The expansion strengthens visitors’ bond with nature and offers an opportunity to respect and conserve the abundant biodiversity that surrounds us.

5. What is the accessibility feature of the expanded picnic spot at Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve?

One key feature of this expansion has been the conversion of the previous nursery into a children’s playground. Addressing the persistent demand for child-friendly amenities in the reserve, the inclusion of a jungle gym in the play area extends an invitation to everyone – families, children, and nature enthusiasts – to visit and enjoy the facilities.

6. What is the schedule for Rondevlei in False Bay Nature Reserve during the holiday season?

Rondevlei section in False Bay Nature Reserve will shut at 13:00 on 24th and 31st December 2023 and will remain closed throughout the 25th December 2023.

Sarah Kendricks

Sarah Kendricks is a Cape Town journalist who covers the city’s vibrant food scene, from township kitchens reinventing heritage dishes to sustainable fine-dining at the foot of Table Mountain. Raised between Bo-Kaap spice stalls and her grandmother’s kitchen in Khayelitsha, she brings a lived intimacy to every story, tracing how a plate of food carries the politics, migrations and memories of the Cape.

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