WALKER BAY

N AT U R E R E S E RV E
LEGEND
Roads
Reserve boundary
Tracks
 WA LK E R BAY

PHOTO: Liesel Kershoff

N AT U R E R E S E R V E

W alker Bay Nature Reserve lies on the south-western

Cape coast, just east of Hermanus and covers about 4
300 ha. The reserve comprises five coastal areas lying
between Hermanus and Die Dam near Struisbaai. The largest area,
known as Walker Bay, stretches from the Klein River estuary to
Animals
Most of the mammals found in the reserve are shy, although
the tracks of Cape clawless otter, bushbuck, duiker, grysbok and
steenbok are occasionally spotted. Off-shore, southern right
whales occur from about August to November, while Bryde’s and
De Kelders at Gansbaai. This section is about 1 000 ha in size humpback whales, and various dolphin species occur throughout
and has a coastline of 17km featuring a long beach, known as Die the year. Marine fish include the sought-after galjoen, kabeljou and
Plaat, with white sands and rocky limestone outcrops to the east. steenbras, which may be caught at Galjoenbank, Sopiesklip, Skeur-
Immediately north-west of the reserve lies the scenic Klein River bank and other fishing sites.
lagoon which, at times, flows into the sea. The northern parts of
the reserve consist of stabilised dunefields. The Reserve hosts numerous species of seabirds, including the stri-
king African black oystercatcher. This species is threatened by coast-
History
There are significant records of Middle Stone Age people (from
al recreational activities as it breeds on beaches during the summer.
DISCLAIMER
about 85 000 to 65 000 years ago) occupying the Klipgat Cave
in the eastern section of the reserve. There is also evidence that
Activities
Visitors can enjoy a variety of day hikes along the coast. Angling,
OF LIABILITY

All persons entering this conservation

during the Late Stone Age (about 2 000 years ago), Khoisan people swimming and picnicking are permitted, but please note that the area and using its facilities, do so entirely
inhabited this site and lived off the plants, fish, shellfish and game sea can be rough and dangerous. The Walker Bay Fishing Trail at their own risk. The Western Cape Nature
in the area. provides 4x4 access to popular angling and picnic spots along Die Conservation Board and/or its employees and/
Plaat. Fires and overnight camping are not allowed. No overnight
Climate
The reserve lies within the Mediterranean climatic zone, with mild
accommodation is available in the Reserve.
or agents and/or its successors in title shall
not be liable for any damage, loss, theft, injury,
accident or death suffered by any person,
wet winters and hot dry summers. Coastal winds are common at DAFF ( Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) regu-
howsoever caused.
all times. The sea temperatures are fairly low for most of the year. lations apply to the removal of bait and other marine organisms.
Permits for marine angling are available at post offices. Right of Admission Reserved.
Vegetation
Lowland coastal fynbos, also known as strandveld, is the main Please avoid disturbing coastal birds and destroying sensitive dune
type of vegetation and is characterised by species such as bietou, vegetation. Litter must be removed and vehicles are to stay within
blombos, sour fig and waxberry. Parts of the dunefields were sta- demarcated areas.
bilised from the early 1900s until the 1980s, using alien rooikrans
and Port Jackson. These spe-
cies are invasive and, togeth-
Access
Access to the Reserve is via the Fishing Trail at Stanford, De ENQUIRIES
and
er with uncontrolled coastal Kelders (Die Plaat) and at Uilkraalsmond. An entry permit is
PERMITS
development, pose a threat required and can be obtained at the gatehouses at De Kelders
to the indigenous strandveld. and Uilkraalsmond. Alternatively, permits can be obtained from Tel: (028) 314 0062
Dense thickets of old milk- the Walker Bay Nature Reserve office at 16, 17th Avenue, Voëlklip
woods occur along the banks during office hours (Monday to Friday 08h00 – 16h00). www.capenature.co.za
of the Klein River lagoon. The Reserve is open daily between 07h00 and 19h00. CapeNature 5/2017

African black oystercatcher