 Get to grips with nature and experience the diverse beauty of the Cape. From indigenous plants to earth’s largest mammals, be inspired by the splendor of Mother Nature’s works. Nature and outdoor lovers are sure to find Cape Town and surrounds of great interest with its rich flora and fauna, its unique fynbos and the variety of animal and birdlife which can be seen and enjoyed. There are a number of parks and nature reserves in and around Cape Town each displaying a different aspect of the Cape's biodiversity.
WHALE WATCHING AND SHARK CAGE DIVING
Earth´s largest mammals migrate to our coast to calve each year, in increasing numbers - always an awesome sight to behold. Between July and November each year, Southern Right and Humpback Whales play, mate, calve and entertain visitors to South Africa´s coast, particularly in the Western Cape. You can see whales off Cape Town´s Harbour Breakwater (10 mins drive then 10 mins walk: great views of the mountain). But the prime whale watching spots are Hermanus (1.5hrs) and Gansbaai (2hrs). However, whales do occur for a good 2000km along the coast from Doringbaai to Durban. You may even be lucky enough to see the rarer Sperm Whale (Moby Dick) or Blue Whale (biggest of all - up to 30m in length). Dolphins and Great White Sharks are also common all year round in and around Cape Town: you can even Shark Dive in a cage off Gansbaai if you are brave enough...
 
PENGUINS, BIRDS & OTHER BEASTS
The penguin parade at Simon´s Town may be a must but don´t neglect the other feathered and furry wildlife that the Western Cape is home to. The African Penguins at Boulders Beach are the main avian attraction in Cape Town but don´t miss the Sugarbirds and Sunbirds at Kirstenbosch or the plaintive Black Oyster Catchers along the south coast (a marvelous rehabilitation success story). Flamingoes migrate in and out too - especially to Langebaan lagoon. Then, out of town a little, there are ostriches, blue cranes and often magnificent birds of prey, including the African Fish Eagle. On four legs, you´ll see a variety of buck from graceful Impala to imperious Eland and Bontebok (another success story). And in De Hoop and other Western Cape reserves you´ll also see Zebra. Caracals and Mongeese are sometimes seen and the Cape Leopard mostly only heard. Baboons and dassies, though, abound: but please do NOT feed!
  
BLANKETS OF UNIQUE FLOWERS
The Cape Floral Region, the sum of 8 protected areas across the Cape, is a World Heritage Site and "one of the richest areas for plants in the world." In Cape Town, the Table Mountain National Park has more plant species than the whole of the UK - most of them unique to the Western Cape. What you will see is fynbos (fine bush), which consists of three main plant families - the impressive Proteas (the King Protea is our national flower); the finer but prettier Ericas (or heathers) and the reed-like Restios. This attractive trio covers much of the Western Cape - 553,000 hectares - but is easiest seen close up at Kirstenbosch Gardens (10 mins drive from Ansela´s Place). Visit in the spring (Aug/Sept) and the West Coast wild flowers - blankets of colour all the way up the coast - are a must-see too. In early summer, the gem-like Disas are also a treat to track down. And as for strelitsias... Well, nature at her best!
  
HIKING & WALKING
There are plenty of opportunties for walking and hiking in and around Cape Town from gentle strolls to more strenuous day-hikes. Table Mountain, Devils Peak and Lions Head all provide fairly easy hiking and are within easy reach of the city centre. There are various other routes which lead to the top of Table Mountain, some start in Kirstenbosch Gardens as well as at Constantia Nek. There is also easy walking in both Newlands and Tokai forests, or visit Silvermine Nature Reserve at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg for trails leading to Elephants Eye.
  
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