Nature Reserves

Port Elizabeth with its rocky shores, to river estuaries offerindigenous floral fynbos, stretches of golden beaches, unspoilt sand-dunes, lush indigenous forest, untamed wilderness areas, and nature reserves within the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropol. These reserves offernature enthusiast with a wide range of accessible options to the great outdoors

Van Staden’s Wild Flower Reserve - Proclaimed a reserve in 1951, the Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve the oldest of its kind in the country and is considered to be one of the finest destinations to see lowland fynbos, flowering Proteas and a variety of other endemic fynbos . The reserve is home to an amazing variety of bird (up to 170 species), animal and plant species, with the main objective of the Reserve being to protect and propagate the unique indigenous flora.

The rocky gorge provides avid birdwatchers with excellent opportunities to view a number of raptors in their natural habitats. Other features include two hiking trails, the four kilometer River Walk and the slightly longer 6 km Forest Walk, which allow visitors to view the awesome scenery of the reserve while moving through it.

Cape Recife Nature Reserve - A stunning beach, rolling dunes, coastal fynbos, marine birdlife, rock pools, and a 133-year old lighthouse beckon further exploration. The reserve is renowned as a ‘must do’ birding site in Port Elizabeth to see marine and freshwater birds. The tern roost at Cape Recife is the best place in the country to see Roseate Tern. Seven species of tern are found here including Roseate tern, Antarctic tern and occasionally Damara tern. Waterbirds that are often seen include Little Bittern, South African Shellduck, African Black Oystercatcher and Southern Tchagra. African penguin and ocean birds can also be spotted offshore.

Cape Recife Nature Reserve facilities include an Information Centre, ablution block, bird hides, picnic site and a nine-kilometre walking trail.

Maitlands Nature Reserve - Is made up of pristine coastal forest, which is dense and indigenous to the area, as well the famous giant Maitlands sand dunes. The old wagon road, which runs through the reserve and takes you past the old Maitland lead mines, can also be found in this great little reserve. The indigenous bush is full of yellowwood, milkwood and boer bean trees, though many other varieties of flora can also be found.

The tree-tops and skies are abuzz with bird life, whilst enjoying one of the three popular walking trails, you might be lucky enough to stumble on bushbuck, an adorable blue duiker and more often than not the curious grey mongoose.

Settlers Park - Is situated in the center of Port Elizabeth, just below St George's Park in the valley of the Baakens River. Its beauty is enhanced by indigenous flora, rock pools and grassed areas, and it is home to some 100 species of birds. The garden is of botanic display.

The Island Nature Reserve - The reserve consists mainly of indigenous coastal forest and is home to a number of superb specimens of trees. Nature lovers will be delighted to know that several small animals inhabit the nature reserve. These include blue duiker, bushbuck, bushpigs and vervet monkeys, whilst there are more than fifty different species of birds in this small nature reserve. These include the Knysna lourie, olive bush shrike, Narina trogon, olive woodpecker and forest weaver. One of the main features of the reserve is the Bushbuck Walking Trail.

Swartkops Nature Reserve or Aloes Nature Reserve -  Despite its urban setting, the Swartkops Estuary, with its adjacent saltpans, is one of the best places in the country to see the less common estuarine waders and terns. It is an Important Bird Area, with over 10 000 waterbirds in summer and is one of the “must see” birding venues in Port Elizabeth. The Zwartkops Valley and Aloe Nature Reserves protect the dense succulent thicket vegetation on the northern escarpment. About 200 species are regularly recorded in the lower Swartkops Valley.

We look forward to showing you our remarkable city, and will tailor make a trip to suit your requirements.

Our service is personalised. Transfers to and from your B & B, Guesthouse, Lodge, Hotel or Airport can be arranged, should you not be staying with us at "Ebubeleni".

For more information please feel free to contact us at info@ebubeleni.com. We can facilitate your arrangements and make your stay in Port Elizabeth - (Nelson Mandela Bay) a lifetime memory.