Cape Town: Rietvlei’s trails, picnic areas and Old Friend’s bird hide has been opened again for the public the tourists to visit there. The City of Cape Town wants to inform the residents and visitors that the land-based areas of Rietvlei in the Table Bay Nature Reserve are open again to the public for recreational activities such as birdwatching and walking.
As per the sources, the city closed the land-based areas of the Rietvlei section on July 11, 2024 after severe flooding, that affected the roads, trails, picnic areas and boardwalks.
The reserve staff undertook the assessment and found that the significant damage to the boardwalk that led to the Sunset bird hide and to the Sunset bird hide itself.
Precaution was also released that the section of the boardwalk leading to the Sunset bird hide will remain temporarily closed to the public while the reserve team undertakes the necessary repairs.
Luckily, the Old Friend’s bird hide is open for public enjoyment. The reserve staff have cleared the debris from the boardwalk to ensure the remaining walkways as the bird hide are safe for visitors.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Spatial Planning and Environment and Deputy Mayor of Cape Town – Alderman Eddie Andrews said that the Table Bay Reserve management monitored the water levels at Rietvlei and conducted the daily patrols and investigations of the recreational areas.
Andrews expressed, “I am happy to say that the situation has improved over the past weeks and that this section is now open to the public again.”
“I want to thank all for their support and remind the visitors that the Sunset hide is unfortunately inaccessible until further notice is issued,” said Andrews.
Reportedly, the visitors are encouraged to enjoy the reopened areas and explore the activities such as – hiking and jogging along the trails, birdwatching, braai and picnic at the Rietvlei shoreline.
The visitors can also experience the educational programmes and ask the reserve management for more information. Sail, ski, powerboat, paddle and canoe at Rietvlei and the Milnerton Aquatics Club are also the greatest attraction. Fishing at selected sites is also allowed but a freshwater fishing permit is also required for the activity.