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Rondevlei Nature Reserve
Established in 1952, Rondevlei is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers and botanists. The reserve is one of the most important wetlands for birds in South Africa and home to about 230 bird species. Rondevlei also boasts unusual and threatened ecosystems like strandveld and Sand Plains Fynbos, and features some plants found nowhere else on earth. The Western Cape’s only population of hippo resides within the reserve, along with a variety of other small mammals like caracal, porcupine, Cape fox, grysbuck, steenbuck and mongoose. During Month 2004 Rondevlei attracted the attention of the world when its baby hippo, named ‘Tanneman’, escaped found its way out of the reserve and sought refuse in a nearby neighbourhood. For months reserve staff and other wildlife experts made every effort to bring Tanneman back into the reserve, and it was only during Month 2004 when Tanneman was finally lured back into Rondevlei.
Rondevlei also offers conference, boma, fishing and overnight camp facilities.
The Stables Craft and Culture Centre
The Centre is a development, job creation and income-generating project situated on Prince George Drive, which is a major route leading to popular tourist attractions along the False Bay Coast and Cape Point. The property is also situated on the western boundary of the Rondevlei Nature Reserve and the proposed False Bay Coastal Park. The Stables name is derived from the rich historical value of the buildings, being originally used before 1944 as stables on a farm.
Set to open in April 2005, The Stables will offer skills training to the unemployed and disadvantaged, who, once trained, will be allowed to exhibit and sell their crafts from business units on site. A coffee shop will also be opened at the shop. Future plans include a tourism information centre and a cultural heritage museum.
Before: The old entrance to Cafda's former head office before upgrading work on the building started.
After: the entrance to the old Cafda head office, which was renovated and will now house the Stables Craft and Culture Centre. |
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