Celebrate World Wildlife Day at Table Mountain, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Point, V&A Waterfront, and The Robben Island Museum
World Wildlife Day – 3 March
2023 – This year’s theme of “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” acknowledges the importance of collaborative efforts to protect our planet’s biodiversity. World Wildlife Day is an opportunity for everyone worldwide to play their part in protecting fauna and flora by reducing our impact on ecosystems or simply by enjoying them more often. If you’re in Cape Town, the Cape Town Big 6 is here to help you plan your World Wildlife Day celebrations with our six destinations.
Groot Constantia is a WWF conservation champion
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
Groot Constantia is proud to be South Africa’s oldest wine-producing farm and strives to protect the environment it operates in. In order to do this, the farm has taken several steps to ensure their farming practices do not harm the environment. As a WWF Conservation Champion and as part of the Biodiversity and Wine Initiative, Groot Constantia focuses on the following:
- Minimising the loss of threatened natural habitat;
- Increasing the total area of well-managed natural habitat set aside;
- Promoting changes in farming practices that enhance biodiversity, both in vineyards and surrounding natural areas;
- Prioritising the biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom – and the estate’s proactive stance on environmental sustainability and conservation.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the epitome of tranquillity
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is an amazing place to explore and experience nature. At 528 hectares, the Garden is quite large and varied in its terrain. Of the 528 hectares, 36 hectares are cultivated gardens, providing a beautiful and colourful display of flowers and plants. The remaining 492 hectares are protected, ensuring that the local wildlife, including birds, animals, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates, can thrive in their natural environment. The Garden includes various routes for exploring, such as walking and hiking trails, so you can get a great view of the entire area. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful day out, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the perfect place to visit.
Robben Island provides shelter and a safe haven for some endangered species
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
Robben Island is a remarkable destination that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, particularly during the springtime. During this season, the island boasts a wide variety of spectacular veld flowers, and throughout the year, 23 species of mammals, such as Bontebok, Springbok, Steenbok, Fallow Deer, and Eland, roam the premises. Additionally, you can find Ostriches, Lizards, Geckos, Snakes, and three species of Tortoises on the island. It’s truly a sight to behold!
Cape Point provides a spectacular background for the park’s rich biodiversity
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
Cape Point is an amazing place to visit, with breathtaking views and a wide variety of wildlife. The area is home to over 250 species of birds, making it a great spot for bird-watching or just taking in the scenery. Not only that, but the park is also well known for its rich plant life, with a variety of species from Restioids and Proteoids to Daisies and Orchids. It’s a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of Western Cape nature.
Table Mountain Cableway is perfect for hiking, explorations, stunning views, and stillness in nature
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
If you’re looking for an adventure, Table Mountain hiking trails are the perfect way to get your blood flowing.
The trails include:
- Klipspringer Walk (Low difficulty – 45 minute hike 1.4km)
- Agama Walk (Easily completed in around 30 minutes)
- Platteklip Gorge Hike (1.5 hours – 2hours, depending on your fitness)
- India Venster (Extremely difficult down and should only be done by experienced hikers – 2.9km)
- Upper Cableway Station to Maclear’s Beacon Walk (Low difficulty – 2 hour hike 5.5km)
- The Pipe Track Walk (Low difficulty – 3 hour hike 6km)
- Dassie Walk (Very easy walk of an estimated 15 minutes)
Find The Two Oceans Aquarium at V&A Waterfront
A Celebration for Cape Town Wildlife
The Two Oceans Aquarium is situated right in the V&A Waterfront neighbourhood, offering visitors a fantastic way to learn about the many different fish, aquatic plants, and other incredible creatures that inhabit our South African waters. Dive into the fascinating underwater world of the ocean and discover its vast and diverse ecosystem.
The first World Wildlife Day was celebrated on March 3 2013. World Wildlife Day is an important day to recognise the efforts of people around the world working to protect wildlife and their habitats.
If you’re looking for a way to celebrate World Wildlife Day in Cape Town, there are many fantastic options. From exploring Groot Constantia and Robben Island to hiking Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden or Table Mountain, these activities will give you a brilliant taste of what makes our city’s biodiversity so rich! Don’t settle on celebrating our natural environment only on World Wildlife Day. Here are some upcoming environmental days to look out for:
3 MAR World Wildlife Day | 11 MAR Solar Appreciation Day | 12 MAR Plant A Flower Day | 14 MAR International Day of Action for Rivers | 18 MAR Global Recycling Day | 20 MAR World Frog Day | 21 MAR International Day of Forests | 22 MAR World Water Day | 23 MAR World Meteorological Day | 25 MAR Earth Hour | 3 APR World Aquatic Animal Day | 13 APR International Plant Appreciation Day | 22 APR Earth Day | 25 APR World Penguin Day | 27 APR World Hyena Day
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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.
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