Reserve establishes community tourism company

THE Rondevlei Nature Reserve, situated on the Cape Flats in Cape Town, has established a community-based tourism company to manage all aspects of tourism at the reserve. The company, Imvubu Nature Tours, was established with funding from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Poverty Relief Fund. According to a spokesperson for Rondevlei, Lorraine Frost, local bed & breakfast establishments, caterers and field guides will be brought on board. Pre-booked trips can be arranged, including guided tours, boat trips, fishing and birding. The reserve, established in 1952, is considered one of the most important wetlands in the Western Cape, featuring up to 230 species of birds as well as the rare Cape clawless otter, the grysbok, Cape gray mongoose and a family of hippopotami. Facilities at the reserve include Leonard Gill Museum, an education centre, an overnight bush camp and a conference centre for up to 45 delegates. (Adéle Mackenzie)