Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Travel Guide: Top Sights in South

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Cape Columbine Nature Reserve- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 4 hours

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve lies on a peninsula along the West Coast near the fishing village of Paternoster, forming the westernmost protected area in the Western Cape Province. Covering 263 hectares of rugged coastline, it was officially designated as a nature reserve in December 1973 to safeguard its unique landscapes. The reserve's centerpiece is the Cape Columbine Lighthouse, commissioned on October 1, 1936 as South Africa's last manually controlled lighthouse, standing 80 meters above sea level and projecting its beam up to 50 kilometers over the Atlantic. Both the headland and its lighthouse take their name from the British barque Columbine, which foundered on the nearby reefs on March 31, 1829 . Visitors traverse walking trails through fynbos‑covered dunes, tidal pools and sandy coves, encountering seabirds such as Cape cormorants and swift terns, alongside small mammals and reptiles amid intertidal rock pools. Outdoor pursuits include camping at Tietiesbaai, angling, birdwatching, sea kayaking and exploring secluded coves under vivid Atlantic sunsets.

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Reviews of Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

Merle Nicholls

5
Reviewed: 2024-09-20

Did the 9km hike from Seekombuis to Tietiesbaai. Beautiful scenic hike. Easy and level, no experience needed. Flowers are beautiful too. Finished off our hike with the best seafood curry at Seekombuis... Exquisite food.
Jorge J. Garcia

5
Reviewed: 2024-04-01

Cool place where you can feel the vibrant forces of nature. Hike can be uneven at times but still mild to moderate. No shade; consider sunscreen or physical protection. We made it all the way up to the lighthouse with a total 8k covered but the hike can truly be as short or long as you want.
Riza Arendse

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-12

I've been coming here since 4 months old. Both my sons have been camping since they were babies. If it's peace and tranquility you're looking for, this is it. The ocean will always feed you and the community of Paternoster is warm and welcoming. Family time is fun when camping. I'm looking forward to coming here another 43 years.
Sanette Botha

5
Reviewed: 2024-02-05

Thank you to Ronnie and Carmen for the great service at the gate, and our camping holiday during December. What a great holiday with clean ablution facilities, refuse removal, cleaned sites and the security. All was noted with great appreciation! Julle is tops! Van almal in blok G!
Karen Walstra

5
Reviewed: 2023-12-29

Spectacular scenery - the land and sea. The rock outcrops are breathtaking! Wide range of birds seen. We drove in and out of the reserve, spent about 2 hours driving around. Campsites are available.