Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

Western Cape Game Reserves

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

Although often referred to as lying in Paternoster, the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, more often referred to by locals as Tietiesbaai, lies just south west of the popular weekend town, its manual lighthouse - the last of its kind - a draw card to many who then discover that the wildness and beauty of the Cape Columbine nature reserve itself is well worth a re-visit.

The reserve at Cape Columbine lies on a peninsular and covers 263 hectares of gorgeous wild, rocky coastline. Declared a nature reserve only in 1973, once there, one can only be thankful that this stretch of incredible countryside remains untainted by development, the Cape Columbine lighthouse a beacon amidst the rocks – the only brick and mortar in the reserve.

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

What makes the Cape Columbine reserve particularly special is the huge round rocks that sit just inside the bays and people are drawn here for the space, the sightings of dolphins and whales, in season, and the opportunity to kayak these inlets and shoreline - said to be some of the best kayaking available.

The bonus is that there are also two campsites to choose from. Down the far end is the one that obviously belongs to the reserve, with two ablution blocks, no electricity, but the chance to snuggle in amidst the giant boulders really close to the water - ideal for a scuba diving and fishing weekend.

The other, closer to the gate, is the Beach Camp, a series of rather jaunty A-frame huts or tents in which you'll find more comfortable beds than are usually associated with camping. Add to that the eco-friendly ablution facilites and the fact that you're right on the beach, and camping takes on a new meaning.

Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

Accommodation nearby

For accommodation outside of the reserve, see these towns which border the reserve:
• Britannia Bay Accommodation • Darling Accommodation • Elands Bay Accommodation
• Jacobsbaai Accommodation • Lamberts Bay Accommodation • Langebaan Accommodation
• Paternoster Accommodation • Port Owen Accommodation • Saldanha Accommodation
• Shelley Point Accommodation • St Helena Bay Accommodation • Strandfontein Accommodation
• Velddrif Accommodation • Vredenburg Accommodation • Vredendal Accommodation
• Yzerfontein Accommodation

Or to see all towns within and bordering the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve at once, visit Cape West Coast Accommodation or see the map to assist with town locations at Accommodation in Cape West Coast.

Visiting Cape Columbine Nature Reserve?
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game and nature reserves in the western cape