Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Location
Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth > Summerstrand
Eastern Cape > Port Elizabeth > Summerstrand
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Description

Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate just before SAMREC and walking to the starting point of your trail. Some of these distances may be a challenge. The 366 hectare Cape Recife Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1973, and is situated next to the Pine Lodge Holiday Resort off Marine Drive, Summerstrand. The reserve offers some of the best beaches and views within Port Elizabeth, the Roseate Tern Hiking trail and is home to SANCCOB Port Elizabeth where one can view the rehabilitation of marine animals in particular the African Penguin.
Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate by the entrance of Pine Lodge or at SANCCOB parking area if your visit includes a visit to SANCCOB. Alternatively a permit is required to obtain entrance to the reserve.
Cape Recife activities are subject to parking at the gate by the entrance of Pine Lodge or at SANCCOB parking area if your visit includes a visit to SANCCOB. Alternatively a permit is required to obtain entrance to the reserve.
A 9 km circular walking trail starts at the entrance gate of the Nature Reserve and offers beautiful unspoilt beaches, natural dune vegetation, rocky outcrops, a lighthouse built in 1851, an old military observation post, as well as a bird hide. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve is also regarded as one of the best bird-watching venues around Port Elizabeth.
Entrance permits available from Pine Lodge Resort located at entrance to Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Entrance only with permit, zero tolerance for diving thus no entry with diving equipment.
Price of permits per vehicle (subject to change, please confirm pricing at Pine Lodge):
- Weekly @ R102.00 per vehicle (cash only)
- Annual (July - end June of each year) @ R589 (cash only) - reduced to half price from 1 February of each year.
- Entrance for purpose of visiting SANCCOB is free/gratis provided proof of visit is produced on exit from the Reserve. Vehicles to park at SANCCOB and access to the reserve by foot.
- Entrance by foot and non motorized transport is free - parking available at gate.
Best times to visit 08h00 - 16H00. Visible security in Reserve during daylight hours.
Entrance permits available from Pine Lodge Resort located at entrance to Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Entrance only with permit, zero tolerance for diving thus no entry with diving equipment.
Price of permits per vehicle (subject to change, please confirm pricing at Pine Lodge):
- Weekly @ R102.00 per vehicle (cash only)
- Annual (July - end June of each year) @ R589 (cash only) - reduced to half price from 1 February of each year.
- Entrance for purpose of visiting SANCCOB is free/gratis provided proof of visit is produced on exit from the Reserve. Vehicles to park at SANCCOB and access to the reserve by foot.
- Entrance by foot and non motorized transport is free - parking available at gate.
Best times to visit 08h00 - 16H00. Visible security in Reserve during daylight hours.
MAP
Latitude : -34° 0' 48.49" S | Longitude : 25° 41' 28.72" E
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Groups Accepted | Yes |
Car Parking Available | Yes |
Day Visitors Allowed | Yes |
Children Allowed | Yes |
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