Cape Recife Nature Reserve

Description:

Cape Recife one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth, proclaimed in 1973 a 366 hectare reserve. Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers small animals, like otters and the endangered African penguin. An old military post with a 133 year old lighthouse and the barrack ruins are leftover remnants of the harbor defenses that were erected during the Second World War. The area can only be explored on foot and visible security can be found on duty during daylight hours. The best time to visit between 08:00-16:00.

The 9km Roseate Tern Hiking Trail is a long circular walk that starts at the entrance of the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. Named after the scarce seabird that migrates through this are each autumn and spring the Roseate Tern. Cape Recife follows a rocky coastal route of sandy beaches, natural dune vegetation of fynbos and rocky outcrops. On this 3 to 4 hours walk many reed birds and an occasional glimpse of the bush pigs that live in this region can be spotted.