Cape St Francis Nature Reserve

About Cape St Francis Nature Reserve

Between Cape St Francis and St Francis Bay lies the Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, one of four nature reserves on the tip of this cape – the others are Seal Point Nature Reserve, Seal Bay Nature Reserve and the Irma Booysen Flora Reserve.

Did you know? The Eastern Cape area of St Francis is divided in Port St Francis, St Francis Bay and Cape St Francis. They are all in very close proximity to and are easily accessible from one another

This area is not only one of incredible natural beauty, rich in both plant and animal life, but it is also an area heavily popular for weekend and holiday getaways. Subsequently it is filled with getaway villas, guest houses and holiday homes - something which has already interfered with the beauty of the local St Francis fynbos or thicket mosaic, 63 percent of which has now been disturbed.

Hence a reserve like Cape St Francis Nature Reserve, not only to provide incredible, unhindered views of the ocean but also to protect the sand dunes and fynbos within its parameters, ensuring that something of this natural beauty remains.

Whilst holiday homes border on the reserve, at least within the 120 odd hectares, and 3 kilometres of coastline, the endangered coastal dune forest is protected, and a wonderful hiking trail, via a viewpoint, allows you to lose yourself within its boundaries.

This beautiful reserve, the wonderful beaches that stretch for miles, and the historic Seal Point Lighthouse, together make a holiday here undeniably rich and well worth it as an escape from it all. The Cape St Francis Nature Reserve also has game like bushbuck, grysbok, duikers, porcupines (although these you would only see at night), monkeys, mongoose and otters. The bird life here is pretty spectacular and 200 species have been spotted.

Walk from Cape St Francis to St Francis Bay across the reserve. It takes roughly an hour. Other walks in the reserve include a circular route and a walk from Sandy beach to the Point.