Experience Rocherpan Nature Reserve like never before

Located on the West Coast of the Western Cape, Rocherpan Nature Reserve is home to a rich variety of birds and is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

Rocherpan is considered one of the best areas for bird watching, where rare birds such as the black oystercatcher can be spotted.

What are the origins of Rocherpan?

The reserve is named after Pierre Rocher, a farmer who was searching for better grazing land for his livestock.  Rocher closed the mouth of the Papkuils River, which forced it to overflow behind the dunes. This unintentionally created an oasis for a large amount of different and rare bird species.

In 1966, Rocherpan was established as a nature reserve. The section of the Atlantic Ocean which neighbours Rocherpan was declared a marine reserve in 1988. The reserve is one of many managed by CapeNature.

Which facilities have been upgraded?

CapeNature oversaw extensive upgrades to Rocherpan Nature Reserve’s facilities which first opened in 2012. The second phase of developments are now complete and the public can look forward to enjoying the unique wildlife and plants of the West Coast from the comfort of a modern eco-friendly cabin.

In addition to the 4 new eco-friendly cabins which can accommodate up to 5 people each, a new bird hide has been built, the picnicking facilities have been upgraded, and wheelchair access has been made possible through a widespread network of boardwalks.

What else is there to do at Rocherpan Nature Reserve?

In addition to bird watching, visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whale watching and swimming in the freedom of a private beach.

Who do I contact?

For more information about Rocherpan Nature Reserve, visit the CapeNature website.

For accommodation bookings you can send an email to reservation.alert@capenature.co.za or call 021 483 0190.

How do I get to Rocherpan?

If you are coming from Cape Town heading down the N1, take the Marine Drive turn off (R27). Continue past Milnerton, Table View, Melkbosstrand and Langebaan. Rocherpan lies just 25km north of Velddrif.

Be a winner!

We’re looking for great photos of West Coast nature.  Enter our competition by clicking on the image below and uploading your photo, or tweet your best West Coast nature photo and include the hashtag #CapeNatureWestCoast.  

Congratulations to Melanie Cornelius, the winner of our Rocherpan prize.