Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Tietiesbaai
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Tietiesbaai
Cape Columbine Nature Reserve Tietiesbaai
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4.0
258 reviews
Excellent
113
Very good
88
Average
37
Poor
14
Terrible
6
Stanley466
Cape Town Central, South Africa849 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Visiting for the first time in over 25 years, it's still most beautiful.
There are bathrooms and bins, but sadly it's also littered.
What was very unusual, was the crayfish poachers coming down over the mountain in their droves, without much thought to hiding what they were doing. If they poaching, how safe are we? Now that I've seen it again, not sure I would ever spend a night here again.
There are bathrooms and bins, but sadly it's also littered.
What was very unusual, was the crayfish poachers coming down over the mountain in their droves, without much thought to hiding what they were doing. If they poaching, how safe are we? Now that I've seen it again, not sure I would ever spend a night here again.
Written 21 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Been a few places
Epsom, UK1,072 contributions
Jan 2020
Came to Cape Columbine Nature Reserve with the expectation that we'd be able to find some trails to explore, but were dissapointed to find none. The beach at the end of the road was pleasant but busy with campers and dogs running around. There were rows and rows of bins which was weird and really detracted from what otherwise was a nice view of the shoreline and out to sea. Didn't feel it was worth the almost R30 entrance fee. You'd be better spending your time relaxing on Paternoster beach.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacolien Y
Paarl, South Africa352 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
To me it was disturbing to see the people camp right by the sea. It spoils the natural habitat with portable toilets and tents and gazebos everywhere.
We paid R29 at the gate and drove around for a while, we did even feel like getting out anywhere. I do see what the big fuss about Tietiesbaai is really about.
You can just visit Paternoster and skip the nature reserve. A few years back we also visited the West Coast National Park and was also extremely disappointing.
We paid R29 at the gate and drove around for a while, we did even feel like getting out anywhere. I do see what the big fuss about Tietiesbaai is really about.
You can just visit Paternoster and skip the nature reserve. A few years back we also visited the West Coast National Park and was also extremely disappointing.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick W
Sevenoaks, UK2,341 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
I took a 90 minute bike tour of the park with WOW-E bikes from Paternoster. It was a fun experience riding bikes that took all the hard work out of cycling and I had two excellent guides who pointed out many features of this deserted and quite barren area. We saw a whale carcass on the rocks too...a bit sad.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdrienneLubbe
Johannesburg, South Africa75 contributions
Feb 2020
A rough, rugged coast line, very hot with no shade at all. A large campsite with campers right on the waters edge. If you are into diving and snorkeling, then this is the place for you, otherwise not too much else to offer. Could be good group getaway from it all. Birding was interesting.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela J
Bedfordview, South Africa11 contributions
Oct 2022
Really enjoyed a leisurely afternoon drive through the Reserve. Wish we'd had our bikes as imagine it would be even better on two wheels. Spectacular views. Lighthouse was unfortunately closed when we were there but got some great photos!
Written 24 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karin T
Cape Town, South Africa16 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
My daughter (24) and her friend (29) drove through to Tietiesbaai early on Friday morning to camp until Tuesday morning. My elder daughter joined them for Friday and Saturday nights, came back home on Sunday morning.
Last night, at about 23h30, my daughter and her friend climbed in their vehicle and drove to the ablution block to shower. When they returned to their camp, their tents were in darkness. When they realised what had happened, they found that their gas bottle and lamp, her handbag containing both wallets, ID’s, driver’s licences and other personal belongings, both their bags of clothing were stolen. Over and above that, a piece of her underwear was taken out of her clothing bag and spread neatly on her bed. His Bible was removed from his bag and placed next to her underwear on the bed. It is absolutely disgusting.
It is obvious that they were watched the whole evening. But what really scares me is the thought that there is absolutely no way that the robbers, whilst watching, would have known that the children were going to go and shower. What would have happened if they had put the light out and went to sleep? What would have happened if my eldest daughter was still there, and they younger and her friend went off to the ablution block to shower and was left alone at the tent?
Obviously, they packed up and left for home. When they arrived at the booms at the entrance of the resort, the booms were open and the security guard was fast asleep.
We are a family who moved down from Johannesburg 4 years ago. From the first visit, we were totally in love with Tietiesbaai. We would go camp there 4 to 5 times per annum. It is with a sore heart that I guarantee that Tieties will never be visited by us again. It is dangerous there and there is absolutely no security or patrolmen in the camp. We were always under the impression that with Tietiesbaai being a nature reserve, it should be safe. But alas. We are only to thankful that nothing more serious happened to our children. Thank goodness they decided to rather go and shower at that time of the night. I freeze at the thought of what may have happened if they had just put the light out and went to sleep.
Last night, at about 23h30, my daughter and her friend climbed in their vehicle and drove to the ablution block to shower. When they returned to their camp, their tents were in darkness. When they realised what had happened, they found that their gas bottle and lamp, her handbag containing both wallets, ID’s, driver’s licences and other personal belongings, both their bags of clothing were stolen. Over and above that, a piece of her underwear was taken out of her clothing bag and spread neatly on her bed. His Bible was removed from his bag and placed next to her underwear on the bed. It is absolutely disgusting.
It is obvious that they were watched the whole evening. But what really scares me is the thought that there is absolutely no way that the robbers, whilst watching, would have known that the children were going to go and shower. What would have happened if they had put the light out and went to sleep? What would have happened if my eldest daughter was still there, and they younger and her friend went off to the ablution block to shower and was left alone at the tent?
Obviously, they packed up and left for home. When they arrived at the booms at the entrance of the resort, the booms were open and the security guard was fast asleep.
We are a family who moved down from Johannesburg 4 years ago. From the first visit, we were totally in love with Tietiesbaai. We would go camp there 4 to 5 times per annum. It is with a sore heart that I guarantee that Tieties will never be visited by us again. It is dangerous there and there is absolutely no security or patrolmen in the camp. We were always under the impression that with Tietiesbaai being a nature reserve, it should be safe. But alas. We are only to thankful that nothing more serious happened to our children. Thank goodness they decided to rather go and shower at that time of the night. I freeze at the thought of what may have happened if they had just put the light out and went to sleep.
Written 15 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margret
1 contribution
Jan 2019 • Couples
Tietiesbaai has always been a favorite camping destination for us, in particular the informal camping sites, where peaceful, serene nights and days made for a relaxing breakaway. With this in mind our group of 6, traveling in 3 cars, arrived for just such a weekend this January. We pitched camp at one of the informal sites within viewing distance of the entry gate. Early on Sunday morning, 5 o'clock, just before sunrise, we awoke to the shouts of one of our group members. His car window was smashed despite him sleeping in the rooftop tent on-top of his car. When he popped his head out of the tent entrance he was sprayed with pepper-spray and the perpetrator continued spraying into his face and the inside of the tent keeping him pinned inside. Fortunately the other member of the group were able to come to his aid and drive off the 3 criminals. I dread to think what would have happened had there not been six of us. The criminals came prepared and violence was certainly an option for them. They got away with a bag of camera equipment and some clothing. Following their tracks at daylight, we found some of the articles that they had dropped or discarded but the loss was still substantial. They made their way along the beach out of the resort where a car was waiting for them. This is organised crime! Fortunately no one was seriously harmed, the pepper sprayed eyes soon recovered and the tent was cleaned. Sadly this experience will keep us from visiting Tietiesbaai again. Crime is escalating in the area and soon someone will be seriously hurt or even worse. The community needs to act or tourism in Paternoster and surrounds will fold to the detriment of the community. So very sad!
Written 3 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lieselkok
Tulbagh, South Africa11 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
We went camping last weekend, and we were robbed in the early hours of the morning. Wallets, cellphones, clothes, food, booze, diving gear and fishing gear were stolen from our vehicles!
This is terrible!!!! We loved going there, love the scenery and peace, but apparently they experience problems with theft since Easter weekend...and nothing has been done.
They even broke one of the other camper's vehicles window to steal everything in side. So anyone going there....Please lock EVERYTHING away and be careful!!!
This is terrible!!!! We loved going there, love the scenery and peace, but apparently they experience problems with theft since Easter weekend...and nothing has been done.
They even broke one of the other camper's vehicles window to steal everything in side. So anyone going there....Please lock EVERYTHING away and be careful!!!
Written 15 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Corne778
Fourways, South Africa79 contributions
June 2019 • Couples
We took the drive up to Columbine nature reserve. Lighthouse was unfortunately busy with maintenance and closed.
We drove the entire length of the reserve.
Exquisite views and had ample time to take pictures.
Watch out for the tortoises when driving! We saw 6 on the road 🐢🐢🐢
We drove the entire length of the reserve.
Exquisite views and had ample time to take pictures.
Watch out for the tortoises when driving! We saw 6 on the road 🐢🐢🐢
Written 9 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flyer00546683935
Johannesburg, South Africa
Hi is there an entry fee into the reserve?
Written 15 October 2021
Hi,
Yes there is an entrance fee, it is minimal, it was about R25 per person, with an extra fee being charged if you would like to go into the lighthouse; which is closed on the weekends
Written 18 October 2021
Is the beach extremely windy?
Written 27 December 2017
The beach is quite exposed. So should there be wind, it would be windy there
Written 28 December 2017
jesh
Durban, South Africa
How do you book to stay at the camp site, looking to go with a few mates next week but can't find any details on the site, please some one help
Written 11 November 2016
Just turn up! - there will always be space as its really huge and sprawling (except around the most peak weekends, Christmas, Easter etc). If you want to get a specific spot for the weekend then go early on the Friday afternoon. You pay at the gate when you go in - if there is noone there then just drive through and someone may come and find you later to pay. Its not expensive, but make sure you get a receipt. Phone the reserve on +27 (0)227522718 if you want to check. Enjoy!
Written 17 November 2016
jesh
Durban, South Africa
How do you book to stay at the camp site, looking to go with a few mates next week but can't find any details on the site, please some one help
Written 11 November 2016
Does anyone know what the sea temp. is like ? Too cold for swimming or not?
Written 5 November 2017
is the road entering the camp site good? and can i go there in a normal hatchback for example a ford fiesta?
Written 14 October 2016
Yes it's a dirt road but i drove there with my Toyato Yaris
Written 4 November 2016
Hello, are there braai facilities at the camp site?
Any suggestions on things to take with except the normal camping things?
Thanks,
Written 18 January 2016
There are no formal braai facilities at most of the sites, some do have a designated spot which comprise of rocks on the ground....
Take a portable braai if you don't want to be tied to a spot.
We always take a portable shower and toilet but it is for convenience sake. The ablutions are good but warm water is limited to solar heating so if there are plenty of campers it may be a battle to get a hot shower.
Tietiesbaai is not your average caravan park, it is rugged (sites have little grass and are not clearly demarcated) but that is the beauty of the place...
Written 20 January 2016
In Paternoster there is WiFi coverage at the hotel and at the self-catering place; but in Tietiesbaai itself there is very limited reception until you get up to the lighthouse... sometimes you get lucky there :)
Written 17 July 2015
Hello. I would like to go camping there for Valentines day with my friends. We are about 20 people. How can i assure that there will be enough space for our tents and what will it cost me?
Thank you.
Kind regards
Jo-Dene Crafford
Written 7 January 2015
Hello. I would like to go camping there for Valentines day with my friends. We are about 20 people. How can i assure that there will be enough space for our tents and what will it cost me?
Thank you.
Kind regards
Jo-Dene Crafford
Written 7 January 2015
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