Join us for a nature-based day tour just outside of Cape Town in search of one of the world’s rarest tortoises, the critically endangered Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus).
This remarkable species, characterized by its striking geometric shell patterns, is facing severe habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development, and poaching for the pet
trade. During our exploration, we may also encounter the Parrot Beaked Tortoise (Homopus areolatus) and the Angulate Tortoise (Chersina angulata).
The area we visit is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including porcupines, bat-eared foxes, and reedbuck.
As part of our commitment to conservation, we are contributing to the database of these species, and a percentage of your tour fee will go towards the protection of the Geometric Tortoise and its habitat.
Guests will meet at the Cape Town Waterfront, where they will be collected and dropped off after the tour.
Low-lying renosterveld shrublands of the Swartland, Upper Breede River Valley and Ceres Valley, where wheat and wine farming, as well as urban development, have led to the destruction of more than 90% of its habitat.
6:30 AM – Collection at Cape Town Waterfront.
– Meet at the Cape Town Waterfront where guests will be collected to begin the tour.
7:30 AM – Arrive at J.N Nature Reserve.
– Arrive at the Nature Reserve, established in 1972 as the first reptile reserve in Africa. The reserve was founded by the Briers-Louw family to protect the critically endangered Geometric Tortoise (*Psammobates geometricus*) and its habitat from extinction. It also conserves several endangered lowland Fynbos plant species endemic to the winter rainfall region of the southwestern Cape.
7:45 AM – Introduction to the Reserve and the
Geometric Tortoise.
– Receive an informative introduction to the J.N. Nature Reserve and the Geometric Tortoise, known locally as the “suurpootjie”.
8:00 AM – Search for Tortoises and Other Wildlife.
– Embark on a guided search for the Geometric Tortoise (*Psammobates geometricus*), the Parrot Beaked Tortoise (*Homopus areolatus*), and the Angulate Tortoise (*Chersina angulata*). Along the way, keep an eye out for porcupines, reedbucks, and bat-eared foxes. Enjoy numerous photographic opportunities as we explore the reserve.
11:00 AM – Coffee and Drinks in the Reserve.
– Take a break with coffee and drinks in the reserve while discussing the animals observed during the morning.
12:30 PM – Return to Cape Town Waterfront.
– After an enriching and memorable day, return to the Cape Town Waterfront where guests will be dropped off.
Embark on a unique adventure just outside of Cape Town to discover the critically endangered Geometric Tortoise (Psammobates geometricus), South Africa’s most threatened tortoise species.
This exclusive tour at the J.N. Nature Reserve, the first reptile reserve in Africa, offers a rare opportunity to see these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. Alongside the Geometric Tortoise, you’ll also encounter the Parrot Beaked Tortoise (*Homopus areolatus*) and the Angulate Tortoise (*Chersina angulata*), as well as other incredible wildlife such as porcupines, reedbucks, and bat-eared foxes.
Your participation not only promises a day of remarkable wildlife experiences and photography opportunities but also directly contributes to the protection of these species and their disappearing habitats.
Join us for this unforgettable journey and help safeguard Cape Town’s lesser-seen creatures for future generations. Book your spot today!
