Canal Walk
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Intaka Island Cape Town

4.5
·2k reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

A 16-hectare man-made wetland sanctuary in Century City, Cape Town, offering diverse birdlife, walking trails, and educational experiences.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Wildlife is most active

CrowdMedium
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Canal Walk

Intaka Island Cape Town

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Wildlife is most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16-hectare man-made wetland sanctuary in Century City, Cape Town, offering diverse birdlife, walking trails, and educational experiences.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Intaka Island is an oasis hidden away in the centre of Century City, alive with the sound of nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

Tram Ticket Info

Tram tickets are R70 per person, free for under 2s. Buy directly from the conductor. Boards every 30 mins.

Affordable Entry

Entry is R32 per adult, making it a budget-friendly nature escape.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 1,757 reviews

Type

National Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bird Hides

Bird Hides

Various locations within the island

Get up close to diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Perfect for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Canal Boat Ride

Canal Boat Ride

Century City Canals

A serene journey offering unique views of Century City and its surrounding nature from the water.

Walking Trails

Walking Trails

Throughout Intaka Island

Explore lush greenery and diverse flora on well-maintained paths, ideal for a peaceful stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wetlands

Intaka Island is a man-made wetland sanctuary, perfect for nature lovers and families. Plan for a few hours to explore its diverse birdlife and walking trails. Consider visiting during warmer months for more active wildlife.

Tram & Boat Adventures

The tram and boat rides offer unique perspectives of Intaka Island and Century City. Book in advance, especially on weekends, as these popular activities can fill up. Check operating days and times as they can vary.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Wildlife is most active
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends, 11 AM - 4 PM
Why
Tram & boat rides operate
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

5 day itinerary for Cape Town 🇿🇦📍 #travel #itinerary #capetowntiktok #capetownitinerary #blackgirlstravel
@s0lidaddy
66.4K likes • 1.2M views

Tram Ticket Info

Tram tickets are R70 per person, free for under 2s. Buy directly from the conductor. Boards every 30 mins. Instagram

Affordable Entry

Entry is R32 per adult, making it a budget-friendly nature escape. Instagram

Fun, affordable activities to do in Cape Town. Visit the Atlantis dunes where you can go quad biking for affordable prices. The price includes a photoshoot with your phone. . . . . #traveltok #traveltiktok #capetown #affordabletravel #activities #affordabletraveltips #funactivities #thingstodo #whattodoforfun #southafrica #traveladvisor @Tripadvisor | Travel Planning
@misskabz
39.8K likes • 1.3M views
Exploring our city one adventure at a time. Details below 👇🏽 - Tram rides are available on Saturdays and Sundays - Rides start from 11:00 to 17:00pm - The ride starts at Ratanga Park to Intaka island and back - Tickets can be bought from the conductor via card machine - Tickets are R70 per person and free for under 2 years old - The tram boards every 30minutes - You can get off at Intaka Island t...
azza_awaldien
379 likes • 9.1K views

Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for families! Offers educational walks and a chance to see nature up close. Reddit

Best for Birdwatching

Visit during warmer months for peak bird activity and nesting. Instagram

Intaka Island is open to visitors and groups 364 days a year!📅⁠ ⁠ Stop by to enjoy a boat ride, guided or self-guided walks, the education lapa, bird mountain and much more. 🦅🚤🍃⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in our bio for more information and to book a visit.⁠ ⁠ 📹️ by travel.vlogger.diary
intakaisland
43 likes • 831 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Tram Ticket Info

Tram tickets are R70 per person, free for under 2s. Buy directly from the conductor. Boards every 30 mins. Instagram

Affordable Entry

Entry is R32 per adult, making it a budget-friendly nature escape. Instagram

Kid-Friendly Fun

Great for families! Offers educational walks and a chance to see nature up close. Reddit

Best for Birdwatching

Visit during warmer months for peak bird activity and nesting. Instagram

Pack for Comfort

Wear comfortable shoes for walking the natural paths. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Intaka Island is praised as a lovely, man-made wetland reserve with good birdlife and pleasant canal tours. Visitors appreciate the serene atmosphere, informative walks, and the educational aspects, making it a worthwhile experience for all ages. Some note that wildlife activity can be weather-dependent.

"Its lovely for a man made wetland reserve, with some good birdie present. And a little boat tour through the canal is pleasant as you get to see some of Century City from the canal. The staff are friendly and have som quirky stories to share. And a walk around the island is decent for stretching your legs and getting outside."

Jody Daniels

"This is a wonderful experience and a lovely learning experience for any age. The paths are natural paths and the bird life and walking tours are amazing and very informative. So worth it to take a family card for the year."

Sharonette Olivier

"We took a boat and tram ride to see another side of century city. The ladies on the boat were very helpful, made learning about the area fun and they were very knowledgeable. We took a walk around intaka island and at ratanga park. Although the views were beautiful, there wasnt much life to see as it was a fairly cool day. Would def like to go back when it is warmer and the animals come out."

Marí Hamman

What People Like

Serene wetland atmosphere
Abundant birdlife
Informative guided walks

What People Dislike

Wildlife dependent on weather

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Intaka Island is located in Century City. You can reach it by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options include MyCiTi buses that service Century City. The tram also departs from Ratanga Park, which is accessible via public transport. Instagram+1

Yes, MyCiTi buses serve Century City, making it accessible via public transport. The tram also offers a route that can connect you to the island. Instagram+1

There is parking available in Century City, which is adjacent to Intaka Island. Specific parking details can be found on the Century City website.

Intaka Island is situated within Century City, so if you are visiting other attractions in Century City, like Ratanga Park, it is within walking distance. Instagram+1

Yes, Intaka Island is an excellent day trip from Cape Town city center, offering a peaceful escape into nature. It's about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for Intaka Island is R32 per adult. Children's pricing may vary, and it's advisable to check for any family packages or discounts. Instagram

While entry to the island itself doesn't always require advance booking, it's highly recommended to book tram and boat rides in advance, especially on weekends or during peak season, to secure your spot. Instagram

Intaka Island is open to visitors and groups 364 days a year. Specific operating hours for attractions like the tram and boat rides can vary, so it's best to check their official schedule. Instagram

Yes, there are sometimes deals like WikiDeals available for the tram ride. It's worth checking for any special offers or family packages before your visit. Instagram

Tickets for the tram can be bought from the conductor via a card machine. For entry to the island itself, payment is typically made on-site. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

At Intaka Island, you can enjoy guided or self-guided walks, birdwatching from hides, a boat ride through the canals, and explore the educational eco-centre. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Intaka Island is very family-friendly, offering an educational and engaging experience with nature, wildlife, and interactive learning opportunities. InstagramReddit

Intaka Island is a haven for birdlife, including ducks, ibises, and cormorants. You might also spot other indigenous flora and fauna. Reddit

Yes, guided walking tours are available, offering in-depth information about the island's ecosystem and wildlife. Self-guided options are also plentiful. Instagram+1

Yes, there are picnic spots available, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal surrounded by nature. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While Intaka Island itself is primarily a nature reserve, there are cafes and restaurants within Century City, a short walk away, where you can find dining options. Instagram

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option, as there are designated picnic spots available on the island. Instagram+1

Century City offers a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining, catering to different tastes and budgets.

📸 📸 Photography

The bird hides offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife photography. The walking trails provide scenic views of the wetlands and diverse plant life. Instagram

Yes, the tranquil wetlands, diverse plant life, and reflections on the water create beautiful landscape photography opportunities, especially during the golden hours. Instagram

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in nature reserves and protected areas. It's advisable to check with the management of Intaka Island for their specific drone policy.

A telephoto lens is great for capturing birdlife from the hides. A wide-angle lens is useful for landscape shots of the wetlands. Instagram

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