At the heart of Century City, you will find Intaka Island, an award-winning 16-hectare wetlands and bird sanctuary, is home to 177 species of indigenous fynbos plants and 120 bird species. Intaka – which means ‘bird’ in Xhosa – is a unique example of nature conservation and urban development co-existing in harmony. Apart from its environmental significance, the area offers a place of solace to take a stroll, relax, and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
When the development of Century City began in 1996, the 250 hectare area was largely covered by invasive alien vegetation (mainly Port Jackson acacias) and a number of degraded wetlands. Many water birds used one of these wetlands and the surrounding flooded vegetation as a breeding site.
In the environmental impact assessment (EIA) which preceded development, it was recommended that a multi-purpose nature reserve be created in the centre of Century City. The Century City property developer, Rabie Property Group, decided to do this, both as a contribution to conservation and to create an attractive and functional wetland for the Century City environment. Intaka Island is the result, and it represents a uniquely successful union of conservation and property development.
Intaka Island received Voluntary Conservation Status from Cape Nature in October 2006 and the construction of an Environmental Education Centre was completed in 2010. Intaka Island and Eco-Centre now play host to a range of visitors ranging from pensioners and school groups to corporate training functions and birthday parties.
The Western half of Intaka Island is made up of constructed wetlands which mainly serve the needs for water purification, habitat for breeding water birds, and the recreation and education of visitors. The Eastern half consists of seasonal pans and sand plain fynbos which are both rare habitat types in great need of conservation. The management approach to these two areas must be different to meet their objectives.
Plants
There are 212 different species of indigenous plants (plants of Sand plain fynbos) that can be found on Intaka Island, many of which produce attractive flowers from late winter to early summer. 24 of these plants are on the Red Data list, that is, they are rare and threatened with extinction.
Sand Fynbos (CFSF), previously known as Sand Plain Fynbos, is a critically endangered vegetation type that occurs only within the city of Cape Town. Less than 1% of this unique lowland Fynbos vegetation is conserved. Intaka Island is one of the few places that you can still experience this endemic veldt.
Birds
Intaka boasts 120 different bird species in a safe, easy-to-reach area due to the diversity of Intaka Islands’ 7 different habitats. The terrestrial habitat of fynbos, shrubs and grasses attracts birds like the Cape Francolin, Weavers and Cape Sparrows. The shrub areas provide safe foraging areas for Cape White-Eyes, Robin Chats and Spotted Prinias while the open water is suitable for the Cape Shoveller, Yellow Billed Duck, Red Knobbed Coot and Moorhen. Reed Beds provide food and nesting for the Little Bittern, Purple Swamphen, Masked Weaver, Red Bishop and Levaillant’s Cisticola.
With birdwatching being one of the fastest growing recreational activities, Intaka Island offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in general a unique opportunity to discover and study our birds up close in their natural habitat.
Several birds also make use of the man-made heronries on Intaka Island for breeding and roosting. These heronries have been recognised internationally for both their simple construction and success at attracting birds.
Intaka Trust
The Trust was estaBlished inter alia as the fundraising vehicle for both the construction of the Eco‑Centre as well as its ongoing operational costs. It has been approved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a Public Benefit Organisation enabling it to issue Section 18A certificates to all donors and sponsors.
There are multiple ways to give back to Intaka Island, from bequeathing your will, donations, volunteering and more. Visit our website (insert the link over the word website) for more information on how you can get involved.
Things to do
From boat trips around the island and through Century City, to guided tours, a visit to the medicinal gardens, events in our lapa and more, visit our website: https://intaka.co.za/what-to-do/ for more details. Come visit us!
WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
CONTACT INFORMATION
Reception / Bookings / General
Melissa February
021 552 6889
melissa@intaka.co.za
Eco Centre & Educational Programs
Verinique Anyster
021 552 6889
verinique@intaka.co.za
Environmental
Louise de Roubaix
021 552 6889
louise@centurycity.co.za
