Zandvlei Estuary is situated in Cape Town, South Africa and borders on the suburbs of Lakeside, Marina da Gama, Muizenberg and Steenberg. The rivers and streams that feed the estuary drain the eastern slopes of the southern extension of the Table Mountain chain.

The Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve (ZENR) has been established in a densely populated area in the southern suburbs of Cape Town.
The ZENR protects the only functioning estuary /wetland /river system combination on the False Bay Coast. The Nature Reserve was created in three stages:

1978 – 22ha in the north of the present-day reserve was proclaimed as the Zandvlei Bird Sanctuary
2006 – 204ha was formally proclaimed as the Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve in terms of the Provincial Gazette 6389/27 October 2006 (PN 344/2006)
2015 – 220ha proclaimed as the Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve in terms of the Protected Areas Act

The reserve functions as a fish hatchery, nursery and habitat for many animals, especially birds. Various endangered species also find refuge at Zandvlei.

Cape Town’s many reserves protect and conserve our city’s natural areas and biodiversity. They are an integral part of the City’s Biodiversity Network. There are 24 nature reserves located throughout the City and GZNER is one of these. These Reserves contain some of the only remaining, natural botanical areas in the fynbos biome. The Fynbos Biome was declared a World Heritage Site in 2004.

The Greater Zandvlei Estuary Nature Reserve is within walking distance of Steenberg and Lakeside Stations and the GZNER offices and main entrance are situated off Coniston Road in Steenberg.

The office houses an Environmental Education Centre that offers various programmes for learners. The Zandvlei Trust (ZVT) proudly helps with conservation, education and awareness projects at the Centre.