What To Do
Boat Trips
Take a tranquil ferry ride on the Grand Canal and around Intaka Island and enjoy the fresh air and breath-taking views of Century City. The duration of the ride is approximately 35 minutes and the boat operates as follows:
09:30am – 3:30pm Saturday – Thursday,
09:30 – 2pm Friday,
With a special "hop on hop off" feature at Canal Walk and Crystal Towers. Booking is essential. To book your boat trip;
Call 021 552 6889 or Email melissa@intaka.co.za.
Bird Mountain
Bird Mountain overlooks the large expanse of deep open water of Cell 3 on the man-made half of the wetland where one can watch the flurry of activity surrounding the heronries.
Perched on the highest point of Intaka island, Bird mountain offers panoramic views across the island with Table Mountain as the backdrop.
Educational Lapa
Designed and constructed by our Intaka Staff, our educational lapa lies in the heart of Intaka Island and is used for a range of different activities including school groups and sleep overs, birthday parties, Intaka Island events or simply a spot for visitors to stop and have a picnic.
Bird Hides
Home to over 120 species of birds, Intaka Island is a must for any bird watcher! Although a lot of activity can be spotted throughout the island, two designated bird hides have been constructed at key areas to maximise your enjoyment and chances of spotting the more elusive birds or the notoriously camera shy water-mongoose!
Photography
With Intaka Island’s central proximity and large diversity of plant, insect and bird life it has become a firm favorite with wild-life photographers. The bird hides have become a second home at sunrise for the more dedicated photographers, whilst others simply enjoy improving their skills and, through their lens, enjoying what the wetland has to offer.
Indigenous and Medicinal Gardens
Our indigenous garden, located alongside the Educational Lapa boasts a wealth of different plants that are used for both medicinal and cooking purposes. With sign posts for each one, visitors can meander through the gardens taking in the interesting facts and qualities of these plants.
Self Guided Trail
You can enjoy all the beauty Intaka Island has to offer by taking a leisurely stroll around the 2km of footpaths available. There are 9 stations that you will have access to on the self-guided trail, each offering you a different insight into the bird, water life, flora and fauna that is encompassed in Intaka Island.
The 2km circular path takes you around both the constructed wetland and ephemeral pans, whereas the shorter circular 1km route takes you around the constructed wetland with lookout points over the ephemeral pans. This route is also wheelchair and pram friendly! Maps, brochures and bird checklists are available at reception for those who want tick what you see as you make your way around Intaka Island. We also request that you stay on the designated paths and not disrupt the vegetation.
Guided Trail (Bookings Only)
Let one of our experienced Field Rangers take you around the 9 stations, giving you added information about the inhabitants and different plant life you see. They will help you with bird identification, information on breeding habits and other unique insights into this very special island. These guided trails are presented by our team of qualified rangers and can be booked beforehand through our Intaka reception desk to ensure availability.