The reserve is host to approximately half of the 2 700 species of indigenous plants contained in the Cape Peninsula. There are over 250 species of birds in the reserve, ranging from ostriches to minuscule sunbirds. Caracal, chacma baboon, a wide variety of buck and various other mammal species may be seen. The baboons feed occasionally on marine foods which they garner at low tide. Tourists are requested not to feed the baboons as they become too dependent on handouts and eventually become annoyed and aggressive if food is not forthcoming, Such baboons may have to be destroyed as they become dangerous to visitors.

There are a number of picnic spots and braai (barbecue) facilities are available. There are some interesting walks and trails with swimming at Bordjiesdrif and Buffels Bay tidal pools. Some of the best angling spots in the Peninsula are found on the reserve, and Rooikrans ranks as one of the finest in the world. Blue and Yellow Fin Tuna have been caught off this ledge. Tourists can take the newly developed Funicular Railway system to the viewsite at Cape Point where the views from the old lighthouse are unforgettable.