Helderberg Nature Reserve — Attraction in Cape Town Ward 84

Firstly it's important to note that there are two locations for the Helderberg. There is the main entrance which is in Somerset West, and then there is a smaller one on the Stellenbosch side, the latter is often known as Klein Helderberg. I will be reviewing the Somerset West side. It's a great place for nature lovers. I am a birder and have spent two decades coming to this reserve. There are plenty of shaded grass areas for picnics, and there's also a restaurant, which to be honest is a bit over-priced for the quality of food received, at least in my experience. None the less the waitresses were friendly and the atmosphere was great, very rustic inside.

The nature, there are buck that can be seen in the reserve, along with numerous Leopard Tortoises, Hares and Mongooses. There are over 170 species of bird recorded in the reserve, and I personally have seen 100 species there in the past 3 years alone.

Entry prices aren't bad compared with other places like Kirstenbosch, and if you become a member you get free entry for just R100+- a year.

For those interested in hiking, there are a variety of hiking trails, all in different difficulties, so there will always be a trail for you.

I definitely recommend the reserve to anyone looking for a day out in nature. Though avoid late Sunday mornings.

PROS:

Great bird life Not overly developed Variety of trails Cafe and Restaurant Well maintained

CONS:

Restaurant food not great Sometimes too busy to enjoy nature Loud kids running around screaming can be frustrating for...

We celebrated Earth Hour at the gorgeous Helderberg Nature Reserve and for most of us it was a total different experience from the usual relaxing and enjoying nature during family - get - togethers .. We really celebrated MOTHER EARTH..!! A well planned evening full of excitement under the skillful management of Dr Melissa Boonzaaier and her Team... Dr Wallace had an informative talk on electricity or the lack thereof and how we could even have a more meaningful life without electricity if we just apply our common sense and adapt to alternative lifestyles... Get in touch with nature... The highlight of the evening was the trail hiking in the dark... Our guide was so skillful and knowledgeable.. An informative talk on our own legendary Mother Goose, Peggy.. Lots of surprises and excitement especially for the children.. Experiencing night life of our insects and birds first hand.... Armed with beautiful lanterns that the made themselves earlier the evening.. But the cherry on the cake was the appreciation of our indegenous plants... Our herbs.. The smell... The taste .And taste of the wild fruit..A real survival lecture.. Precious..!! We are blessed in so many a way in our beautiful Provence and wonderful country..!! Keep it up.. Helderberg...

My 11 year old son and I took a hike to the West Peak on 10 January, up via Disa Gorge and down along the trails on the western side of the reserve. We were really lucky to have perfect, mild weather with only a very light breeze and clear visibility. We looked to the South-East past Rockview Dam all the way to the ocean beyond Kleinmond, to the South-West to Cape Point and the ocean beyond, to the North-West to Table Bay, Robben Island and the ocean beyond, to the North to the Malmesbury Hills, and of course, all the mountains to the East. Sadly, beacons 148 and 145 appear to have been vandalised. The paths were in fair condition. And it was just fantastic to see hundreds of King Proteas flowering in their natural habitat, feeding abundant birdlife. There were pink-flowering, acacia-like trees in the ravine along the Southern parts of the Protea Trail - not sure whether these belong to the Fynbos or are invaders. The trail map on the webpage proved to be very useful for tracking progress, pacing ourselves through ascent,...