Beautifully situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West, this naturally diverse and colourful Nature Reserve is well worth a visit and can be enjoyed by anyone, at any age. The Helderberg Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to spend a lazy afternoon with loved ones, pack a picnic and settle down while surrounded by some magical sights, or spend hours exploring various hiking trails. Stop by at the visitors and research centre to learn more while you visit, and pop into the Guinea Gift Shop to find some special trinkets.
Opened to the public in the early 1960’s and established to benefit the community, this beautiful and enchanting nature reserve is now a firm favourite, not only among local families but also among visitors and tourists to this region. The walking trails are colour coded for easy convenience, where anything from lazy strolls to fast paced jogs can be enjoyed. Various walking trails differ in their length, from the easy Sugarbird trail which is only 2.2 km’s long to the much more intense West Peak trail, being a 7 hour long journey of discovery and adventure. It is recommended that visitors bring sufficient amounts of water along, as well as warm clothes, snacks, a hat and sun block. While enjoying time here, keep an eye out for fluffy Cape hare, common Duiker Bucks, porcupines and mongoose. There are also many various bird species that brighten up the sky and chirp in the background. Cape Fynbos can be found all around, such as Proteas, Erica’s and Restios depending on the time of the year. Opening Times: daily, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm