Helderberg Nature Reserve
About
Helderberg Nature Reserve, nestled above the Somerset West area on the slopes of the Hottentots Holland Mountains, was proclaimed on 23 September 1960. It was initially proclaimed as a wildflower garden and to protect water resources for Somerset West. Today, the 402-hectare reserve supports the protection of critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld and Kogelberg sandstone fynbos, as well as the vulnerable Cape Winelands shale fynbos and pockets of the least threatened Southern afro-temperate forest.
Public facilities include universal access boardwalks that are located in the lower part of the reserve and an extensive trail and footpath network that snakes its way around the upper slopes. The picnic sites are well maintained and are serviced daily, and have large ablution facilities to accommodate the many visitors the reserve receives.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve has a “no-bin policy” and visitors must remove all rubbish they bring in with them. Dogs are not permitted in the nature reserve, with the exception of trained and certified service dogs that are under control at all times.
Opening hours
December to February
07:30 – 20:00
March
07:30 – 19:00
April to October
07:30 – 17:30
November
07:30 – 19:00
Entrance fees
For more information about seasonal passes please consult the nature conservation tariffs in the document downloads section below.
Location
Verster Avenue, Somerset West
Features and facilities
- Information centre
- Vendors and kiosks
- Events facilities
- Facility hire
- Path and walkways
- Picnic areas
Activities
- Running and jogging
- Hiking and walking
- Educational programmes
- Private events and functions
- Picnics
Facility sizes
402 hectares
Booking and tariffs
For equipment hire and additional charges, please consult the tariffs in the document downloads section below.
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