• Woodies Walk, West Peak and The Dome – the majority of these trails extend beyond the official boundaries of the reserve. West Peak and The Dome (pink routes) are for experienced hikers only as they are steep, demanding trails that take hikers to the top of the Helderberg Mountain. You often need to scramble, and the downhill sections are steep with loose stones, including exposure to heights. However, hikers are rewarded with uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic views over False Bay, the Cape Winelands and Table Mountain in the distance
• Waboom Trail, Protea Trail, Leopard’s Loop, Watsonia Trail and Sugarbird Walk – these are supported by a network of interlinked paths that include the Siskin, White-eye, Batis, Mongoose, Caracal and Baboon Traverse. These hikes are well-suited for regular hikers
• High altitude hikes like West Peak and The Dome, and trails with steep traverses and drops such as Leopard’s Loop and Woodie’s Walk should be avoided during bad weather
• Starting near the picnic areas, the Siskin, Batis and White-eye trails feature shaded, canopied sections with trees and ponds along some sections. For those who want to extend their walk, these paths seamlessly link with the Sugarbird trail, a popular circular route
• Waboom, Watsonia, Leopard’s Loop and Woodies Walk traverse wetter, more heavily vegetated ravines with mountain streams, shaded kloofs, and slightly more demanding rocky pathways that require good balance

Other information:

• The trails are open during the reserve’s official operating hours – from 1 April to 31 October, these are 07:30 to 17:30

• Dedicated reserve staff monitor the trails almost daily, do inspections for hazards and proactively close trails in the event of extreme weather

• Reserve staff and volunteers can offer guidance on hiking trails, and staff are also available to assist with emergencies

• No booking is required for the standard hikes; simply pay the entrance fee at the gatehouse. Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve facilitate guided options for visitors who want to explore the reserve with local experts

• For a wilderness emergency or accident in the Western Cape, call the Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) emergency number at 021 937 0300, or contact the City’s emergency number on 107 or 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone.

As far as I’m concerned, Cape Town is the most beautiful city in the world. We are privileged with an abundance of natural places where visitors can get away from the demands and noise of daily life. Our Helderberg Nature Reserve is one of these gems, but we need visitors to be cautious when choosing a hike, and to come prepared. The obvious things are enough food, water, a first aid kit, proper hiking shoes, and clothing for all weather. Then, choose a hike that suits your capabilities and experience.   

The weather is an unknown factor that dictates safety. Extreme weather can turn a friendly and inviting mountain into a harsh terrain where the risk of severe medical emergencies such as hypothermia or heat exhaustion can happen quickly. Please prepare thoroughly, never hike alone, make sure your phone battery is fully charged, and that you have emergency contact details saved. The reception is generally good along the majority of trails, but steep topography and deep valleys frequently block signals and then you may need to walk a bit to where reception is. Most importantly, be safe and enjoy the hike,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

For more information, visit the City's website.

View the map.

Caption: Visitors to the Helderberg Nature Reserve can choose between eight hiking trails, and no matter where they go, they will find a view, a sunrise if early enough, a flower, a bird, and much more.

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