Helderberg Nature Reserve
One of the glories of living in Somerset West is being treated every day to the inspiring scenery that surrounds it. An intergral element of this is the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
The recent drop in temperatures reminds us of the approaching autumn and keen to share the natural beauty with some photograghs and make the most of the receeding summers blue skies, Jacqui and I paid a long overdue visit to the nature reserve.
Something we unfortunately rarely make the time for today.
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is located on the slopes of the dramatic Helderberg Mountains with amazing views over False bay towards Gordon’s Bay.
It is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. the Reserve reaches up as far as the cliff faces. the peaks above the reserve are managed by Cape Nature.
Description
Initially a wild flower garden, the 407-hectare Helderberg Nature Reserve was proclaimed a reserve in 1960 to preserve an important enclave of Mesic Mountain Fynbos.
Along with the incredible plant diversity, the reserve has a rich fauna. Visitors can experience bontebok grazing at any time of the day and some 169 species of birds have been recorded. Look out for three types of tortoise – the mountain tortoise, the angulate tortoise and the padloper.
There are several walking trails, of which only the Brown Route is non-circular. Facilities in the reserve include an information centre, plant herbarium, gift shop, indigenous nursery, resource centre, walking paths and benches, Oak Café restaurant, picnic area, facilities for the disabled and ablutions.
Unfortunately it was after the massive fires on the mountain. A number of the path ways were burnt out and there was a lot of devisation, but the staff were doing their upmost to try and fix things.
Walking Trails
Many regular walkers buy an Early Riser key which allows them access to the Reserve on foot before opening hours. This is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a quiet walk.
Helderberg Nature Reserve walking trails
Approximate distances of each route:
Yellow route: 3km
Black route: 0.6km
Blue route: 5.3km
Red route: 2.2km
Green route: 2.2km
Pink route: 2.6km
Brown route: 2.8km
The Friends of the Helderberg organise a great variety of walks in the reserve, where you can learn about birds, fynbos, medicinal plants and more.
You can enjoy the reserve at your leisure, but would recommend the more energetic visitor hike to the top of the Helderberg Mountain to be rewarded with the stunning views of Somerset West, Hottentotts Holland Mountain range and False Bay.
Click on link below to view selection of images taken.
Images from Helderberg Nature Reserve
For more information please refer to the Helderberg Nature Reserve website link below.
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