Helderberg Nature Reserve | Somerset West

In Somerset against the slopes of the Helderberg overlooking False Bay, you will find the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Initially, a flower garden, changing the garden to a reserve, was the brainchild of the Somerset West Rotary Club, who recognised that a nature reserve would benefit the community and on 3 October 1964  the Helderberg Nature Reserve officially opened.

The reserve is a well known Sunday Picnic spot to residents in the area, but the attraction does not end with the beautiful gardens.  There are various other activities available at the Helderberg Nature reserve.

Fauna & Flora

The reserve boasts with incredible plant diversity, the reserve is also rich with fauna. Except for the Bontebok (relocated to Vergelegen Wine Estate), Cape Hare, Common Duiker, Porcupines, Genets and Mongoose, the area has a rich Birdlife and around 169 bird species have been recorded in the area.  The reserve is a paradise for the Bird Watching enthusiast.  Click here to visit our Bird Watching page.

Facilities

The following facilities are available at the reserve:

• Information Centre –  Housed in the Maskew Miller Herbarium.
• Gift shop  – Also housed in the Maskew Miller Herbarium.
• Resource Centre  – A great source of information at the Education Centre.
• Plant Herbarium –  Available to students by prior arrangement.
• Walking paths and benches –  There are a wide variety of walks with plenty of places to rest and admire the views.
• Oak Café Restaurant –  A private concern, not run by the Reserve or the Friends.
• Picnic Area  – The Reserve is equipped with benches. No braai fires or gas-burning equipment is permitted.
• Waste – the reserve is bin-free, visitors are kindly requested to take home everything including their waste
• Public toilets  – Next to the Information Centre.
• Facilities for the disabled A boardwalk provides access to the duck pond and extends into the gardens area. Ablution facilities are also available.

Events

The following scheduled events take place at the Nature Reserve on a regular basis.

• Guided Walks
• Alien Vegetation Hacks
• Concerts

Visit our Events & Entertainment page for more information or the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve Facebook page.

Hiking Trails

There are various Hiking Trails that are part of the Helderberg Nature Reserve.  If you would like to hike in the reserve before visiting hours, an Early Riser pass can be obtained.  Visit our Hiking and Walking Trails page for more information.

The Friends of Helderberg

The Friends of Helderberg is a Non-Profit Organization which is community-based to help promote education, supply information, raise funds and embark on promotional projects aimed at helping the public to enjoy and benefit from the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

More information can be obtained here.

Additional services / activities

The Environmental Education Centre (run by the City of Cape Town)

Helderberg node of Eco-Schools (administered by The Friends in support of WESSA)

Helderberg Eco-Rangers (a privately run nature club for children)

Opening Hours

1 December – 28 February : 07:30 – 20:00
March & November : 07:30 – 19:00
1 April – 31 October : 07:30 – 17:30

Entrance Fees

For current fees: Click here

You can purchase an annual membership by joining the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Friends enter for free with proof of a valid membership card. You can become a member of the Friends at the Information Centre.

Early Riser Key

To walk in the Reserve from 0500 in the morning before the gate is opened, become a Friend and buy an Early Riser Key at the Information Centre. There are strict conditions associated with this privilege.