Dedicated Somerset West and Helderberg info site.
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The majestic Helderberg Mountain rises above the Nature Reserve (© Anka Studios)
Details
Summer Opening Times
07.30 - 22.00
Contact Details
Information Centre:
021 851 4060
Website
Helderberg Nature Reserve
One of Somerset West's greatest treasures
With a mountain and nature reserve on our doorstop we have reason to be both grateful and proud - and that we are!
History
The Helderberg Nature Reserve was the brainchild of the Somerset West Rotary Club, who saw that a nature reserve would benefit our community and on 3 October 1964 it officially opened.
In 1972, Mr and Mrs Maskew Miller granted the Maskew Miller Herbarium Home to become the gift shop, information centre and park showroom in memory of their daughter.
Hiking & Walking
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. For more information contact the Information Centre.
You can of course enjoy the reserve at your leisure and spend the day in the gardens among buck, birds and tortoises. The more energetic visitor can hike to the top of the Helderberg Mountain to be rewarded with the best view of Swest imaginable!
Water lilies adorn the lake, one of the hallmark
features of the reserve.
(© Anka Studios)
Restaurants & Picnics
After all that exercise there's nothing better than sitting down to a lovely meal. Unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of the gardens. Bring your own picnic or dine at the Oak Cafe which serves a delicious breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
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A quaint sign points the |
The reserve boasts an |
Sunset Concert Series
The popular Nature Reserve concerts are back for the summer. Tickets are available at the gate and cost R30 for adults, R10 for scholars and free for under 5. Bring your own chairs and picnics. Check the Swest Events Calendar (link) for details of the schedule.
Click here for a full program list »
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An exquisite specimen of the |
A boarded walkway guides visitors |
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Join the alien hacking programTake an active role in protecting our Nature Reserve and join the alien hacking program. Hacks are organised on the second Saturday of every month - for more information click here. |
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Friends of the Helderberg Nature ReserveSupport the Helderberg Nature Reserve and join the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve for only R85 per year, R170 per year for a family membership or R55 for senior citizens. |
For more information contact the Information Centre on 021 851 4060.
"Have time to dream, to think, to enjoy peace and quite
and the wonders of life — the sea, the mountains, the fresh air"
Quotation from entrance to hiking an walking trains.
(© Anka Studios)