Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

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The Boesmanskloof  trail has been opened for hiking  but please note that the surrounding area is still badly burnt.

Rooikat Trail

Trail Distance: 19km (8 hours)
Nearest Town: Robertson - 15km
Region: Breede River

Trail description:The circular trail winds up around the Elandsberg mountains. Set out early and you should make it back before nightfall.

You are bound to see springbok grazing in the succulent karoo vegetation. The trail offers views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountains, Robertson and McGregor
Start your outing with a visit to the information centre at the entrance, for more info on the reserve and its vegetation.

It can be very hot during summer. The route is fairly strenuous and requires 7 to 8 hours of walking. No water is available on the route, and hikers should carry a sufficient supply (2 litres or more per person). The path is rough underfoot and sturdy hiking boots are necessary.

Heron Trail
Trail Distance: 3km
Nearest Town: Robertson - 15km
Region: Breede River

Trail description: This easy hike through succulent karoo vegetation takes you to two shimmering dams, each with a wonderful little bird hide. A few hours spent in either, of an early morning or evening, should produce a few birding surprises, with a total of 175 bird species that have been recorded at Vrolikjheid. The hides blend in well with the reedy surrounds. As it can be very hot in summer, it is advisable to carry water at all times.

Boesmanskloof Day Trail
Trail Distance: Linear 14km
Huts: Private accommodation is available. Contact the reservations office for details.
Nearest Town: Greyton or McGregor
Region: Breede River
Nature Reserve: Riviersonderend Conservation Area

Trail description: Hikers have the option to either start this route just outside Greyton, or 14km south of McGregor at Die Galg. (You can also do it as an out-and-back 2-day trail.) Transport for pick-up at the end of the hike should be organised accordingly.

The trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Robertson Karoo region and links the towns of McGregor in the north and Greyton in the south. It passes through the Riviersonderend Conservation Area, which is a declared mountain catchment area comprised of state land and private property.

It is reasonably strenuous and you should be fit and well-equipped.
A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provides swimming and a cool resting place for weary hikers. It can be very warm in summer, it is advisable to carry water at all times.

Boesmanskloof Two-day trail
Trail Distance:
Day 1: 14km
Day 2: 14km if out-and-back option is followed
Huts: Private accommodation is available. Contact the reservations office for details.
Nearest Town: Greyton - McGregor
Region: Breede River
Nature Reserve: Riviersonderend Conservation Area

Trail description: The trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Robertson Karoo region and links the towns of McGregor in the north and Greyton in the south. It passes through the Riviersonderend Conservation Area, which is a declared mountain catchment area comprised of state land and private property.

The trail is reasonably strenuous and they should be fit and well equipped. The trail may be hiked within one day. It starts either from McGregor or Greyton. It starts just outside Greyton, while it starts approximately 14km south of McGregor at Die Galg. Transport should be organised accordingly.

A popular option is to walk an "out and back" route (a total of 28km) and overnight in either of the two towns where ample private accommodation is available. Private overnight facilities are also available at Die Galg.

A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provides swimming and a cool resting place for weary hikers. It can be very warm in summer, while there are possibilities of snow in winter.

Genadendal Hiking Trail
Trail Distance: 25,3km
Day 1: 14,3km (8 hours)
Day 2: 11km (7 hours)
Trail limit: Maximum of 24 hikers per day, with a maximum of 14 per group
Hut Capacity: It is necessary to book separately for the trail and for overnight accommodation. Details may be obtained from the reservations office.
Nearest Town: Between Genadendal and Robertson
Region: Breede River
Nature Reserve: Riviersonderend Conservation Area

Trail description: The trail is fairly strenuous. It leads through private property and traverses the conservation area on both sides of the Riviersonderend mountain range. The trail provides panoramic views of the Overberg as well as the Worcester-Robertson Karoo.
This is a two-day circular route of 25,3km. It begins and ends in Genadendal at the historic Moravian Mission Church which dates back to 1738. Overnight facilities are available at the church for hikers who prefer to stay the night before starting on the route.

Day 1 leads past two pools at Groot and Klein Koffiegat, ending at the farm Die Hoek on the north side of the mountain. Overnight accommodation, including braai facilities, is available here. Day 2 returns to Genadendal.

Hikers should be fit and well-equipped. In summer it can be extremely hot and it is advisable to carry water. Winters are cold and wet and hikers should adhere to weather warnings as the trail can be dangerous in extreme conditions.

Please note
Extremely high temperatures may be experienced from November to March, and during this period hikers should set out early in the morning to avoid walking during the heat of the day. A sun hat is essential.

Trails may be closed at certain times of the year depending on the weather conditions.
Help us protect nature: no pets, fire arms, picking of flowers or collection of seeds allowed. Limited accommodation for visitors and environmental education groups may be booked at Vrolijkheid.

Reservations
Tel: (021) 659 3500
Submit a booking enquiry
Reservations

To make a booking please contact our reservations office

This pleasant circular route of 8km (±1 hour) meanders through a section of the reserve. Please stay on the marked route.

Reservations
Tel: (021) 659 3500
Submit a booking enquiry
Reservations

To make a booking please contact our reservations office

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Use the map or list to select a reserve

Map of CapeNature Nature Reserves
Cederberg Wilderness Area Bird Island Nature Reserve Rocherpan Nature Reserve Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Limietberg Nature Reserve Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve Vrolijkeid Nature Reserve Marloth Nature Reserve Kogelberg Nature Reserve Walker Bay Nature Reserve Salmonsdam Nature Reserve De Mond Nature Reserve De Hoop Nature Reserve Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Boosmansbos Wilderness Anysberg Nature Reserve Swartberg Nature Reserve Gamkaberg Nature Reserve Outeniqua Nature Reserve Goukamma Nature Reserve Keurbooms River Nature Reserve Robberg Nature Reserve

Cape Town Tourism Cape Town Tourism
West Coast
1. Cederberg Wilderness Area
2. Bird Island Nature Reserve
3. Rocherpan Nature Reserve
4. Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area

Winelands
5. Limietberg Nature Reserve
6. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
7. Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
8. Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
9. Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Overberg
10. Marloth Nature Reserve
11. Kogelberg Nature Reserve
12. Walker Bay Nature Reserve
13. Salmonsdam Nature Reserve
14. De Mond Nature Reserve
15. De Hoop Nature Reserve
16. Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
17. Boosmansbos Wilderness Area

Cape Karoo
18. Anysberg Nature Reserve
19. Swartberg Nature Reserve
20. Gamkaberg Nature Reserve

Garden Route and Little Karoo
21. Outeniqua Nature Reserve
22. Goukamma Nature Reserve
23. Keurbooms River Nature Reserve
24. Robberg Nature Reserve

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