Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg Nature reserve is situated in Somerset West, close neighbours to Cape Town but strangely enough none of us had visited it before. So as part of a mountain navigation training exercise we decided to explore the area.

What a pleasant surprise! Even though the April 2011 fire had devastated a large part of the reserve encouraging signs of regrowth could be seen.

Progress was slow as numerous what if scenarios were played out as we went along.
Our original intention was to follow the pink route to the top of West Peak but due to time constraints we ended up following the Green route. The views of False Bay were spectacular with Cape Point standing out in the distance. The reserve is managed by Cape Town City Council but West Peak falls under Cape Nature management.
Armed with the online map it is relatively easy to find your way around as most of the jeep tracks and paths head off in the general direction of West Peak. The trick is to aim towards Disa Gorge and then look for the path that zig zags its way up the buttress on the east side. We went a short distance up Disa Ravine until reaching a danger sign, shortly before it a clear path goes off to the left; this is the one that we followed.

The Green route eventually joins up with the Pink route and descends the mountain. The Watsonia's are all sprouting along the slope and should give a wonderfull display towards October/November.

False Bay with Cape Point in the distance

It would be well worth a trip just to see their display. There is very little water available along the way so it’s best to fill up at the entrance.
It was a unanimous decision to return in the near future as we had really only scratched the surface in terms of exploring the reserve. 

Guernsey Lily

Links
Helderberg Reserve Fire
http://www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Friends-News-July-2011-email.pdf
Trails map of the Helderberg Hiking routes
http://www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/reserve/trails/