Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

The 70,000-hectare Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north, and from the Stellenbosch Mountains in the west to the Groenland Mountains in the east. Established for the conservation of mountain fynbos, it is home to approximately 1300 species, including several rare and endemic plants, as well as small populations of buck and approximately 110 bird species. Leopards are also found in these mountains, but they are rarely seen.

The reserve is best known for its hikes and canyoning in scenic beauty, but it also has rugged mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather. Summers are generally mild and dry, but winters can be wet.

The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve is home to over 1300 fynbos species, as well as grey rhebok, klipspringer, duiker, and grysbok. Other wildlife includes the common duiker, and leopards are also present but rarely seen in these mountains. Furthermore, the reserve boasts approximately 110 bird species, including several raptor species — ideal for bird-watching enthusiasts.

The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve is open all year. However, because it is a hiking paradise, this important preserve for mountain fynbos and various antelope species is best visited in the summer. On the Dwarsberg plateau, annual rainfall can reach 3 300 mm, and winds are prevalent and strong. Summers are typically warm and dry. Please note: The weather can be unpredictable and dangerous in the mountains.

The Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve stretches from Jonkershoek in the west to Villiersdorp in the east, passing the Theewaterskloof Dam. The Canopy Tour, a zip-lining adventure that takes you soaring above the treetops, is the main attraction. For hiking enthusiasts, there are day walks and overnight hikes, mountain bike routes and canyoning trails.

The reserve office serves as the trailhead and has a toilet and changing facilities. Hikers can stay overnight in huts equipped with bunk beds, mattresses, and running water. Because of the high risk of veld fires, fires and braais are strictly prohibited except in designated areas.

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com

Do you have further information? If so, please email us at contact@wildsafariguide.com