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Description
Helderberg Nature Reserve is a beautiful fynbos reserve that has many of the endemic fynbos birds. With well marked and extensive trail network, a great visitor center, a small wetland - this reserve a safe place to enjoy the Cape fynbos - both plants and birds.
Starting in the low areas - there are lots of enedmic species - both the sunbirds (Orange-breasted and others) and Cape Sugarbirds, robin-chats, and other common species are to be found. Spend some time at the little wetland - weavers and warblers are often seen, plus occasionally Black Crake. The gardens before the fynbos areas can have mousebirds and other garden species.
Once in the low fynbos area, Cape Sugardbird are found (listen for their strange calls), plus Orange-breasted Sunbirds, Cape White-eyes, Cape Batis, Cape Grassbird, etc. Further up towards the mountain, look for Red-wing Starlings, and in the wet gourges listen for Victorin's Warbler singing - they are hard to see skulking birds!
Once (if) you reach to cliffs (and climb further up to the top - a recommended 3/4 day outing - start early!) - Cape Rockjumper, Familiar Chat and other more uncommon species can be found. This is a moderate to hard hike - so take water and snacks. Booted Eagles, Rock Kestrels and White-necked Ravens are often seen near the cliffs.
Also, highly recommended is the use of iNaturalist to ID plants and insects - the diversity will astound you.
Details
Access
Helderberg Nature Reserve is located in Somerset West on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains. From the N2 highway (driving from Cape Town) take exit 43-Somerset West for R44 toward Broadway Blvd/Stellenbosch – go 0.4 km. Turn left at Broadway Boulevard/R44 (signs for R44/Broadway Boulevard/Somerset West/Stellenbosch) – go 0.9 km. Turn right into Main Road – go 2.4 km. Turn left into Lourensford Road – go 2.0 km (Go through 2 traffic circles). At the next traffic circle, turn left into Hillcrest Road – go 0.8 km. Turn right into Reservoir Road – go 0.7 km. Turn left into Verster Avenue – go 0.6 km.
The reserve opens at 7:30AM, and there is a small entrance fee. This helps to keep the area safe and secure. Only walking is allowed. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates.