Helderberg, Cape Town · Western Cape · Picnic spot

Helderberg Nature Reserve

  • FeeR30
  • HoursDecember–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
  • DogsNot allowed
  • Map Directions
  • Official Conditions
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The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photograph, not this specific trail

Helderberg Nature Reserve is a 402-hectare City of Cape Town reserve on Verster Avenue, Somerset West — Hottentots Holland slopes, not Table Mountain National Park. Official 1 July 2026–30 June 2027 cashless tariff: vehicles R20, adults R30, children 3–17 / students / seniors R20, under 3 and Friends free. Hours: December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30. Official picnic sites, no-bin policy. Friends site: no braai or gas burners. Dogs banned except certified service dogs. Friends walking-trails page names Sugarbird 2.9km, Protea 6.2km, Waboom 7km, West Peak (7 hours, experienced only) and others. Phone 021 444 6572. Restaurant on the Friends home page is closed until further notice.

Before you go, read Helderberg Nature Reserve guide.

Other listings in Helderberg: Protea Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve , Sugarbird Walk, Helderberg Nature Reserve , Vergelegen Picnics , Waboom Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve , West Peak Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve .

Questions

Are dogs allowed at Helderberg Nature Reserve?
Dogs are not allowed at Helderberg Nature Reserve.
What does Helderberg Nature Reserve cost?
Entry is listed from R30. Confirm current pricing with the reserve or operator, as fees change.
When is Helderberg Nature Reserve open?
December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
Where do you park for Helderberg Nature Reserve?
Verster Avenue, Somerset West. Official vehicle tariff R20 on the 2026/27 City table, plus the per-person fee.

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Nearby on the map

From this pin: Protea Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve (same gate); Sugarbird Walk, Helderberg Nature Reserve (same gate); Waboom Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve (same gate); West Peak Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve (same gate).

The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photo, not this trail

Protea Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg, Cape Town · same gate · moderate

Friends blue route: 6.2km, about 2 hours, grade 2A. Same City cashless gate as Helderberg Nature Reserve — adults R30 on the 2026/27 table.

  • No dogs
  • December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
Entry from R30
The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photo, not this trail

Sugarbird Walk, Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg, Cape Town · same gate · easy

Friends yellow route: 2.9km, about 45 minutes, grade 1A. Same City cashless gate as Helderberg Nature Reserve — adults R30 on the 2026/27 table.

  • No dogs
  • December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
Entry from R30
The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photo, not this trail

Waboom Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg, Cape Town · same gate · moderate

Friends purple route: 7km to Disa Gorge, about 4.5 hours, grade 2B. Same City cashless gate as Helderberg Nature Reserve — adults R30 on the 2026/27 table.

  • No dogs
  • December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
Entry from R30
The Twelve Apostles mountain range above the Atlantic seaboard, Cape Town
Cape Town region · representative photo, not this trail

West Peak Trail, Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg, Cape Town · same gate · hard

Friends pink route: about 7 hours, grade 3C, experienced hikers only. Leaves the reserve. Same City cashless gate — adults R30 on the 2026/27 table. No official kilometre figure.

  • No dogs
  • December–February 07:30–20:00; March and November 07:30–19:00; April–October 07:30–17:30.
Entry from R30

Hike at your own risk. Trail conditions change — weather, fire damage, water crossings and rockfalls can make a route unsafe with little or no notice. Distance, difficulty and other details here are compiled from public sources and may be outdated. Always verify current conditions with the relevant park or reserve authority before setting out, and hike within your own ability.