The Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve is a community organisation that supports the City of Cape Town’s reserve management through various activities.
Helderberg Nature Reserve Gate Times:
* 07:30 - 20:00 during December - February
* 07:30 - 19:00 during March & November
* 07:30 - 17:30 during April - October
The Helderberg Nature Reserve is located in Somerset West. It is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with the support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The Reserve reaches up as far as the cliff faces and the
07/09/2026
Coming up this weekend is the Bird Walk on Saturday 12 September at the new time of 06h30!
And for the rest of September, we have a busy weekend starting the 19th September. All info can be found under Events and remember to book via [email protected]!
02/09/2026
New signage is now being installed and for the higher mountain areas, this will be done during September. Tremendous thanks to our volunteers and staff!
02/09/2026
Adorable photos of the Coot family enjoying life on the dam!
Images by Freda Bonthuys
Please note that the Sunday Tree Walk has been cancelled!
24/08/2026
There are lots of happenings this weekend!!
Saturday 29 August
Bird Walk @ 0800 hrs
Fynbos Medicinal Plant Workshop @ 0800 hrs (Book directly with Andreas)
Sunday 30 August - Tree Identification Walk @ 0800 hrs
Remember to book via [email protected]
Also - just uploaded all the November Walks!! Have a look under Events.
Image by Freda Bonthuys
19/08/2026
Back again! Discover the fascinating world of South Africa’s snakes and gain the knowledge and practical skills to confidently respond when you encounter them.
African Reptiles Snake Awareness & Handling Course.
Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 08h30 to 16h00
Cost: R1200 per person
The Oak Café
Helderberg Nature Reserve
Verster Avenue
Somerset West, Cape Town
Contact: Zenobia
[email protected]
0833278777
Please bring your own snacks and refreshments. There is a coffee vendor available on Saturdays that sell a variety of drinks and some foods items. You can also buy soft drinks and water from the Visitors Centre.
17/08/2026
October will be here before one knows it and have just posted our walks - have a look and remember to book at [email protected]! Places are limited.
Image: Geoffrey Summers
Sad news but to let everyone know that the Search team found Rika’s body this morning in a steep Kloof towards Porcupine ridge. Our sincere condolences to the family and hope it will bring some closure. RIP ❤️
13/08/2026
To all our Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve who maybe able to assist or has any information regarding Rika Norris (60) who went missing after she went for walk with her dog from her home at Lourensford on the 23rd of May. A hiker reported seeing and speaking to her around 12h00 on the same day, on the Watsonia trail. If anybody else has maybe seen her or the dog, please contact Koos Jordaan (082 7763540).
So very much appreciated.