Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Vrolijkheid is a striking, rugged nature reserve in the Breede River valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the road to McGregor. The rocky landscape is starkly beautiful, dominated by patches of succulents, dwarf trees and shrubs. In spring, Vrolijkheid lives up to its name –happiness – as splashes of bright orange botterblom daisies decorate the reserve.

Hiking & Walking

There are three day hikes in the reserve: Rooikat, Heron and Boesmanskloof. The trails vary in difficulty, each offering views of the striking landscape.

Hiking trails

Hiking options range from day hikes to more strenuous overnight experiences. Each offers hikers something different in terms of scenery, habitats and birdlife. In summer, hikers should set out early in the morning to avoid walking during the heat of the day. Trails may be closed at certain times of the year depending on the weather conditions.

Easy-to-use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no firearms/no fires/no picking of flowers or collecting of seeds.

Permits

Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
• Do not hike alone.
• Carry enough food and water with you.
• Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
• Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
• Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
• Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
• Obey all signage.
• Stay in a group and on the trails.

Rooikat Trail

Trail distance: 19km

Estimated time: 8 hours

This circular trail winds up around the Elandsberg Mountains. On the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountains, and the odd springbok nibbling on the succulent Karoo vegetation. The route is fairly strenuous and it can be very hot during summer. There is no water available along the route. If you set out early, you should make it back before nightfall. Start your outing with a visit to the information centre at the entrance for more information on the reserve and its vegetation.

Heron Trail

Trail distance: 3km

Estimated time: 1 hour

This easy hike takes you to two shimmering dams, the first with a wonderful bird hide and the second with two bird hides, one of which is wheelchair-friendly. The trail is surrounded by succulent Karoo vegetation, with informative boards that provide facts about the reserve.

The Braille Trail

Trail distance: 1km

Estimated time: 1 hour

The Braille trail is a new trail for visually impaired visitors that follows the first kilometre of the Heron Trail (above). It leads to the first bird hide and back and has boards with interesting information in braille along the route.

Bird Watching

Vrolijkheid has a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk and bird hides allowing visitors to enjoy the reserve’s 175 species, including the pale chanting goshawk and the African fish eagle.

Mountain Biking

Vrolijkheid has a scenic 8km mountain bike trail that meanders through the reserve. The trail takes about an hour. We suggest you start early, as the area gets extremely hot around midday. Please stay on the marked route.

Location