Nature Reserves
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Heidelberg (WC) Excellent bird watching, gorgeous indigenous Knysna forest and mountain fynbos characterize this CapeNature reserve in the Langeberg.
The 250-hectare forest is situated 22 km northwest of Heidelberg and is considered the best and largest woodland in the south-western Cape.
The Bushbuck and Grysbok Trails (2 – 15 km) and the short mountain bike trail through high forest are wonderful options to explore this stunning reserve. Permits for these trails are available from
the CapeNature office.
Forest tree species that you will see are stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and the ubiquitous ironwood. Wildlife that is often encountered includes bushbuck, Cape grysbok, Cachma baboons, various small mammals like mongoose and genet. Occasionally leopard can be seen.
Rich in bird diversity, the reserve boasts no less than 196 bird species. Twitchers will be gripping their binoculars to spot endemics like the Knysna woodpecker, Knysna warbler, Victorin’s warbler, forest canary and Cape Siskin. Other forest specials to look out for are the Narina Trogon and majestic Crowned Eagle.
And what else is there to brag about? Grootvadersbosch is home to a subspecies of ghost frog and a unique forest emperor butterfly.
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Nature Reserves
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Heidelberg (WC) Deep in the Langeberg Mountains and part of Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve is the hiking paradise Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. As part of the Cape Floral Region, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fragrant mountain fynbos and indigenous kloof forest characterize the lovely landscape. Some incredibly rare species of Ericas can be found. The ravines are populated by stinkwood, yellowwood, Cape holly, red alder, beech, white alder and candlewood trees. If you're a tree-spotter, look out for a thicket of mountain cypress growing on a cliff edge.
Wildlife that you may encounter includes grey rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons, leopard, mongoose and genet. The area boasts numerous birds with 184 recorded species including black, martial, crowned and booted eagles, redwinged and redneck francolins, blackrumped buttonquail, striped flufftail and Layard’s titbabbler.
Popular with hikers, the main attraction here is the lack of infrastructure and remoteness. Paths are unmarked and huts provide only basic shelter and no toilet facilities. Hikers need to be well-equipped for all weather and must carry an accurate map.
Hikers may choose their route from 64 km of paths. A circular two-day route of 27 km follows an old jeep track up Loerklip and back down Saagkuilkloof. Advance bookings are essential.
+27 021 659 3500
bookings@capenature.co.za
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Things to do near
Heidelberg (WC)
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Swellendam (57 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Diagonally opposite the 1838 Cape Dutch-style Oefeningshuis is the 'Moederkerk' – Swellendam's Dutch Reformed Church. Built in 1910, this giant wedding cake of a building displays a wonderfully eclectic fusion of architectural styles.
Cape Dutch gables, Gothic windows, Renaissance entrances, and a Baroque spire combine into an attractive fairytale-like building. Great for happy holiday snaps!
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Golf Courses
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Swellendam (57.4 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Practice your swing and tee off on De Kloof's golf driving range and putting green. De Kloof Luxury Hotel and Estate provides its own private short golf driving range and putting green for guests. The facility, clubs and balls are supplied at no extra cost.
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Hiking Trail
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De Hoop (73.9 km from Heidelberg (WC)) One of South Africa's ultimate hiking experiences, the five-day Whale Trail is only three hours drive from Cape Town. The 54 km route meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve where the fragrance of the fynbos intermingles with salty sea air.
The trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale watching opportunities. On the trail you will experience breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Breede River Valley. The trail stretches from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and has five overnight stops.
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Wine Estates
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Herbertsdale (87.2 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Visit one of the Garden Route's best-kept secrets for wine tasting beneath the Langeberg Mountains.
Jakkalsvlei is in the scenic area of Herbertsdale and right off the well-trodden tourist paths of the Garden Route. Here you will find the most beautiful private wine farm with fabulous views, a tranquil atmosphere and award-winning wines.
Cheese platters are available and you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets. From mid February to mid March you can pick your own Hanepoot grapes.
Tasting hours: Monday to Friday 09:30 – 17:00, Saturdays 09:30 – 15:00, Sundays closed.
www.jakkalsvlei.co.za
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Popular Attractions
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Gouritz (89.4 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Feel the blast of air on your face at the original African bungy jump site.
Going strong since 1989, this jump is the longest running bungy site in Africa and offers a big ground rush and plenty of adrenalin.
Fancy going feet first? Jump off on the Gourits Bridge Swing. This is described as the best experience in flying without wings and the ultimate swing.
Choose to leap, fall or dive off the platform while being securely attached to the opposite bridge. You can even do it in tandem with a special friend or loved one.
Operating daily from 09:00 - 17:00
+27 (0) 44 6977 001
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Wine Estates
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Montagu (97.5 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Sip soetes and swirl your glass in Montagu’s oldest winery. Uitvlucht Winery is named after the farm Uitvlucht, on which the picturesque town of Montagu was founded. Uitvlucht also happens to be the oldest winery in Montagu. Uitvlucht Winery features a fine selection of sophisticated wines as well as full-bodied sweet Montagu Muskadel and Port for which Montagu has become renowned across the globe.
Climb aboard the Muscat Express! Experience a two hour scenic tractor tour through this historical town with a glass of Muscadel in hand. View significant scenery and historical buildings while experienced guides tell all the stories. The highlight of the trip is the winetasting in the barrel aging cellar of Uitvlucht Winery. Here you can experience a candle light wine tasting of Montagu’s famous wines.
Need to know? Wine sales and tasting hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm, Saturday 8:30am to 1:30pm. Uitvlucht Winery is a member of the Biodiversity Wine Initiative.
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Shops
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Montagu (97.6 km from Heidelberg (WC)) If you're visiting Montagu pop into the dried fruit and nut shop. Here you can stock up on all sorts of tasty nibbles. It all started in 1991 when a small fruit drying operation started in Montagu, the heart of thedried fruit "pantry" of South Africa. Since then they have grown to becomeone of the largest exporters in the Little Karoo. Everyday during thesummer months an enormous variety of fruit is prepared and dried to satisfythe requirements of all lovers of dried fruit.
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Wine Estates
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Montagu (97.7 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Montagu is muscadel country with the town hosting the annual Muscadel Festival. Muscadel is a sweet, full rounded wine with rich fruit flavours that is drunk on crushed ice or at room temperature. It's definitely worth joining the festive townsfolk who celebrate the muscadel tradition with great country hospitality and style.Montagu Wine Cellar was established in 1941, producing wine of the variety of the day, namely Muscadel. Just grapes of the highest quality with a minimum of 24° B were used. Monis’ marsala and moscato had its origin in this cellar and this special and unique method is still used.Today the cellar makes dry table wines as well, receiving a number of awards. The cellar has several times been the Champion Co-op Cellar of the region and their red Muscadel was already four times chosen for the Nederburg Wine Auction where it was described as "the best wine for the price anywhere in the world". Unlock the ambience of Montagu with a glass of Montagu Cellar muscadel, put your feet up and enjoy the peace and quiet.
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Golf Courses
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Montagu (97.7 km from Heidelberg (WC)) The Montagu Golf Club course is a 9-hole country course situated in the picturesque town of Montagu at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.The well-maintained course is surrounded by typical Klein Karoo vegetation with scenic views of the adjacent farming activities. With fabulous weather all year round, you're assured of an enjoyable Klein Karoo golf experience.Need to know? Montagu Golf Club is open every day. For visitors a reasonable fee is charge. Montagu is a two-hour drive from Cape Town (200 km).
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Galleries and Museums
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Montagu (98.6 km from Heidelberg (WC)) Famous for it's indigenous medicinal plant project, the beautifully restored Joubert House is well worth a visit. The oldest house in the village of Montagu, it bears a rich history and has a rustic yet elegant charm.
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Dams Vleis
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Montagu (98.9 km from Heidelberg (WC)) One of Montagu's most popular and easily accessible attractions is the Leidam. Situated in the heart of the town, it’s well worth a visit.
Here you will be able to easily spot a large variety of birds. Frequently residents include Grey heron, Little Egret, Cattle Egret, African Sacred Ibis and the Common Weaver. The bird count totals 18 local species as well as 52 migrant species.
The best time to visit is just before sunset when hundreds of birds fly in to roost in the treetops.
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