Things to do near
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Sports Stadiums Clubs
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Grabouw (8.2 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Nestled in the pristine and tranquil Kogelberg Biosphere you will find one of the best kept secrets of the Cape Overberg.
The Elgin Grabouw Country Club boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Hottentots Holland, Nuweberg and Groenland Mountains. Combined with the waterfront ambiance of the Eikenhof Dam and the extensive pine forests, this venue will leave you with an overwhelming sense of tranquillity and enchantment.
The surrounding mountains are immensely popular with hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers and the Country Club acts as the “gateway to the great outdoors” in that it is the ideal base for excursions into the surrounding mountains. Bring the whole family for a wonderful day out in the Overberg.
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (8.5 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) The Swartboskloof Trail starts with a steep 4,5 km ascent up Swartboskloof before leveling out along on the top. Enjoy the knockout views before descending Kurktrekker to join the Tweede Waterval Trail. This route can be inaccessible after heavy rainfall in winter.
Duration: 8 – 9 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to tough
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (8.5 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) The Tweede Waterval Trail is an easy out-and-return walk offering fantastic vistas. The 6.5 km trail leads through sections of longstanding forest near the Eerste River and into a ravine. There is a shorter 5.3 km option.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6.4 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (8.5 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) The 17 km Panorama Trail in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is graded moderate to strenuous but the effort is worthwhile for the views alone. Stunning panoramas over the entire Jonkershoek valley and rich mountain fynbos make this a very popular trail. The descent to Kurktrekker is particularly spectacular.
Duration: 8 hours
Difficulty: Tough
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (10.4 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) The 5.3 km route from Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof walk is an easygoing walk through sections of relic forest and past a waterfall in winter. Take the circular drive after Jonkershoek Nature Reserve office and look for the first parking area to reach the start.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.3 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (10.4 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) The Swartboskloof Sosyskloof 6.9 km walk is an easy trail through segments of an old forest. Take the circular drive after Jonkershoek Nature Reserve office and look for the first parking area to reach the start.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 6.9 km
Hiking Trail
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Somerset West (10.9 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Go on guided walks and wine tastings on the Schapenberg Hills in the Somerset West, Sir Lowry's Pass vicinity.
Admire beautiful scenery and views across False bay and the Helderberg Basin. The area is rich in fynbos, which your guide will tell you about.
Enjoy a picnic and wine tasting at one of the participating farms.
The guided walks costs about R150 per person. Prices are subject to change without notice.
Galleries and Museums
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Grabouw (11.2 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Paul Cluver Forest Amphitheatre is one of the most unique and awe inspiring settings for performances in the Overberg. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate 600 seater-arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.Pack a picnic basket, purchase estate wine and come enjoy an evening of entertainment with great stars, under the stars!Only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International.Need to know? Blankets, cushions and warm jackets are recommended. Seats are unreserved on a first come, first served basis. Limited table bookings available at an additional cost. (For table bookings call 021 8440605).
Popular Attractions
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Somerset West (13.2 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Based in Somerset West, X Paintball is ready to take on large groups for an adrenalin-pumping paintball session.
All sessions are scenario based, making it an interactive, strategic and realistic paintball experience. There are three fields available, comprising bush, urban and tire environments, but can be combined together to create one large play area. Facilities include a braai area with tables and chairs, tuck shop and toilets.
Bookings are encouraged if you desire a private group session, or you may engage in social open sessions every first Sunday of the month. Rentals and markers are available.
Nature Reserves
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Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (13.5 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Beautiful well-maintained and managed nature reserve approx 15km from Stellenbosch. A favourite for Stellenbosch residents and well worth the visit. Offers an amazing array of trails suitable for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers.
The trails will suit the novice to the most experienced athlete. Stunning waterfalls and rivers are easily accessible and make an ideal picnic excursion for the family. Cash required to pay for entry permit at the gate.
Wine Estates
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Somerset West (14 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Lourensford Estate offers a lot more than just wine – you can embark on a unique sensory and tasting experience. Nibble delicious nougat, chomp truffles and over 40 different types of chocolates or eyeball, sniff and sip at the wine tasting and more. There’s also a world class cheesery, coffee roastery, charming River Garden Deli & Eatery as well as an art gallery. At Lourensford there’s something for every connoisseur.
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (14.6 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Route C in the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is a circular trail to a beautiful wildflower garden that showcases a wide variety of fynbos species. There are some lovely picnic spots on the banks of the dam.
Note: If you plan to picnic here, you are no longer required to book. Entry is strictly on a first come first served basis, as the capacity is limited to 60 people per day. Light meals are served at Chaplin’s Coffee Shop. Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is open daily from 07:30 to 16:00.
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.5 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (14.6 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve offers three walking trails through a wide variety of fynbos species. The reserve was once a wildflower garden that is no longer cultivated and visitors are welcome to explore the garden.
Route A starts at the picnic site and meanders to the wild flower garden and back. Assegaaibosch conservation station has a freshwater aquarium and information display. Visitors can also fish for rainbow trout; the best season for this is during the winter months. Light meals are served at Chaplins Coffee Shop.
Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.9 km
Hiking Trail
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Stellenbosch (14.6 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve offers three walking trails through a wide variety of fynbos species. The reserve was once a wildflower garden that is no longer cultivated and visitors are welcome to explore the garden.
Route B starts at the picnic site by way of the junction signs before returning to the start. Don't miss visiting the freshwater aquarium at the Assegaaibosch conservation station. Visitors can also fish for rainbow trout; the best season for this is during the winter months. Light meals are served at Chaplins Coffee Shop.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5.1 km
Wine Estates
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Somerset West (14.8 km from Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) Officially part of the Helderberg Wine Route, Vergelegen is undeniably the best reason to visit the town of Somerset West. Not only are the Cape Dutch buildings national treasures, but the estate produces a range of South Africa's best wines.A notorious history precedes the grandiose estate, primarily built by Dutch East India Company slaves brought by the governor Simon van der Stel. Today the farm is owned by a subsidiary of the large mining company Anglo American, who restored the farmhouse to its original magnificence.Stroll through the massive grounds planted with chestnut and camphor trees. Beautiful ponds and streams make this one of the most tranquil places to picnic or chill out in. The interpretative centre provides an interesting overview of the history and environment of Vergelegen.Open daily 9:30am – 4pmLady Phillips Restaurant: 021 847 1346.