Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

from 54 Google reviews

A body of water with a mountain in the background

About the garden

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.

The vegetation in this area of the Little Karoo is known as Robertson Karoo vegetation, with guarri, karee and melkbos shrubs, patches of mountain renosterveld and sweet-thorn trees. Grasses are scarce in this arid area, which has extremely high temperatures from November to March every year.

Opening times

Office Hours | 07h30 to 16h00

Useful details

Cafe or restaurant

No cafe or restaurant on site

Shops

None

Cape Winelands

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Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

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Google reviews

4.5
from 54 Google reviews

Dale Hes

a year ago

Currently closed for some ridiculous reason, and an absolute crying shame. This is a stunning little slice of the Karoo. The facilities are wonderful and well-kept, and include a shady, lush picnic area, well-marked trails and lovely bird hides. The reserve is very picturesque, boasting a good variety of Karoo habitats (including dry riverbeds, reed-fringed dams, mountains and typical Karoo scrub) which make for some excellent bird-watching in particular.

Andrew Woollon

3 months ago

A lovely experience! Cape Nature has done a wonderful job of making this a clean, tidy and welcoming day excursion. We took bicycles and cameras in May '22 and enjoyed the landscape and views for the better half of a day. Thank you and well done Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve.

Fabio Gallotta

a month ago

Beautiful trails to explore. Different grades of difficulty and distances. The Rooikat trail is definitely worth the time out there. Magnificent trail along the ridge of the peaks.

Richard Hayes

6 months ago

The reserve has something for everyone, from a gentle 1.5 km hike from the parking lot to two well maintained bird hides over water, through 8 km hike to the strenuous 19 km Rooikat trail. We go for the birds. From raptors to jewel like kingfishers there is always something to see. If you are lucky you can see one of the Fish Eagles from the area or the ever present Pale Chanting Goshawk.

Michael Pearton

5 months ago

Really interesting natural area with enjoyable hike and MTB trail ride. Also very good bird hides with lots of bird species.

Contact the garden

+27 (0)23 625 1621

capenature.co.za/reserves/

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