Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
Western Cape
Just east of Cape Town lies the magnificent Hottentots Holland mountains. Encompassing this area is the great Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve which spans from Bot River in the south to Franschhoek to the north, and Villiersdorp in the east to the Helderberg Mountains in the west.
Access to the reserve is located at Nuweberg just north of Elgin. Much like the other nearby reserves, Hottentots Holland also plays a large role in the conservation of indigenous Cape Fynbos. The reserve is also a home to many wild creatures, including about 110 bird species, various antelope, and even the elusive leopard.
Popular hiking routes include the Boland Hiking Trail, the Boegoekloof Trail, and the easier Palmiet Trail. Kloofing at Suicide Gorge is also a great and exciting outing for more adventurous individuals. If jumping high heights is not your cup of tea, the Riviersonderend Route may be a better, safer option to consider. For mountain bikers there is the Groenlandberg Trail which meanders up the Groenlandberg, which will treat you to some great views of the coast. For a quicker ride, bikers can head on to the forest plantation trail located at the reserve office.
Photo by Andres de Wet at the English language Wikipedia.