Vrolijkheid is a striking, rugged nature reserve in the Breede River valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the road to McGregor.
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.
Picnicking
Vrolijkheid has a lovely picnic area near the entrance, where visitors can enjoy the reserve’s tranquil beauty.
Hiking
There are three day hikes in the reserve: Rooikat, Heron and Boesmanskloof. The trails vary in difficulty, each offering views of the striking landscape.
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 (below). It leads to the first bird hide and back and has boards with interesting information in braille along the route.
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.
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.
[PLEASE VISIT THE
CAPE NATURE WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION ON THE LONGER TRAILS, ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES]
