Helderberg in Somerset West

Day Trips and Tours in Somerset West and the Western Cape

You can quickly and easily reach the famous Garden Route, the Helderberg Wine Route,
the Winelands of the Cape, the Cape of Good Hope or the most southern point of South Africa, the Cape Aghulas. Many fabulous golf courses in the immediate vicinity of our house guests, invite you to enjoy an unforgettable golf experience with spectacular views of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountains. The 245 ha large Helderberg Nature Reserve offers vistors well marked paths for long walks and hikes.

The flora consists predominantly fynbos vegetation. You will also see the famous silver trees, which are unique to the Cape. Similarly, small antelopes, turtles and monkeys are also roaming the area. With its diverse bird life in five different ecological zones, 169 species and a unique flora, the Helderberg Nature Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers.

At Cape Point, the southern point of the Cape of Good Hope, you can watch the spectacle of the massive convergence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. rom the Hottentot Holland mountains the visitor overlooks the entire False Bay - from the Gordon's Bay to Muizenberg and across the Cape Peninsula towards Table Mountain.

Vergelegen

Vergelegen - The historic winery in the heart of Somerset West

The Winery Vergelegen in Somerset West is one of the most historical vineyards in the Western Cape.
Vergelegen offers visitors guided tours, cellar tours and wine tastings. A stroll through the vast, beautiful gardens around the mansion of the wine estate are very worthwhile. The Lady of Phillip's tea garden invites you to a meal in historic surroundings. The restaurant in the victorian style is known for his cuisine, so a prior booking is essential through the high popularity.

The Vergelegen wine estate and the gardens were designed by Simon van der Stel in 18th Century. He had a major impact on the contemporary appearance with an octagonal herb garden, a rose garden with a beautiful terrace and the garden koi carp pond. The massive formation of camphor trees descend from that time, which have been declared national monuments.
The estate also houses the oldest oak tree in South Africa.

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg Nature Reserve

The Helderberg Nature Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers. The Helderberg Nature Reserve,
with it's typical fynbos vegetation and species-rich bird life stretches along the south side of the Helderberg up to the Westpeak in close to 1000 meters of altitude.

Short walks in the nature reserve offering fantastic nature experiences, a longer walk is rewarded with a view of the surrounding Hottentots Holland mountains, across the sea to the Cape of Good Hope or to the Table Mountain in Cape Town.
The wildlife in the Helderberg Nature Reserve allows observations of a variety of bird species, the Bontebok - a small antelope and tortoises. In particular, the many beautiful picnic areas invite you to linger, and offer close experiences with the ubiquitous tortoises. The Helderberg Nature Reserve can be reached conveniently, it's located a few minute drive from our guest house in Somerset West.

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Monkey Town - monkey conservation park in Somerset West

The Monkey Town Monkey Park was established in December 2000 by the owner Roslin Grobler,
through her love for these unique animals. The monkey park is home to about 230 monkeys and 27 species were the most of the monkeys were rescued or adopted and found a new home in the monkey park. The Monkey Town on the outskirts of Somerset West gives visitors the opportunity to experience the world of monkeys and actively contribute to the preservation of these wonderful animals.

Monkey Town is substantially different from the tourist-oriented monkey parks, the private owners put high value on the preservation of the environment. All species of monkeys live in large free-running areas and the visitor is guided on a defined path through the monkey park without interfere the habitat of the animals. This allows to experience the monkeys in their natural social behavior.

Cape of Good Hope

Cape Peninsula National Park - Cape of Good Hope

In 1939 the area around the Cape of Good Hope was declared a National Park.
The Nature Reserve is located on the southern peninsula of the Cape Peninsula National Park and stretches along a 40 km coastline. On the way to the tip of the Cape Peninsula, we pass by the rocky coastline of Buffels Bay, the Smitswinkel Bay and the Dias beach. The coastline towards the Cape of Hood Hope offers beautiful views of False Bay.

Half way to Cape Point you will find a museum exhibition on the flora and fauna of the nature reserve at Cape of Good Hope. The road to the tip of the Cape Peninsula offers on both sides a spectacular panoramic view. Often large groups of baboons range beside the road. Arrived at Cape Point, a steep path leads up to the 1860 built lighthouse. Look down at the western side of the lighthouse and you can see the Cape of Good Hope, where a trail leads down through the fynbos-covered cliffs. If you should shun the 45-minute hike, you can drive directly to Maclear's Beach parking lot at the Cape of Good Hope in 10 minutes.