Boland Mountain Complex

About Boland Mountain Complex

The Boland Mountain Complex includes the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, and Limietberg Nature Reserve. About 40 km to the east of Cape Town.

Visiting South Africa and staying in the Western Cape are unforgettable experiences, made even more incredible by the sheer variety of floral treasures found in and around the towns and cities. There are only six formal botanical kingdoms on the planet and the Cape Floral Region is one of them. This region is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa and its diversity of plant species is incredible, despite only taking up 0.04% of the earth’s surface. Importantly, this area is home to hundreds of endemic fynbos species, which are as varied as they are beautiful. It is within this protected area that the Boland Mountain Complex can be found.

The Western Cape is home to many mountains and ranges, giving the landscapes interesting contours and dramatic backdrops. The Boland Mountain Complex is close to the city of Cape Town and includes the Berg River and the Breede River, along with an important catchment area.

The Boland Mountain Complex comprises a number of exquisite nature reserves.

These include

• 1. Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve – this reserve is 90 kilometres from Cape Town, nestled amongst the little towns of Elgin, Villiersdorp and Grabouw. Its tall peaks, plunging valleys, and the Palmiet River winding through it lend the landscape a particularly rugged look and feel. This reserve is home to 1 300 plant species, which include some rare fynbos varieties.
• 2. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve – just outside the Winelands hotspot of Stellenbosch, this reserve includes the Jonkershoek Mountains and the Jonkershoek Valley. This is a popular hiking reserve, with gorgeous picnic spots along the river.
• 3. Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve – Assegaaibosch is actually part of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and is all about a tranquil escape from the city. Within its borders, visitors will find massive oak trees, beautiful fynbos, leopard, mongoose, and raptors. There are picnic and braai facilities too.
• 4. Limietberg Nature Reserve – also known as Hawequas, Limietberg is close to Paarl and Franschhoek and offers loads of hiking and walking trails. The Breede and Berg rivers flow through it, and it is the natural habitat of many different animals and plants. The rivers are excellent for fishing, and the ancient rock art is always a popular find for visitors with an adventurous streak.
• 5. Kogelberg Nature Reserve – this is just south of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, and boasts 1 800 different plant species, of which 150 are endemic. It is particularly scenic and is made up of forests, valleys and steep ravines. Kogelberg is home to a herd of wild horses, as well as leopards, antelope, baboons, and birds of prey.

Each of the reserves of the Boland Mountain Complex have their own entrance times and features. Visiting them on formal tours or on your own will reveal the secret splendours of the Western Cape that make South Africa such an unforgettable destination.