Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

About Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve lies in part of the UNESCO Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve on the Franschhoek Pass.

Did you know? You can pic-nic at Mont Rochelle – picnics here are ‘good for the soul' and the play is on simplicity and pleasure. You can stroll through vineyards to a dam, through a rose garden or simply sit under a weeping willow to unpack your basket of delights, and a bottle of chilled wine.

Described by visitors as 'incredible' and 'beautiful', the nature reserve is extremely popular with hikers and day visitors who head to the reserve to enjoy the views and the trails.

Trails like Perdekop Trail - a 13.5 km hike that takes you up Perdekop Peak to an elevation of 1575 metres with breathtaking views - or the 7.5 km DuToitskop Trail up Du Toitskop (takes 5 hours; challenging because of the hills), 1470 metres above sea level, with equally gorgeous views. And if those sound a little too taxing, then head up Breakfast Rock Trail, a short walk, or Aalwynkop Trail, an even shorter one, but perfect when the aloes are in bloom.

If you're simply after views, then you already find these at the parking area over the Franschhoek valley.

Mont Rochelle is filled with a vast array of fynbos that includes ericas, proteas, pinchushions and restios. If you're in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve for the views and fynbos alone then there are little rivers and rock pools along the way that serve as resting points and superb spots at which to bird watch.

To access the Mont Rochelle reserve head up to the top of the Franschhoek pass but make sure to get your permits and a map from the tourism or information office on Main Road in Franschhoek first, as you might stray from the path without it.

Plenty of water, sun hats and time is all you need for a day's worth of beauty and the odd challenging trail (even those who have got caught here in the wind and rain advocate that the reserve has been worth it). Oh, and take your camera – you won't be sorry.