Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
4.5
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
157 reviews
Excellent
111
Very good
41
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5
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0
BrettGarner
Franschhoek, South Africa11 contributions
The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve offers commanding views of the Franschhoek Valley, Wemmershoek Dam and parts of Theewaterskloof Dam. On a clear day Table Mountain is visible and seems almost close enough to touch! It makes for a hilly and challenging walk in places with access to a small number of rivers and rock pools that are glorious in summer but a little chilly and swollen in winter. There are a small number of routes and walks take anything from an hour to a day. There's no overnight hiking, which is a pity.
There are some small buck, the (very) occasional leopard, the odd bod (although it's not nearly as popular as it deserves to be), a good number of birds, a massive selection of fynbos, generally friendly creepy crawlies and those views! Venomous snakes are visible in summer but they tend to dissappear in time not to a problem. Decent walking shoes, water and a camera are a must. As with all outdoor areas, especially in the Western Cape, the weather can be fickle so go prepared with some warm clothes, nibbles and a torch - just in case.
There's a decent map available from the local info office and entry costs R20 pp or a little more than R100 for a family for the year.
There are some small buck, the (very) occasional leopard, the odd bod (although it's not nearly as popular as it deserves to be), a good number of birds, a massive selection of fynbos, generally friendly creepy crawlies and those views! Venomous snakes are visible in summer but they tend to dissappear in time not to a problem. Decent walking shoes, water and a camera are a must. As with all outdoor areas, especially in the Western Cape, the weather can be fickle so go prepared with some warm clothes, nibbles and a torch - just in case.
There's a decent map available from the local info office and entry costs R20 pp or a little more than R100 for a family for the year.
Written June 9, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily M
New York City, NY8 contributions
Dec 2015 • Couples
We took the Uitkyk Trail, which was about 5.5 miles / 9 km. We took 4.5 hours to do it, but that includes frequent stops to enjoy the scenery and about 45 minutes at the top to eat lunch. The trail will be easy enough for anyone with moderate fitness, and sturdy running shoes were adequate -- no hiking boots necessary. Be sure to go early in the day and bring plenty of water during summer, though, since the trail offers little shade and can get quite hot.
Written December 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdlh
24 contributions
Feb 2011
The reserve offer a wonderful array of walk, varying in length and difficulty. If you are fit and like to walk fast you can halve the times estimated in the reserve map.
Paths are beautifully maintained and are very clearly marked.
If you are a bird watcher look out for the Cape Rockjumper. I saw quite a few on the walk to DuToitskop.
The views from DuToitskop are spectacular.
You will enjoy your hike.
Paths are beautifully maintained and are very clearly marked.
If you are a bird watcher look out for the Cape Rockjumper. I saw quite a few on the walk to DuToitskop.
The views from DuToitskop are spectacular.
You will enjoy your hike.
Written February 7, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid L
Cape Town, South Africa83 contributions
May 2018 • Family
My family always does a Mothers Day hike followed by a gourmet picnic - avoiding the masses of restaurants, family grumbles, bad service and overpriced foods - we've always hit the jackpot on walks, fresh air and family bonding. This time we selected Dutoitskop Trail in Mont Rochelle Reserve just around the corner from Franschoek.
Absolutely mind- blowing views and breathtaking scenery with flowers, klipspringer, and bird life in abundance. I would say the entrance however was a steep R50 per person. For this - there are horrible toilet facilities - a very outdated map which you still have to buy in addition to the entry permit and overall the picnic facilities in the area was no point in moaning about - as they basically dont exist.! one table area in the parking area - They have a captive market with people who would love to stay but kind of move on. There are no Wild Card discounts as its not affiliated to Cape Nature...
We loved the walk but probably wouldn't rush back...
Absolutely mind- blowing views and breathtaking scenery with flowers, klipspringer, and bird life in abundance. I would say the entrance however was a steep R50 per person. For this - there are horrible toilet facilities - a very outdated map which you still have to buy in addition to the entry permit and overall the picnic facilities in the area was no point in moaning about - as they basically dont exist.! one table area in the parking area - They have a captive market with people who would love to stay but kind of move on. There are no Wild Card discounts as its not affiliated to Cape Nature...
We loved the walk but probably wouldn't rush back...
Written May 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wprincess4
Ottawa, Canada233 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Firstly...we are in our early 60's...and for us the easy walk was quite a hike...so take that into account.
We loved the hike through fynbos climbing up to see the spectacular views. The wind was blowing a gale and that made it both interesting and a bit more difficult. Strongly suggest running shoes or better footwear. It was definitely worth the walk...lovely few hours in peace and quiet the wind notwithstanding.
We loved the hike through fynbos climbing up to see the spectacular views. The wind was blowing a gale and that made it both interesting and a bit more difficult. Strongly suggest running shoes or better footwear. It was definitely worth the walk...lovely few hours in peace and quiet the wind notwithstanding.
Written February 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trisha500
London30 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
This really is a lovely place to go. We hiked the Uitkyk path - a there-and-back (7km total) trail. Probably one of the most rewarding shorter walks I've ever done... Beautiful fynbos plants, incredible views - and we saw a klipspringer and baboons too (safe here - they do not approach people). Note that you can buy your passes from the tourist office and various places in Franschhoek - as well as from the ranger's hut.
Written November 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeraldCPT
Franschhoek, South Africa87 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
If you would like a great walk that is not too taxing, you cannot go wrong with driving up to the top of the Franschhoek Pass and turning left into the parking area of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. The walks are of varied length but all offer great views. Buy a permit and get a map in town before you set off though.
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gbwt
Knysna, South Africa109 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Various different hikes to choose from. Paths are well-marked and maintained. The views towards Franschhoek and the surrounding valleys are superb on a clear day. You need to get a permit at the Franschhoek Tourism Office before you go.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Petal01
Johannesburg5 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
If you are looking for something different to do on a pleasant day in Franschhoek a hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is recommended. For two people with the handy map and info guide cost R50. Permits can be bought at the Information Office in the centre of Franschhoek. Routes not always clearly marked but are pretty easy to figure out. The views along the way will make this an most enjoyable day out. Recommended to take your camera with for some truly magnificent photos of the Franschhoek valley.
Written June 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tessa23
Franschhoek, South Africa10 contributions
Mar 2012 • Solo
Both half and full day hikes. Beautiful vistas 180 degrees; indigenous plants well maintained by removal of alien Australian wattles and eucalyptus and American pines. A permit must be purchased from the Tourism bureau for R20pp. Adequate parking and a well drawn up glossy brochure/map in colour is available.
Written May 25, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
we plan a visit to Franschhoek in August 2019. As we are traveling with kids 11 and 13, I'd like to ask if is it safe to hike Mt Rochelle? Should we beware of snakes or is there anything else that has to be considered.
Written May 20, 2019
The Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is fairly safe. Access is controlled by a permit system. with regards to wildlife, always remember that this is nature and we are entering "their territory". One always has to be mindful of this. With August being during Cape Town's winter season, your chances of coming across a snake is minimal. It is a BEAUTIFUL reserve so go out and enjoy it!
Written June 23, 2019
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