Dassieshoek Nature Reserve

About Dassieshoek Nature Reserve

Dassieshoek Local Nature Reserve lies just eight kilometres north of Robertson, about 2 hours' drive from the heart of Cape Town (158 km on the N1 and R60). It is a small nature reserve of little more than 767 hectares that lies hunched in among the Langeberg Mountains, a favourite with hikers but little known otherwise.

Did you know? Dassieshoek Trail is a two-day 38 km trail that incorporates the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve, heading deep into the Langeberge and its many gorges, and taking in the mountain fynbos.

It can, however, be the type of 'undiscovered' nature reserve that requires prior notice to enter. Simply arrive at the gates to hike and you may find yourself locked out. Luckily, should that be the case, you can always climb the style and head into the reserve unannounced, provided you have arranged permits for walking.

The birding community is no stranger to Dassieshoek. Because the reserve is not visited often, and awash with fynbos, it attracts an incredible array of birds: paradise flycatchers, fork-tailed drongos, lemon doves, Cape grassbirds, bar-throated apalis, jackal buzzards and red-winged starlings – to name but a few.

Dassieshoek Trail is a two-day 38 km trail that incorporates the reserve, heading deep into the Langeberge and its many gorges, and taking in the mountain fynbos. There is also an easier Waterfall Hike to a series of rock pools in the gorge, surrounded by indigenous trees and ferns – a wonderfully sedate walk that promises a cool swim at the end of it.

The reserve has a picnic and braai area near the car park.

To reach the reserve from Robertson head onto the gravel road that passes a quarry on your left and Keurkloof on your right, when it slowly climbs into the hills in a series of twists that demand careful driving. A huge dam on the left is just across from the entrance to Dassieshoek Nature Reserve.