VROLIJKHEID NATURE RESERVE

Vrolijkheid is a striking, rugged nature reserve in the Breede River valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the road to McGregor. The rocky landscape is starkly beautiful, dominated by patches of succulents, dwarf trees and shrubs. In spring, Vrolijkheid lives up to its name –happiness – as splashes of bright orange botterblom daisies decorate the reserve.

There are five cottages. Each sleeps up to 8 people in four bedrooms, two with a double bed and two with two single beds (of which one room with 2 single beds is located outside in the loft). Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen and lounge area with indoor fireplace, and exclusive outside break area. Luiperd and Rooikat cottages have jacuzzis. Ichelesi has its own swimming pool which is ideal for the hot summer days.




Activities:

Bird Watching:
There are two bird hides at the upper dam, one having universal access. There is also a bird hide at the lower dam. The bird hides can alternatively be reached by driving to the parking area on Steenboksvlakte/Stormsvlei Road.
Mountain Biking:
Vrolijkheid has a scenic 8km mountain bike trail that meanders through the reserve. The trail takes about an hour.

Trails:
The Braille trail is a new trail for visually impaired visitors that follows the first kilometre of the Heron Trail (above). It leads to the first bird hide and back and has boards with interesting information in braille along the route.(1km - 1hour)


The Heron Trail is an easy that takes you to two dams, the first with a wonderful bird hide and the second with two bird hides, one of which is wheelchair-friendly (3km - 1hour)

The Rooikat Trail is a circular trail which winds up around the Elandsberg Mountains. On the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend Mountains, and the odd springbok nibbling on the succulent Karoo vegetation. The route is fairly strenuous and it can be very hot during summer. There is no water available along the route, hikers must take their own - 2 litres or more per person. If you set out early, you should make it back before nightfall. Start your outing with a visit to the information centre at the entrance for more information on the reserve and its vegetation. (19km, 7 - 8 hours)

The Agama Trail is a 9km route that starts at the parking bay by the information centre. It was done in collaboration with Friends of Vrolijkheid team. It leads the hiker to a dam known as Island dam, due to the small island found there, that has birdlife all year round when there is water in the dam. Here one can view various water birds. This trail is mostly along the management jeep track that takes one through the reserve to view some wonderful vistas or even the odd Duiker or Klipspringer for the sharp eyed hiker until it joins the Rooikat Trail. It then takes the hiker to the second bird sidelong the dam wall as to not disturb the bird life. The hiker can now follow the Heron trail back to the other bird hide and the parking area.
(9km - 2 hours)

Highlights:
Tennis court
Outdoor gym & jungle gym
Put put area
Recreational area
Swimming pool


Conservation fees:
Adults Day Access = R50; Overnight fee = R40
Children Day Access = R30; Overnight fee = R20