Experience the reserve
on foot

Whether you visit our Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve for the day or stay for the weekend, there’s plenty to do. One of the best ways to experience the reserve is on foot – exploring the different habitats and discovering the extraordinary diversity of life found within the largest connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth.

You can choose between two hiking trails and two shorter walking trails. Join one of our knowledgeable guides, who will help you spot the incredible life that thrives here – from aardwolves and their hidden latrines, to the majestic Black Harrier, soaring Cape Vulture, the fast-flying dragonflies and damselflies, and, of course, the many rare plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Alternatively, enjoy the trails self-guided at your own pace.

All the trails start from our Research & Visitor Centre.

Guided hike: R250 per person
(includes the conservation fee)

Self-guided hike: R60 per person conservation fee

To visit our reserve or to book a guided hike, please contact Sharon. Phone or WhatsApp: 072 056 9253 or email: bookings@overbergrenosterveld.org.za.

Aardwolf Trail

Starting from the Research & Visitor Centre, follow the clearly marked route towards the lookout point. From there, the trail winds down a jeep track and onto a single track that leads into a beautiful thicket of indigenous trees. The cool shade here is perfect for a short rest before tackling the next mild hill.

Keep an eye out for the small caves along the hillside – you never know what fascinating natural surprises you might discover there. The trail then joins the Quartz Trail, where you’ll encounter remarkable plant species that depend on these quartz patches for survival (many of these special species are highlighted through our signage), before returning to the lookout point and then back down to the centre.

Black Harrier Trail

This trail also starts at the Research & Visitor Centre. Hikers head up towards the lookout point before turning left at the top of the hill onto an easy road that winds gently downhill. Enjoy the relaxed descent – and just as you begin to leave the renosterveld landscape, take the clearly marked left turn onto a single track. The trail then follows the Melkhoutspruit, where you’ll encounter some incredible birdlife as you wind your way through the valley.

This trail teems with life, from the adorable Grey Climbing Mouse to a variety of tiny, harmless ant species. As you walk, notice how the landscape changes. Some areas were ploughed decades ago, yet have made an impressive recovery after being left to regenerate naturally (though they’ll never quite match the diversity of untouched renosterveld). The final stretch follows a service road and leads you back to the starting point, taking you through these recovering lands and unique quartzitic habitats and then back to the centre.

Quartz Trail

From the Research & Visitor Centre, make your way towards the lookout point. Once there, pause to take in panoramic views of the largest remaining expanse of connected renosterveld on Earth.

To your right, you’ll find a large sign introducing the Quartz Trail. Although short, this walk is rich in discovery – take your time to read the interpretive signage along the path, which highlights and explains some of the special plants that call these quartz patches home. The circular route brings you back to the lookout point.

Lookout Trail

This short stroll is well worth it for the sweeping views alone. The walk starts at the Research & Visitor Centre, and once at the lookout, you can enjoy the mural created by artist Nastasha Minyon Sale, situated just in front of the vast, connected renosterveld landscapes.

In the distance, you’ll see Plaatjieskraal, a renosterveld property purchased with the support of WWF South Africa, World Land Trust, WildLandscapes International and IUCN NL. To your right, you’ll spot Goereesoe, another property now owned and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust, thanks to World Land Trust and the Mapula Trust. Relax on the benches (you can even bring a sundowner with you) and watch as the sun sets over these landscapes, before returning to your accommodation on Haarwegskloof.

More about the Renosterveld Reserve

What you need to know about the Renosterveld Reserve:

1. The Renosterveld Reserve
2. Self-catering accommodation
3. The Shed
4. Activities
5. Map & Directions