WE ARE pleased to share a positive update following the recent fires in the Franschhoek area. Restoration work on the damaged footbridges has now been successfully completed, thanks to the hard work of the Helderberg Maintenance team. As a result, the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is open again, and all trails are accessible to hikers.
While the bridges are safe to use, hikers are advised to proceed with caution. The fires caused extensive damage to large portions of the trail network, and some sections remain uneven, unstable, or eroded. Over the coming months, teams should start working throughout the reserve to repair and rehabilitate the affected trails. This is a significant and costly process, and progress will take time.
Much of the reserve was impacted by the fires, and the flora has been heavily affected. However, signs of recovery are already visible, with post-fire flowers beginning to emerge in certain areas — a hopeful reminder of nature’s resilience!
We kindly ask hikers to be patient and understanding as restoration continues, and to remain vigilant while on the trails.
Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support – permit fees go directly toward trail repairs and the continued restoration of the reserve. Your contributions play an important role in helping Mont Rochelle recover.
MONT ROCHELLE NATURE RESERVE 