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.Continue reading “Trail update: Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve reopens”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Trail closure notice: Fire damage in the reserve
RECENT fires in the Franschhoek area have caused significant damage to parts of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. For safety reasons, sections of our trail network will remain closed to hikers while restoration work is undertaken. The Uitkyk and DuToitskop trails are closed to regular hikers as the footbridge that secures safe access to theContinue reading “Trail closure notice: Fire damage in the reserve”
Closed due to wildfires
Wildfires in the Franschhoek area have spread towards the Month Rochelle Nature Reserve. We are closed for at least the weekend and will update once the danger to hikers has passed. (10/1/2026)
We are open
The reserve has be reopened following a day-long closure at the request of Fire Services. The reserve was not affected by fires in the area and is no longer facing potential fire risk. Hikers are free to enter any time from sunrise to sunset (9/1/2026).
Temporary closure
Due to fires in the Franschhoek area, the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is temporarily closed. Once Fire Services has signaled that fires are contained and not a threat to hikers, we will reopen. (8/1/2026).
Closed 10 – 12 June 2024
PLEASE note that the reserve will be closed next week Monday to Wednesday (10 – 12 June 2024) as the Franschhoek Pass will be closed for maintenance. We will reopen on Thursday, 13 June.
Franschhoek Pass Reopened
WE ARE glad to announce that the Franschhoek Pass has been reopened. Starting Wednesday, 28 February 2024, the reserve is open to hikers seven days a week. That means all routes are open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the week. Happy hiking!
Proposed Franschhoek Skytram
WITH regard to the Franschhoek Skytram development proposal the Advisory Board of the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve wishes to put the following on record:
We are open!
RESTORATION work has been completed successfully and we are open as of 7 July. The damaged part of the Uitkyk Trail now includes a wooden walkway to help combat further erosion to the damaged area.
K-Way MaXiRace
THE K-Way MaxiRace Cape Winelands is taking place this weekend and one of its routes will cross Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Please note that on Saturday 1 October 2022 regular hikers will only be allowed to enter the reserve from 11am. Find out more about the race at their official website: MaXiRace Cape Winelands orContinue reading “K-Way MaXiRace”
MONT ROCHELLE NATURE RESERVE 