Somerset West - Heiderberg Nature Reserve

On the outskirts of Somerset West, at the foot of the Heiderberg (1,138m/3734ft), is the Heiderberg Nature Reserve (area 245 ha/605ac) which was established in 1960. It is famed mainly for its many species of protea and its rich bird life. There are a number of hiking trails through the reserve, the finest of which is one running up through the Disa Gorge (named after the disa orchid, which flowers from December to the beginning of February) to the summit of the hill, the Heiderberg Dome, from which there are fascinating views.