Helderberg Farm is situated on the Klein Helderbergpad about one kilometre from the R44 and a 45-minute drive from Cape Town city centre. This farm offers a traditional South African charm as well as a friendly atmosphere and is an ideal destination for a short daytrip with the family.
Get in touch with nature
The Hendrikz/Obermeyer family who manages the farm is the sixth generation to have lived and farmed in the unique Boland winelands. They deliberately steer clear of the run-of-the-mill commercialism in order to provide an authentic and charming farm experience to visitors.
The farm is situated at the foot of the Helderberg Mountain, and the unique location of the farm allows one to truly get in touch with nature. The mountain indicates expected weather patterns of the upcoming days: if there are clouds gathering around the top, rain can be expected. Clear skies, on the other hand, result in beautiful sunny days to come – the perfect time to be outside amidst the wild.
Visitors can expect to encounter indigenous wildlife while they explore the farm. The fish eagle’s cry is regularly heard, blue cranes pass overhead on their way to Caledon and the Overberg and cape clawless otters leave their characteristic prints in the mud. You may even come across the tracks of the cape leopard. Visiting birdwatchers have sighted over 100 different species of bird. The farm is also home to one of the biggest Mountain Candlewood trees in South Africa. Klaas Vechtman, the original owner of the farm in 1692, planted trees which remain to this day. Visitors can be assured of having a surreal experience in the woodlands on the mountain side. Even the overseas visitors, who are aware of the abundance of wild mushrooms, return regularly to experience these delicacies.
Feel like you’re on top of the world; the farm’s hiking trails provide visitors an extraordinary panoramic view of the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, Table Bay and Table Mountain. On a clear day, hikers can even see Robben Island which is approximately 65km away. The total distance of the Helderberg Farm hiking trail is around 20km, peaking at 1 136 metre above sea level.
Helderberg Farm invites you to come and enjoy all there is to offer!
Seasonal strawberry picking, hiking trails, mountain biking, 4×4 routes (5km), combat games like paintball and laser tag, bird watching, African drumming, as well as picnic or braai spots, a Tea Garden, play park and animal farmyard are just some of the facilities and activities visitors can enjoy.
Enjoy a snack and beautiful views at the Tea Garden
Helderberg Farm houses a lovely Tea Garden in the rustic old Cape Dutch style. Visitors can relax with a cup of their famous filter coffee and a slice of Ruda’s homemade chocolate cake, baked cheesecake, a scone with Ruda’s homemade strawberry jam, or simply enjoy a triple sandwich. You may be seated outside in the warm sunshine or under the shady trees, overlooking the beautiful garden and the grassy children’s playground. While parents relax outside, enjoying the great views from the Tea Garden, the children can play to their hearts delight in the playground.
During winter time, you can warm up by the cozy fireplace in Die Stal which is also available for functions and conferences. In the Tea Garden you will also find all the information you need about the facilities and activities available on the farm, including permits for hiking, mountain biking, picnic and braai, strawberry picking and the 4×4 route.
Bring your toddlers to spend some time in the private, fenced-off playpark or enjoy a real old farm experience in the animal farmyard with the chickens, doves, bunnies, ducks and goats. Animal feed is available at the Tea Garden.
Be adventurous on the hiking and mountain biking trails
At Helderberg Farm you can choose between 5 scenic hiking sections with various levels of difficulty. Each section has labelled a different color to easily distinguish between them. The green section is considered the easiest route of about 1.8 km and the brown section is considered the most difficult route of about 11 km annd should not be attempted on a cloudy day. Permits can be purchased at the Tea Garden:
- R35 per person for adults
- R25 per person for kids six to 18 years old
- R25 per person for pensioners from 65 years old
The farm’s mountain biking trails are also varied in difficulty. They have everything from a relaxing section through the forest to an almost impossible heartbreak hill section. The trail is designed and built to an international standard. At Helderberg Farm you can choose between 4 scenic cycling sections, each section labelled a different color to distinguish between them. Permits can be purchased at the Tea Garden:
- R60 per person for adults
- R30 per person for kids six to 18 years old
- R30 per person for pensioners from 65 years old
Practice your aim with S.W.A.T Laser Tag
The Helderberg Farm is one of the locations that houses S.W.A.T Laser Tag. S.W.A.T Laser Tag Games is a make-believe combat game that can be enjoyed by all members of the family. Laser Tag is suitable for all ages from six and up, and both the guys and gals can play this new form of laser tag with ease. SWAT Laser Tag is safe, environmentally friendly, exciting and challenging to play.
Unlike Paintball Games the Laser Tag Gun projects a harmless infrared beam, so no pain and bruises! Once you get used to the equipment you will find the laser tag guns deadly accurate and be amazed at the effective range of the laser taggers. S.W.A.T ensures that unlimited ammunition and lives are included in their rate, so no sitting around watching your friends play after an early elimination. They do of course progress to more challenging laser tag missions after the first few rounds, so the quicker you aim better, the higher your chances of survival in the last few S.W.A.T Laser Tag challenges.
Laser tag sessions must be booked in advance; do so online or by contacting Donovan at 074 188 8777.
Costs are R200 per person and includes the entry fee to Helderberg farm, two hours S.W.A.T Laser Tag challenge, picnic area with braai drum and table, and access to the farm’s facilities such as farm stalls, toilets, hiking and biking trails, the dam, etc.
Get a true farm experience with strawberry picking
Helderberg Farm has been growing strawberries since the early 1960s and is well known for its delicious and sweet strawberries. Mainly organic fertilizer and biological methods of pest control is used and the use of other chemicals is kept to an absolute minimum.
Strawberry picking is available from October to November, but is closed on Sundays. Booking is essential.
An ideal spot for braais and picnics
Granny’s Forest offers a variety of picnic and braai sites that can cater for up to 200 people; however, bookings are essential. All the braai spots are next to the river and are surrounded by trees. The braai spots are equipped with a small bench for four to 10 people and a braai drum. Visitors are welcome to bring their own camping chairs, gazebos or umbrellas, and must bring their own catering, wood, charcoal and braai grids.
The picnic spots are available on grass fields with trees for shade. Picnic spots do not include any tables, chairs or braai facilities. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets, catering, camping chairs, gazebos or umbrellas.
To maintain a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, music will not be allowed at the braai and picnic areas.
The perfect venue for special occasions
Helderberg Farm offers a variety of outdoor venues, making it possible for you to host your dream event, function from company year-end functions, family get-togethers, kitchen tea, bachelors, baby shower or just friends spending time together.
They offer unique garden or forest venues with a rustic feel and serene atmosphere, surrounded by nature at the foot of the majestic Helderberg Mountain. Choose between forest venues, garden venues, open grass field venues, casual braai spots or a fenced venue ideal for kiddies’ parties.
Have your dream outdoor wedding at their forest amphitheater. The venue is also popular for informal picnic style weddings and functions. With views that overlook the beautiful gardens and ancient oak trees, hiking trails through the forest leading to a dam and vineyards with the mountain as a background, you can take the most beautiful photos.
Yes, they are dog friendly
Furry companions are welcome, but please register your dog and purchase your dog’s life-time permit at the Tea Garden upon arrival. The permit costs R125 and includes a colour-coded lead. The lead options are:
- Green: Friendly / approachable
- Red: Caution / not approachable
- Blue: Trained (training certificates need to be provided upon registration)
All dogs must be on leads at all times. Dogs on blue leads may only be off lead on the hiking trails. If Green or Red lead dogs are caught off lead, or if Blue lead dogs are caught off lead outside the trail, permits will be terminated and owners may not re-apply.
Details:
- Location: Klein Helderberg Road off, R44, Somerset West, Raithby, 7130
- Website: helderbergplaas.co.za
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Picture: Helderberg Farm / Facebook
