Helderberg Farm / Somerset West

Helderberg Farm is a hidden gem in the Boland Winelands, offering a unique blend of traditional South African charm and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Besides a lovely Tea Garden, Braai and Picnic Areas, animal feeding and mountain biking and hiking trails, they also offer additional activities such as strawberry picking and Laser Tag. So it surely doesn’t get boring during your visit!

On top of that, visitors to Helderberg Farm are likely to encounter a variety of indigenous wildlife. From the distinctive call of the fish eagle to the graceful flight of blue cranes and the elusive tracks of cape clawless otters and even the rare cape leopard, the farm is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Birdwatchers will be thrilled to know that over 100 different species have been sighted here, making it a paradise for ornithologists.

Hiking & Mountain Biking

Their hiking trails, which extend up to 20km and reach a peak of 1136 meters above sea level, offer panoramic views that stretch from the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, Table Mountain and on clear days, hikers will even be able to spot Robben Island, which is approximately 65km away.

At Helderberg Farm, you have the option to explore five scenic hiking trails, each offering a different level of difficulty. To make it easy, they’ve colour-coded each trail section in a green, red, yellow, blue and brown section so that you can decide from the beginning which route is most suitable for you.

Each section differs in length and difficulty. You can find more details on each hiking trail here: HIKING TRAILS

A similar system applies to their Mountain Biking Trails. Helderberg Farm has 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. You can choose between 4 scenic cycling sections with various levels of difficulty. You can find out more about their Mountain Bike Trails here: BIKING

Please note that each activity requires a valid permit which can be purchased at the Tea Garden.

The Tea Garden & Picnics & Braais

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the Tea Garden provides a delightful spot to unwind, offering homemade treats like Ruda’s chocolate cake and cheesecake. Nestled among majestic willow and oak trees, the Tea Garden also features a kiddies’ playground, making it a perfect spot for families. The kiddies can also visit the Animal Farmyard with the chickens, doves, bunnies, ducks and goats. Animal feed is available at the Tea Garden. During strawberry season, from October to December, visitors can also handpick fresh, bio-friendly strawberries, though the farm is closed for picking on Sundays.

Find out more about the Strawberry picking time slots and rates here: STRAWBERRY PICKING

Helderberg Farm also boasts an array of picnic and braai sites, each accommodating up to 10 people, as well as private venues that can host up to 200 guests. Whether you’re planning a rustic farm wedding, a kiddies’ party, or a cozy winter gathering by the fireplace at Die Stal, Helderberg farm offers a perfect setting for any occasion. Just be aware that you will secure a braai or picnic spot beforehand as this activity also requires a permit per person. The good news is that those permits include free access to the Hiking trail, the Animal Farmyard and Play-Park.

You can find out about their Picnic and Braai spots here: PICNIC & BRAAI

Dog lovers will be pleased to know that Helderberg Farm is dog-friendly. Upon arrival, simply register your dog and purchase a lifetime permit at the Tea Garden. Please ensure your furry friend is on a lead at all times to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Our Experience

We spent some time at the Tea Garden and enjoyed a good coffee and cool drinks on a warm day. The kids were busy feeding the cute animals and checking out the play area. The playground is a bit worn down and could do with some new love, but overall the kiddos had a great time and also enjoyed the little sandpit right next to the tables outside. The treats and drinks are very affordable and the farm is huge. We haven’t tried their hiking trails or mountain biking trails, but I’m sure the area is amazing and you can spend some great time being out in nature and soaking in the spectacular views and animal sightings. We definitely want to come back for some strawberry picking action in summer!

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️