Situated in Somerset West on the slopes of the beautiful Helderberg Mountain overlooking False Bay, the rich natural environment of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life.

There are eight trails in the Reserve, of which the Brown Route and Baboon Traverse are non-circular. Many regular walkers buy an Early Riser key which allows them access to the Reserve on foot before opening hours. This is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy a quiet walk. Early Riser keys are available from the Visitor Centre. Guided hikes and gentle interpretative day and night walks are held frequently throughout the year.

The Nature Reserve also offers a visitor centre, gift shop, picnic area and a restaurant.

The Helderberg Nature Reserve is owned and managed by the City of Cape Town with the support of the Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve. The Reserve reaches up as far as the cliff faces and the peaks above the Reserve are managed by CapeNature.

The Friends of the Helderberg Nature Reserve is a community-based organisation which helps in many ways to promote education, supply information, raise funds, maintain the area and embark on promotional projects aimed at helping the public to enjoy and benefit from the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

Volunteers and work groups have developed the boardwalks through the gardens, organised events such as the always popular sunset concerts, and run the gift shop and visitor centre. The Friends is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (Reg. 062-777-NPO 130002827-PBO).