Watsonia and Waboom short circuit – (Helderberg NR – Somerset West)

This short circuit is a great option for those in the Somerset West area who are pressed for time but still would like to squeeze in a short walk on the mountain’s gradual slopes. The trail starts and ends at the same starting point as all the other Helderberg Nature Reserve Trails i.e. from the parking lot near the visitor center. Payment to enter the reserve will be required if one is not a member. Details for the amount can be obtained by checking the reserve’s website or calling in to check the amount. This circuit begins through the wildflower garden area before meeting the gravel jeep track. After a short way on the Protea Route the split for the Watsonia Trail appears. The Watsonia route is a jeep track which winds its way all the way up to the Baboon Traverse but to save time our group connected to the Waboom trail lower down using a connecting path. The Waboom trail is one of the Helderberg’s newer additions and is a more traditional single track hiking path as opposed to old forestry jeep tracks on many of the other routes. The Waboom route descends through a valley and rejoins the Watsonia route near its starting point. It should be noted that due to the nature of the single-track path it may be slower to descend than one of the jeep tracks. After rejoining the Watsonia route it’s a straightforward gradual downhill back to the parking area and there are many variations possible to keep things interesting. At the time of recording the trail was green after heavy (if not record) 2023 Winter rainfall in the Cape. The fynbos is slowly recovering from the recent fires and there were a number of interesting wildflowers in bloom on the lower slopes. King Proteas are plentiful, even from the first kilometer and the birdlife is prolific. Keep an eye out for Cape Sugar Birds and Orange Breasted Sunbirds which frequent the many King Proteas in the area. The green sections near the streams provide good cover and shade on hot days and there are many benches which can be used for a rest stop. Helderberg NR is always a good option for beginners as the slopes are generally gradual and many connecting options allow one to tailor the route according to their preferences. The reserve and its trails are always well managed, security is generally present and vigilant across the reserve. Bathroom facilities are available near the parking lot at the start and end of the trail. There are no other facilities after embarking on the trails. Be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat in warmer months and fill up on water as streams have been known to dry up in the dry summer months.