Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

09/07/2026

We’re open for hiking! 🚶‍♂️🌄

Even though the Franschhoek Pass is closed to regular traffic, our reserve is still open to hikers. Your permit gains you access to the pass.

👉 You can get your permit at:
*Webtickets
*Franschhoek Tourism office, Huguenot Street
*From our staff member at the bottom of the pass (daily, 8:30am–15:30pm)

Your permit fees directly support our staff and help maintain the hiking trails you love. 🌱

25/09/2024

NOTICE: The MaxiRace Cape Winelands is taking place this Saturday (28 September 2024) in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. The reserve will thus be closed to regular hikers until 12:00.

Did you know that you can still enter the 2024 K-Way MaxiRace Cape Winelands all the way up to race day!!

Get your entries in today! https://www.entryninja.com/events/79468-maxirace-cape-winelands-2024

fans K-Way SA Tifosi Sports MTO Trails - Jonkershoek Balance Coffee Roastery Ledlenser drinkmonatea Ledlenser On Edunova Stellenbosch Trail Fund Vagabond Stretch Tents Discoverctwc Zlaant

30/08/2024

NOTICE: The Franschhoek Pass will be closed from 6:30 am to 9:00 am tomorrow (31 August) as the Race to the Sea cycling event kicks off in town. If you're planning a hike, best to get here before 6:30 am or after the pass reopens at 9:00 am.

For those who have been asking, there is currently no snow in the reserve.

29/07/2024

Malentsoe Magwagwa and Yvonne Manakaza braved it up to Perdekop today (29 July) and by the looks of things, the peak is sure to still be icy tomorrow 🥶 If you decide to go up, make sure you're kitted out!

13/07/2024

Please note the Franschhoek Pass has been reopened. The reserve will thus be open from tomorrow (14 July)

12/07/2024

Just a quick update, the Franschhoek Pass is currently still closed. This means the reserve is also closed for the time being. We'll keep you posted as things develop.

For those who've asked, there is currently no snow in the reserve. It all melted earlier in the week.

08/07/2024

It snowed in the reserve last night (7 July 2024) all the way to Uitkyk lookout. Snow on Perdekop and DuToitskop should last for a few days but no guarantees. If you decide to come through please dress warmly and respect our staff and your fellow hikers!

06/06/2024

Please note that the reserve will be closed next week Monday to Wednesday (10 - 12 June 2024) as the Franschhoek Pass will be closed for maintenance. We will reopen on Thursday, 13 June.

🚧 The Franschhoek Pass will be closed to traffic from Monday, 10 June 2024 - Wednesday, 12 June 2024 for roadworks and repairs to the road surface. The road will be reopened on Thursday, 13 June 2024.

27/02/2024

We are glad to announce that the Franschhoek Pass has been reopened. Starting Wednesday, 28 February 2024, the reserve is open to hikers seven days a week. That means all routes are open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the week. Happy hiking!