Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Vrolijkheid lives up to its name – happiness – when bright orange botterblom daisies decorate the reserve in spring

Vrolijkheid is a striking, rugged nature reserve in the Breede River valley, about 15km south of Robertson on the road to McGregor. The rocky landscape is starkly beautiful, dominated by patches of succulents, dwarf trees and shrubs. In spring, Vrolijkheid lives up to its name –happiness – as splashes of bright orange botterblom daisies decorate the reserve.

The vegetation in this area of the Little Karoo is known as Robertson Karoo vegetation, with guarri, karee and melkbos shrubs, patches of mountain renosterveld and sweet-thorn trees. Grasses are scarce in this arid area, which has extremely high temperatures from November to March every year.

Vrolijkheid has five new self-catering accommodation options, each sleeping up to eight people, and fully equipped inside, with a braai area outside each, as well as jacuzzi’s in two of the units, and a pool in one of the units.

Cycling / Mountain Bike Trails

Vrolijkheid has an easy scenic 8km mountain bike trail that meanders through the reserve along footpaths and gravel roads. The trail takes about an hour. We suggest you start early, as the area gets extremely hot around midday. Please stay on the marked route. To find out more, download the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve map & brochure.