Hiking

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve. The 19-km (12-mile) Rooikat Trail through the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve takes about eight hours to complete. It's a strenuous, circular route winding up into the Eldandsberg Mountains, and an early start is recommended. There are two self-catering cottages available for overnight visitors. They each accommodate a maximum of four people and are fully equipped. The cottages cost around R650 per night in low season and around R870 during high season. There is also basic self-catering accommodation at the reserve—eight rondavels (simple round huts) sleep four people each. There's a shared ablution block with showers and toilets. You need to get a permit (around R40 per adult and R20 per child under 12 years) at the entrance of the reserve. It's based on the honor system, and you put your money in a box on entry. If you don't want to hike, there are two bird blinds and a mountain-bike trail. 5 km (3 miles) outside McGregor, McGregor, Western Cape, 6708. 023/625–1621.