Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve

Originally granted to Wouter Eduard Wium by Lord Charles Somerset in 1817, the farm Assegaaibosch was let to him with the proviso that Wium should plant oak trees. The farm was bought by the Cape Provincial Administration during 1960 and the original H shape homestead which was built in 1790 was restored. Today the oak trees which are aged over 180 years each surround this house and its gardens in what is known today as Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. The reserve is 204 hectares in size and lies approximately 9 km from Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley. It lies adjacent to the Eerste River which forms the northern boundary and extends up the north eastern slope of Stellenbosch Mountain which forms the southern boundary. The south-eastern side is bordered by SAFCOL plantations and by farms on the north-western. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely day at the picnic area, follow a number of day walks on the reserve or cycle the management roads leading through the reserve. The two main vegetation types to be found on the reserve are mountain fynbos and riparian forest. The fynbos being the dominant type while the riparian forest is restricted to the banks of the Eerste River and adjoining streams. The Reserve supports a high diversity of smaller life-forms, but because of the dense vegetation very few are observed. Birds, of which 135 species have been recorded, are probably the most conspicuous. The reserve has two short day walks which start from the picnic area, one being 3km long and the other 5km. Both are suited to those who prefer gentle exercise. The circular trail leads along waterfalls and babbling streams.
The Assegaaibosch Homestead is an ideal venue for daily conferences or workshops for up to 25 people. There are no catering services, but a list of names of caterers is available at the reserve office.

For more information and reservations please contact:
CapeNature Reservations
Tel: +27-861-227-362-8873