Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve

Paarl Mountain was declared a National Monument in October 1963 and a Nature Reserve in 1977.

The mountain has three granite outcrops that are more than 500 million years old, and they sparkle like diamonds and pearls after a heavy rainfall.

That’s how the town got its name: Paarl is the Dutch word for pearl.

The three unique rock formations are Paarl Rock, Bretagne Rock, and Gordon’s Rock.

I headed there for a hike one morning back in November 2016.

The hike is fairly easy and will take you along a picturesque landscape of fynbos vegetation and massive granite rocks.

There are a number of hiking trails ranging from 2.5 km to 10 km.

There is even this route if you’re looking for something a bit more challenging.

No matter your adrenaline junkie level, be sure to take the steps up to Paarl Rock:

The 360 degree view is nothing short of sensational.

Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is about 30 minutes from Stellenbosch and an hour from Cape Town.

Definitely add this to your list of things to do in the Cape Winelands.

After a morning at the mountain, I went to Bertus Basson at Spice Route for a delectable 3 course lunch.

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More Info

Address
6 Jan Phillips Mountain Drive
Paarl,Western Cape
7624
South Africa

GPS
Lat: -33° 45′ 27.594″
Long: 18° 56′ 50.3658″

Hours
Summer: 07h00-19h00 (1 Oct – 31 March)
Winter: 07h00-18h00 (1 April – 30 Sept)
Open throughout the year, including weekends and all public holidays.

Cost
R48.00 per vehicle plus R16.00 per occupant