The Longhill Nature Reserve is located just north of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. Situated in the Karoo heartland, along a stretch of the Longhill Mountains, the reserve provides visitors with scenic beauty, as well as a variety of exciting outdoor activities.

On your bike

The reserve has rolling hills with lovely views over Queenstown and surrounds. It has a nice and challenging climb up the back of a proper mountain. Then, a truly testing downhill ensues. Most people actually walk this treacherous section, but should you attempt this challenge, you will be rewarded for your bravery with the sweetest single track you’ve ever seen. Truly therapeutic!

Off the bike

Delightful picnic spots offer pleasant views of the town. There is a walking and running trail up the mountain if you’ve reached your daily mountain-biking quota. A striking feature of the reserve is the Tamboekie Thorn (Erythrina acanthocarpa), also known as a “Wag ‘n Bietjie” or Cape Aloe. This plant grows nowhere else in the world except for Queenstown and its surrounding areas. There are also several species of antelope and other wild animals and many birds for the watchers among us.

GPS: 31°51′35.8″S 026°51′31.2″E