The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve managed by the Drakenstein Municipality is a popular destination for nature lovers, fitness junkies and families wanting to braai under trees of the well-known Christmas Camp.
With the silly season creeping closer and tourists flocking to the Winelands the reserve will welcome even more visitors, which will ensure Drakenstein Municipality keeps its finger on the pulse to safeguard the reserve.
According to its executive director of community services, Gerald Esau, the municipality is aware of around 40 criminal activities that have been reported on Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve over the past five years.
“This includes arson, car break-ins, the poaching of animals and plants, as well as persons sleeping in the mountain,” Esau said.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic very few incidents of criminal activity were reported, but since September 2023 the incidents have increased, especially along the Jan Phillips mountain road as well as at the residential entrances to the reserve.”
There are three dams on Paarl Mountain – the Victoria, Nantes and Bethel dams and no swimming or watercraft is allowed – however anglers with permits that cost between R40 to R95 are welcome.
“The water in the reservoirs on the mountain is treated by a water purification system and pumped to the town and rural areas,” Esau pointed out.
Paarl Post asked the municipality how it ensured the reservoirs were not used for swimming, but the question was not answered.
Other questions that remained unanswered are:. How does the Drakenstein municipality secure Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve against crime that is increasing?. What is the biggest source of income for Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve?
Another question, which is significant since the reserve experienced erosion due to the recent floods, is whether there are any upgrades that visitors can look forward to.
According to Esau upgrades will commence, although no specifics were given.
There are several popular walking routes at the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, which include the route to Paarl Rock as well as the Brittany Rock route that connects to the Nantes Dam route.
Additionally there is the waterfall route that connects to the Bethel Dam route or the route up to the FM tower with another route around Victoria Dam.
According to a press release from Fidelity, a private security provider, tourists and adventure seekers entering mountain reserves can practise these safety-first guidelines to ensure safe passage for themselves and their families:. Carry a form of identification for bystanders to know who you are and who to contact in case of an emergency. Most exercise gear has small pockets for this very reason. . Running or cycling alone is strongly discouraged. Rather join a group of people who can look out for your safety and offer encouragement along the way when muscle pain or cramps set in.. Letting someone know where you are going who has an idea of the route you plan to take and when they expect you to return is important. In this way they can quickly raise the alarm if you do not return as planned.. Wear reflective clothing to make sure you are visible to other road users.. Charge your phone battery for you to call for help in case of an emergency. It is also important to save the correct emergency contact numbers on your phone.. Find out from your security company if they offer a mobile tracking app that can be downloaded onto your cellphone. This is an effective way of alerting emergency service providers when you need them while also giving them your accurate location.
