The Robertson Karoo vegetation in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve is endemic to this area. Vrolijkheid is home to klipspringer, grysbok, grey rhebok and springbok. Caracal are also found on the reserve, but these shy cats are rarely seen. There are a total of 175 bird species, including the jackal buzzard, the African and pale chanting goshawk, and the black and African fish eagles. The dams on the reserve also attract a variety of water birds. Vrolijkheid has an abundance of frogs and reptiles, including the rare Robertson dwarf chameleon.

The Friends of Vrolijkheid, is an organisation which supports Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, and promotes nature conservation in the locality. Fundraising and social occasions are organised, as well as an annual quiz, and educational events. They have an active Facebook page, which encourages people to share photographs of the reserve and local wildlife. A newsletter, The Rooikat, is published three to four times a year, with a focus on articles relevant to the Breede River area. If you have an interest in our work, please contact the Conservation Manager at Vrolijkheid, Piet van Zyl, on pvzyl@capenature.co.za.