This nature reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, lies about 9kms from Stellenbosch. Both reserves are World Heritage Sites.
The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking. The Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers all start high in these mountains, although only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek valley. There are lots of rock pools and waterfalls to swim and explore. The area is also rich in animal and plant life, with over 1 100 plant species and a variety of small mammals, birds and reptiles. Lookout for berg adders, puff adders, boomslang and Cape cobras.
The reserve is about 9 800 hectares, while Assegaaibosch is about 204 hectares. The smaller reserve is home to the historical Assegaaibosch farmstead, a national monument built in 1792.
Jonkershoek is hot in summer, and cold and wet in winter. Visitors in the colder months may even see snow dusting the higher mountain peaks. Hikers should note that weather conditions can change rapidly. Hats, jackets and sufficient drinking water and snacks plus a device to communicate along with a good map, is necessary.
The reserve offers four challenging hikes ranging from 5.3 km to 18 km:
Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof. 6kms. Takes 3 hours. Start by 12.00h.
This easy, scenic trail ascends the western slopes of Swartboskloof for about 2km, passing through a patch of beautiful indigenous forest. Hikers follow a contour to Sosyskloof, before winding back to the start of the route. Circular route with limited numbers allowed.
Swartboskloof Trail. 18kms. Takes 6 hours. Start by 10.00h.
This strenuous trail ascends the steep Swartboskloof, going higher than 900m in altitude over the first 4.5km. Your efforts will be rewarded by breath taking panoramic views. The route is fairly level after that, as it takes you to the top of Kurktrekkernek. From there, hikers descend 2.5km to a beautiful waterfall. Circular route with limited numbers allowed.
Panorama Circuit. 17kms. Takes 6 hours.Start by 10.00h.
This strenuous and scenic trail has a steep climb to a contour path just below the Banhoek peaks. This path leads to Bergriviernek, which has amazing views of Assegaaiboskloof. Bring a swimming costume with you. The route winds across the picturesque Dwarsberg plateau, with streams surrounded by Disas, to Kurktrekkernek. From here, you can take a short detour to the summit of Guardian Peak (1 227m), which has stunning panoramic views of the Cape Peninsula, from Table Mountain to Cape Point, Robben Island, False Bay, Cape Hangklip, and the peaks of the Hottentots Holland range. From Kurktrekker, the path descends past Tweede and Eerste Waterval, back to the starting point. Please note the path is slippery when wet. Circular route with limited numbers allowed.
Tweedie Waterfall. 6.4kms. Takes 2 hours. This is an easy ramble along the Eerste River, past Eerste Waterval, followed by a steep climb along a gorge to the foot of Tweede Waterval. The dangerous ascent to this waterfall is closed. Please note the path is slippery when wet. Bring a swimming costume with you.. Bring a swimming costume with you. Return the same way.
Permits are required for all hiking trails, available at the entrance gate, or from MTO website and App. • Please note that hiking trails might be closed at short notice due to extreme weather conditions or natural disasters. • No fires are allowed on the hiking trails. • Reserve opens at 07.00h in Summer.
For Mountain Bikers, there are challenging routes over mountainous terrain, with spectacular scenery, on the adjoining Department of Forestry facility. Please note that there is an extra cost involved for mountain biking at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, as this section of the land is owned and managed by MTO Forestry. Visitors need to arrange their own mountain biking permits directly from MTO. RESERVATIONS www.mto.group.
Tip: To save on fees at South African national parks and reserves, take a look at getting a loyalty Wild Card.
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