2025 HIKE DATES

1 - 3 November 2025 

13 - 15 December 2025

The tariff of R 3 750-00 per person includes hiking permits and conservation fees and 2 nights overnight accommodation in a hiker's hut with bunk beds and mattresses, cold water shower and flush toilet.

Numbers are limited to 7 guests. 

• DESCRIPTION - Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Reserve offers some of the best mountain hiking in the Boland region of South Africa. The 24 309 ha mountainous nature reserve incorporates not only striking rock formations, and one of the highest peaks in the Western Cape (+2000m ASL), but also remote and beautiful high elevation mountain valleys with wetlands draining into magnificent mountain streams and glorious large rock pools. These mountains are clad with the beautiful and highly biodiverse fynbos vegetation and animals like baboon, klipspringer and leopard roam side by side. 

This hike truly is a mountain getaway where one can experience deep revitalization - body and soul alike. 

During this immersive three-day hike, some of which will be on hiking trails, and some on old jeep tracks, we will hike deep into the reserve, staying over in the Ribbok Hut for two nights at De Tronk. From here we will have the entire second day to hike to and explore the famous ‘De Hel’ rock pool and waterfall, situated in a dramatic amphitheatre-like setting in a deep river gorge. The pool is overlooked by a large overhang/cave with ancient rock paintings. There will be plenty of opportunity for revitalizing cold-water swims in the refreshing, pristine mountain streams and pools, so characteristic to Groot Winterhoek.  On the last day we will hike out via a different route so as to get to experience the most of Groot Winterhoek’s dramatic mountain scenery, rock formations and exquisite fynbos vegetation 

• LOCATION - Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve, Porterville, Western Cape

• DURATION - 3 days, 2 nights

• TOTAL DISTANCE - Approximately 30 to 32 km

• TOTAL ELEVATION GAIN/LOSS - Approximately 600 to 700 m 

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Intermediate circular multi-day on-trail backpack hike. Each to provide and carry their own hiking gear, clothing, cooking equipment and food.

• INCLUDED/EXCLUDED - Tariffs include access and overnight in hiker's hut with bunk beds, mattresses, cold water shower and flush toilet in hut. Transport, hiking gear and equipment as well as food and drinks are excluded and can be arranged at an additional fee.