Jonkershoek Nature Reserve forms part of the UNESCO-declared Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and apart from hosting magnificent fynbos species, it also offers some of the best and most scenic mountain hiking in the Boland. 

During this hike we follow the gradually ascending Panorama trail for about 2 km to our tea-break spot next to a small stream. From here the path continue its gradual ascent to reach a contour path from where we hike along to Berg River Neck and will be blessed with magnificent views into Assegaaiboskloof and along the Jonkershoek Mountains such as ‘Tweeling Pieke’ and ‘Katedraal’ Peak. Our ascent continues to the high plato, where we take a lunch break next to another mountain stream. We follow the dramatic footpath all along the edge of the plato to where it starts descending towards Kurktrekkers Neck, enjoying views into Boegoekloof and across the Triplets and Somerset Sneeukop in the distance. After a short break, we head down the very steep Kurktrekker footpath. The pace is slow as the path is steep and quite degraded with a lot of loose rocks, so we tread carefully and rest often as we descend. Once at the bottom, we peer into the Tweede Waterval gorge and follow the trail back to Witbrug all along the edge of the beautiful Jonkershoek river. The hike ends back at Witbrug.

• DISTANCE - 12.5 km

• ELEVATION GAIN - 920 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 3A - Strenuous full-day on-trail hike, some exposure to steep cliffs, but no use of hands required

• DURATION - Up to 8 hours is the standard duration for this hike

• LOCATION - Stellenbosch, South Africa

This hike can be booked as a PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE, find the price list HERE