Mont Rochelle is a private nature reserve in the mountains above the well-known winelands town of Franschhoek. It forms part of the UNESCO-declared Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and hosts magnificent fynbos species, including the very special Queen Protea (Protea Magnifica). The entrance to the reserve is situated on the Franschhoek pass, already at an elevation of about 700m above sea-level, (in comparison to the highest point on Table Mountain being 1083m), which must make this one of the most accessible ways to summit some of the high peaks in the Boland in the Western Cape of South Africa. The reserve borders the Wemmershoek dam mountain catchment area, and the Uitkyk viewpoint offers probably the most dramatic Cape Mountain scenery, with majestic peaks, steep rugged cliff faces and the dam in the distance, in the Boland.

This out and back hike to the Uitkyk Viewpoint follows the gently uphill sloping footpath up the magnificent Du Toit’s River valley for approximately 2 km to where we cross a small stream, and stop for coffee or tea whilst taking in the beautiful scenery and listening to the chorus of frogs.  From here the footpath leads us further into and up the valley passing through magnificent indigenous fynbos, many of which flowers at various time of the year. We cross a high neck from where the path leads us to the dramatic Uitkyk viewpoint overlooking the Wemmershoek valley and dam in the distance. After taking another well-deserved break whilst enjoying the grande scenery, we head back down the valley the same we came, the hike ending back at the parking area.   

• DISTANCE - 7 to 8 km

• ELEVATION GAIN - 450 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - More moderate on-trail hike, no exposure and no use of hands required

• DURATION - Up to 4.5 hours is the standard duration for this hike

• LOCATION - Franschhoek, South Africa