SANTIE GOUWS MOUNTAIN GUIDE

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. It is also the second spring after the fire that razed Jonkershoek Valley to the ground in February 2020. We return to go and witness not just the majestic mountain scenery, but also the extraordinary recovery of the fynbos.

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

• STANDARD-PACED HIKE - Up to 8 hours is the standard duration for this hike

• SLOW-PACED HIKE - Guests preferring a slower pace, can book 9 hours for this hike

• LOCATION - Stellenbosch, South Africa

• START/END - Circular hike, starts and ends at Witbrug, 5km on gravel road inside Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road.

CLICK HERE FOR PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE TARIFFS 

Coffee/tea included. Other drinks/snacks and transport are excluded and can be arranged at an additional fee. 

WHATSAPP Santie to book for this special hike.