Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
They say, things happen for a reason.
And sometimes when things don’t turn out quite the way you planned – which drives control freaks like me insane – very often they turn out pretty well, regardless.
It’s not just being Pollyanna-ish or always looking on the bright side, although it is important to find the positive in everything. It’s a Universal Law, that when things don’t turn out quite the way you wanted, it’s not the end of the world; merely a portal to another dimension.
Today’s hike was supposed to be The Rockhopper Trail in the Limietberg Nature Reserve. As fate would have it, the Limietberg trails were all closed due to a fire. Lightning this time, not human error or stupidity. So we had a quick segue to another ‘Upcountry Hike’, which is what we are calling hikes outside of Cape Town city and surrounds now. Thanks B Cassiem!
Instead, we chose to visit the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, outside one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa, Stellenbosch, to do the Waterfall Trail
Hikes, Clouds and Silver Linings
The trail offered a supercharged nature fix, especially for those of us (me) who had been spending too much time running on tar, and and not enough on the trails, revealing sweeping vistas and a blend of mountains, valleys, and streams across 9,800 hectares.
But Jonkershoek isn’t just a hiker’s haven; it caters to mountain biking enthusiasts with an extensive network of trails. Whether beginners looking for a laid-back ride or seasoned pros seeking an adrenaline-pumping challenge, this reserve had the terrain to match every skill level.
For those who prefer a more leisurely experience, Jonkershoek has numerous picnic sites. These tranquil spots provide an ideal setting to unwind in nature.
The reserve’s versatility is its strength, ensuring there’s an outdoor activity for everyone.
So, whether gearing up for a day on the trails, seeking biking thrills, or planning a relaxed picnic in the great outdoors, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a place to visit.
Early Birds Get The Parking
We got to the gates just after 6am. We thought we were early. Not true. There were a dozen cars in the parking lot already. Luckily for us, they had bikes and didnt need to enter the reserve to get to a trailhead.
We watched as the Q behind us got longer while we waited to pay our Fifty Rondts per person to enter the reserve.
Because of the condition of the road, and the extremely limited parking available inside, only 20 cars are allowed in at a time.
Once we were inside, we understood why. You need a Spider-Car to hold onto the narrow road. A BMW driver thought it would be a good idea to test his vehicle on that road. Let’s just say ‘smart’ and ‘BMW driver’ should not be used in the same sentence.
Finding parking was the greatest challenge on this hike.
Everyone who came after car 20 had to walk the 3 – 5 kms from the gate to their chosen trail head on an uninspiring gravel road.
So Many Trails
We were pleasantly surprised at how many trail options there were in this reserve. Of course I can now happily kick myself that it took me this long to come here.
Since it was waterfalls we were after, we chose ‘Tweede Waterval’ trail.
Thank goodness for our dearest Amenah aka Pinky for finding the right trail or we would have ended up doing something completely different.
This is not a strenuous hike. It can get a bit slippery around the waterfalls.
Just two days before our visit, a hiker slipped and fell to his death on an ‘easy’ section of the trail just before the waterfall.
Please always respect the mountain and be careful.
Capenature has provided steel rails on certain sections of the trail. I would have been less nonchalant had I known about the fatal fall before I did the hike.
Trail Highlights
- Kid friendly and beginner friendly, except for the chain at the second waterfall leading to a rockpool
- Panoramic views, and a trail called ‘Panorama Trail’ which is officially on the Bucket List
- Plentiful pools and streams in which to dip thyself. Sadly the waterfall was a bit sparse after the dry spell known as summer.
Pro-tip: Go with mates. Hikes are better with lekker tjommies!
Good to Knows
- Get there early so you can snag one of the golden 20 parking spots inside the reserve.
- Take a high clearance vehicle. The road is bad.
- The reserve only accepts card payments. No cash. Entry is R50 p/pax and R30 for children. It will help if you have a Wildcard.
- Hiking Essentials
- Essentials for your day pack
- First Aid for hikers
Photo creds:
Saeed
Soraya
Minakshi
Uncle Mac
Wasielah
Great read….. Thanks Bibs. Looking forward to next up country hike😊
Even me!!