There’s something mildly unhinged (and deeply satisfying) about choosing to hike in the rain—especially when the plan doesn’t quite go to plan. Our weekend in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve delivered exactly that: soaked boots, detours, closed routes… and somehow still one of the most fun, relaxed hiking weekends we’ve had in a long time.
A Rainy Weekend Escape in Jonkershoek
Tucked just outside Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek is one of those places that feels like a quick getaway but delivers full-on mountain magic. Think steep fynbos-covered slopes, deep valleys, waterfalls after rain, and trails that can either gently meander—or absolutely humble you.
Originally established as a forestry and conservation area, Jonkershoek is now a protected reserve known for its biodiversity, mountain biking routes, and hiking trails. It’s the kind of place where the weather doesn’t just “happen”—it becomes part of the experience.
And wow, did the weather show up.
Day 1: Sosyskloof to the Hidden Waterfall (aka “Let’s Just Embrace the Rain”)
Saturday kicked off with one small logistical twist: the road was closed to cars.
So before we even touched a trail, we had a 3km walk just to reach the trailhead. Not exactly what you plan for—but honestly, it set the tone. Slower pace. More laughs. Less rush.
From there, we headed into Sosyskloof, aiming for the hidden waterfall. The rain? Constant. Not dramatic thunderstorm stuff—just that steady, soaking kind that seeps into everything and eventually convinces you to stop caring.
The trail itself was lush and alive. Water trickling everywhere. That deep green you only get after proper rain. Shoes squelching. Spirits weirdly high.
By the time we reached the hidden waterfall, it felt earned. No crowds, no rush—just us, the sound of water crashing down, and that quiet “this is why we do this” moment.
Heading back, soaked to the bone, we already knew: drying boots for Day 2 was going to be… optimistic at best.
The Great Hiking Boot Delusion
Back at our accommodation that evening, optimism levels were wildly unrealistic.
There was a full operation underway to dry boots before Sunday.
Towels stuffed inside. Boots placed near heaters. Strategic positioning debates. At one point I’m fairly sure someone inspected a boot like a mechanic diagnosing engine failure.
By bedtime we had convinced ourselves they were “basically dry.”
By morning we discovered the lie.
If you hike enough, you eventually learn there are only two categories of wet hiking boots:
- Wet
- Wet but colder
Still, nobody complained much. That’s the thing about weekends like this. Once everyone collectively accepts the chaos, the whole mood changes.
Sunday: Sunshine, Eerste Waterval and Ice-Cold Pools
Sunday felt like Jonkershoek had decided to apologise.
The storm was gone. The mountains were glowing in sunshine. The air smelled fresh and clean in that way it only does after heavy rain.
Completely different world.
The road closure meant another long walk in — this time about 5km before we even reached the trailhead — but the atmosphere couldn’t have been more different from Saturday.
Nobody was rushing anymore.
Originally we had planned to do the Panorama Route, one of the reserve’s more iconic longer hikes, but between the previous day’s weather, the added distances, and time constraints, it just didn’t make sense.
Also, Tweede Waterval is currently closed, so that option was out too.
Instead we headed to Eerste Waterval for a slower, more relaxed hike.
The waterfall was absolutely pumping after the previous day’s rain, but now instead of huddling inside waterproof jackets we were sitting in the sunshine, some dipping their toes into freezing mountain pools.
There’s a very specific type of suffering attached to icy mountain water. You tell yourself it’s refreshing while your nervous system files a formal complaint.
But sitting there in the sun after the previous day’s storm felt almost surreal.
Same reserve. Same weekend. Completely different energy.
And that contrast is what made the whole experience so memorable.
Saturday was wild and dramatic.
Sunday was soft and peaceful.
Both were beautiful in completely different ways.
Stellenbosch: More Than Just Wine Farms
One thing I love about hiking in Stellenbosch is how easy it is to combine mountain adventures with slower moments afterwards.
Most people know Stellenbosch for the wine farms — and fair enough, they’re world famous — but the town itself has an interesting history. It’s the second oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town, founded in 1679, and manages to feel both historic and lively at the same time.
Oak-lined streets, mountain backdrops, old Cape Dutch architecture, students everywhere… it has a different energy to the city.
After two days of hiking in Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch feels like the perfect recovery room.
Why We’ll Be Back
We never got to do the Panorama Route.
Our boots remained suspiciously damp for the entire weekend.
We walked far more than expected because of the road closures.
But none of it mattered.
Because somewhere between the rainstorms, muddy trails, waterfall pools, and dominoes, the weekend became exactly what it needed to be.
Not a perfectly executed hiking mission.
Just a really good weekend with good people in one of the most beautiful corners of the Western Cape.
And sometimes that’s more than enough.
We’ll definitely be back for the Panorama Route.
But secretly?
I wouldn’t mind another rainy weekend in Jonkershoek either.
Cast Of Crazies
Thanks
For pics and vids:
Ellen
Rashaad
Soraya
Wasielah