compiled by local destination specialists.
Parks, Reserves and Wildlife NEAR CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is located near the wine region of Stellenbosch. It incorporates the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve in its borders. It is also home to the Jonkershoek mountains and a part of the Jonkershoek valley which is part of the greater Boland Mountain range.
Over 1100 plant species are found in the area, some of which are rare and endemic. Some species that hikers can look out for are Proteas, Mountain Cypress, some Ericas and Restios.
The resident wildlife include small animals such as shrews and mice, larger mammals include leopard, honey badger, baboon, mongoose and the small klipspringer antelope. Also look out for fish eagles, sugarbird, orangebreasted sunbird, protea seed eater and more. Lizards sunning themselves on warm rocks and some snakes such as the Berg adder, puff adder and Cape cobra are common in Jonkershoek and hikers should keep a keen eye out for them.
Distance from Cape Town:
Roughly 50km (30 miles). Drive time approximately 45 minutes.
Towns and attractions closest to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve:
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands.
Activities within Jonkershoek Nature Reserve:
With its mountainous terrain Jonkershoek is a popular hiking and MTB destination. The Assegaaibosch reserve is smaller and better suited to picnics and shorter walks.
Photo by Cape Nature of Fynbos (mountain flora) at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
One Day Hikes in Jonkershoek:
Panorama Trail
Trail length: 17km (10.2 miles)
Approximate hike duration: 6 – 8 hours
The trail will require some climbing but offers an incredible view of the Jonkershoek valley from the Dwarsberg plateau and as the trail descends to Kurktrekkernek.
Tweede Waterval Trail
Trail length: 6.4km (3.84 miles)
Approximate hike duration: 6 – 8 hours
The trail has a scenic view of the Eerste River for most of the way as it travels up a steep path to a gorge. There is a shorter 5.3 km (3.18 mile) option. Please note the ascent to the waterfall is dangerous and closed to the public.
Swartboskloof Trail
Trail length: 18.4 km (11.04 miles)
Approximate hike duration: 6 – 8 hours
The trail is better suited for the fitter hiker since its starts with a steep ascent of 4.5km (2.7 miles) and a 2.6km (1.56 mile) steep descent down Kurktrekker to the Waterfall route. The trail will close during heavy rains.
This is what Jonkershoek feels like[3:56 min] [Attribution (video): Norbert Meyer]15 September 2012. Training ride in the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Song: Armin van Buuren ft Trevor Guthrie - This is what it feels like (W&W Remix) |
Activities within Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve:
Photo by CapeNature
This small reserve is very close to Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley. The fynbos vegetation is quite dense on the reserve which makes it difficult to see wildlife. The easiest to spot would more than likely be the 135 bird species found in the reserve. Look out for lizards sunning themselves on rocks or frog calls after the rains.
It can get very hot in the reserve during in the drier summers but in the wet winter temperatures can reach freezing point. Snow is not uncommon in the high peaks of the area.
The main activity in Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is picnicking and day walks. It is important to arrive early because the reserve limits entrance to entry to the reserve at 60 per day.
Assegaaibosch Trails
Trail length: 3 – 5 km (1.8 - 3 miles)
Approximate hike duration: 2 hours
There are two short walks that originate from the picnic area best suited for walkers not hikers. It is a circular trail that passes waterfalls and streams.
Entrance to Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves:
Tariffs and Park Gate Hours
The CapeNature website lists tariffs for all of their Cape Nature Reserves.
GATE TIMES
Check with reservations for seasonal gate times.
Additional Information:
Permits are required for some of the activities offered including hiking and fishing. Contact Cape Nature permit office to purchase.
Tel: +27 (0) 21 483 0122 (Carlo Arendorf)
Tel: +27 (0) 21 483 0121 (Danelle Kleinhans)
Tel: +27 (0) 21 483 0120 (Lee-Anne Benjamin)
Tel: +27 (0) 21 483 0123 (Terrence Moses)
Tel: +27 (0) 21 483 0154 (Zimkitha Dwangu)
Visitors are urged to check the weather prior to visiting the Jonkershoek area. Summers are warm but can get really hot and winds can be strong. Winters are really cold occasionally with gale force winds. On the higher mountainous areas snow is not uncommon.
Safety Guidelines
Take utmost care when hiking in the mountains. Always look out for changes in weather, which can be unpredictable. Follow these safety guidelines.
Cape Town Attractions
| Highlights of Cape Town | Bo-Kaap | Cape Town and Peninsula Beaches |
| Camps Bay | Clifton Beaches | Cape Peninsula Attractions | Castle of Good Hope |
|
Groot Constantia Wine Estate | Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens |Robben Island |
|
Table Mountain | V&A Waterfront | Winelands and Wine Routes |
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