The Complete Guide to Hiking in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
If you’re looking for some excellent hiking near Cape Town, let us suggest a trip out to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Close to the city, yet big in scenery, Jonkershoek offers an excellent nature break from the big city lights.
Honestly, we showed up at Jonkershoek with no expectations, and we were very pleasantly surprised. The scenery is amazing and the hiking options are great.
Interested in seeing for yourself? Read all about Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in this complete guide.
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Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Overview
Beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is one of South Africa’s hidden gems. If you like nature and untouched wilderness, it’s an amazing place to explore.
The landscapes in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve reminded us of Kyrgyzstan, or what we imagine the Dolomites in Italy to be like. Think beautiful green valleys at the base of rugged mountains.
It’s not just the hiking in Jonkershoek that’s great. It’s also a fabulous place to bike, swim or just get your picnic on. If you’re up for it, you can even do a bike tour of Stellenbosch and while you’re at it, a wine tour. Fun!
Read next: A Complete Guide to Visiting Golden Gate National Park
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Location
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is located in the Western Cape, 65 km due east of Cape Town, very close to the town of Stellenbosch.
How to Get to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Unfortunately, like so many of South Africa’s wonderful destinations, there is no public transport to Jonkershoek. If you’d like to visit, you’ll need your own set of wheels. If you don’t have your own car, the best option is to pick up a rental car in Cape Town.Â
Pro tip: use Discover Cars to find the best deals on rentals.
From Cape Town, it’s a cruisy 1 hour drive to Jonkershoek, mostly following the N1, or there’s an alternate option via the N2.
While it’s entirely possible to visit Jonkershoek as a day trip from Cape Town, the area is so beautiful it’s worth spending a few days in the region. Considering this is one of South Africa’s prime wine-making regions, why not pair your hike with a wine tasting?
Related: Cape Town’s Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods
When to Visit Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
You can visit and hike in Jonkershoek year-round. The best time to visit Jonkershoek is in the fall when the temperatures are mild and the foilage is putting on a show with stunning autumn colours.
In the summer expect it to be very hot and in the winter, cold and wet. It is entirely possible to still enjoy the Reserve during these seasons, you’ll just need to be prepared for these conditions. This means packing layers and /or rain and sun protection.
As with all mountain destinations, weather conditions can change rapidly in any season. Again, preparedness is key, people!
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve gate times change according to the season.
In winter (1 May – 31 August), the gates are open to enter from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
In summer (1 September – 30 April), the gates are open to enter from 7:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Year-round, the gates close at 6:00 pm.
Read about more of South Africa’s Hidden Gems
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Cost
A permit is required to visit Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. This costs 60 ZAR per person and can be bought at the gate. For some reason, we were only charged 50 ZAR though. Hopefully, you’ll be as lucky!
Jonkershoek Hiking Trails
There are 4 official hiking trails in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which we have set out below. There are multiple variations on these trails, with different offshoots to valleys and peaks. If you’re interested in exploring these options, take a look on AllTrails.
In addition, the official Cape Nature map indicates a multi-day Jonkershoek Traverse trail. If you’re interested in spending more time in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, it may be worthwhile contacting Cape Nature for more information. If you do this route, we’d love to hear about it, so please let us know!
Interested in more hiking in the Western Cape? Check out the Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks in the Cederberg
Jonkershoek Hiking Trail #1: Swartsboskloof to Sosyskloof
- Distance: 6 km
- Elevation: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2 hours
This is an easy and scenic trail. It skirts the western slopes of Swartboskloof for about 2km, then follows a contour to Sosyskloof, before winding back to the start of the route.
Jonkershoek Hiking Trail #2: Swartsboskloof Trail
- Distance: 18 km
- Elevation: +900m, -900m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 6 hours
The Swartsboskloof Trail starts with a very steep ascent – more than 900m over the first 4.5 km. It soon levels off and offers amazing views. The trail descends to a beautiful waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in warm weather.
Jonkershoek Hiking Trail #3: Panorama Circuit
- Distance: 15 km
- Elevation: +1000m, – 1000m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 6 hours
The Panorama Circuit has a lot of elevation change, and is quite long, but there’s nothing technical required. Anyone with a high degree of fitness could do it – but you’ll still probably be tired at the end!
Cape Nature says the Panorama Circuit is 17 km long, but our GPS clocked it at 15 km.
It’s a beautiful trail and really offers a panorama of the area. If you only have time for one Jonkershoek hike, then choose the Panorama Circuit.
Pro tip: hike the Jonkershoek Parnoma Circuit the traditional way ( that is, go to the waterfalls first). This way, the trail starts more gradually, but soon gets REALLY steep. Trust us, it’s better to go up this way than down. Unless of course, you don’t have human joints.
Jonkershoek Hiking Trail #4: Tweede Waterval
- Distance: 6.5 km
- Elevation: Minimal
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2 hours
The Tweede Waterval is an easy ramble along the Eerste River, past the Eerste Waterval, followed by a steep climb along a gorge to the foot of Tweede Waterval.
Pro tip: If it’s hot, be sure to bring your bathing suit for a quick dip!
Further Hiking Resources
For more information on these trails (and beyond) we highly recommend the book Hiking Trails of South Africa. It’s a great resource for exploring South Africa on foot!
Jonkershoek Hiking Tips
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and yummy snacks.
- Check the weather beforehand – this is the mountains after all!
- The trails can get quite slippery, so good footwear is a must.
- Wear long pants. The trails can get quite overgrown and will scratch your legs.
- Download maps.me.
- Bring layers. Mountain weather changes notoriously, so you want to be prepared for it all – wind, rain, sun and hell, even snow. We recommend a fleece and a good outer shell.
Where to Stay Near Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
There are no camping facilities in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, so you cannot stay overnight in the Reserve. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options nearby, from great camping options to boutique guesthouses in Stellenbosch. The choice is yours, my friend!
Camping near Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Leef ‘n Biki Camping
A super beautiful campsite, albeit a bit pricey (450 ZAR for the site). You’re on a dam (which you can swim), with tubes and kayaks to use. It’s also the closest campsite to the reserve.
Berg River Resort
We were skeptical about this place, but it’s actually pretty decent. It’s located on the river, with great views. Do note that it can get really busy in the high season. Prices are 120 ZAR pppn w/o power, 180 ZAR with power.Â
Guesthouses near Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Budget
Mid-range
High-end
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