| Cape Nature Trails
Cape Nature Trails
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, lies near the town of Stellenbosch in the southwestern Cape. The Reserve comprises the imposing Jonkershoek mountains and portions of the upper Jonkershoek valley.
About the Nature Reserve
Nestled near the charming town of Stellenbosch in the Southwestern Cape, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, including the picturesque Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, awaits your exploration. This stunning reserve features the majestic Jonkershoek mountains, with their towering peaks and deep, rugged valleys, forming part of the expansive Boland mountain range within the greater Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.
The Jonkershoek mountains are the birthplace of several rivers, including the Eerste, Berg, Lourens, and Riviersonderend, though only the Eerste River winds its way through the breathtaking Jonkershoek valley. The lower reaches of this valley are renowned for their exceptional wine production, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.
Come and experience the natural wonders and rich heritage of Jonkershoek Nature Reserve!
Cape Nature Trails
Each trail is graded according to the trail difficulty and skill set required (refer to IMBA).
Easy Trails
Intermediate Trails
Advanced
Animals
Mammals include leopard, honey badger, baboon, klipspringer, mongoose and numerous smaller animals like mice, shrews and rats.
Most of these are shy, however, and seldom seen. Large raptors such as black eagle, the occasional fish eagle and spotted eagle owl occur, while kingfishers and typical fynbos birds (sugarbird, orangebreasted sunbird and protea seed-eater) are more abundant.
On warm days rock agama lizards can be seen basking in the sun. Berg adder, puff adder, boomslang and Cape cobra are fairly common and hikers should be alert.
Climate
Climate The climate of the Jonkershoek area is fairly typical of the south-western Cape. Summers are warm to very hot and strong south-easterly winds prevail, creating a serious fire hazard. The winters are cold, often with gale-force north-westerly winds. The mountainous topography has a significant effect on the rainfall, which is of the highest in South Africa.
Snow is not unusual on the higher peaks during thewinter months. Hikers should note hat at higher altitudes the weather conditions may be quite different from lower in the valley and can change rapidly, becoming dangerous.
Vegetation
The natural vegetation of the Jonkershoek area is mainly mountain fynbos. More than 1 100 plant species are known to occur, of which a number are rare and/or endemic to the area. Distinctive species are Protea repens, P. neriifolia, mountain cypress, as well as various ericas and restios. Several relic forest communities occur in narrow, moistkloofs where they are relatively sheltered from fire.
Dense riparian vegetation grows along the banks of the Eerste River. Oak trees, although not indigenous, have been allowed to remain in Assegaaibosch because of their special historical value. Large pine plantations are a distinctive feature of the valley and occur on property neighbouring the Nature Reserves. The Reserves’ management programmes include control of hakea and other invasive alien plants that threaten the fynbos.
Reservation Details
Hiking Trail Info
Please note that parking is limited and is available on a first come, first serve, basis and a maximum of 20 vehicles will be permitted into the park. Various short walks are available on the reserve. Alternatively, the reserve offers four, more challenging, hikes ranging between 5.3km and 18km.
Tariffs
A reservation can be made through our online booking service. Alternatively day passes may be purchased upon arrival at the reserve entrance.
About the Wild Card Programme
The Wild Card is a loyalty programme that makes tourism in national parks and nature reserves in Southern Africa more accessible and rewarding than ever before.
With a Wild Card membership, you receive a year’s unlimited access to the most beautiful nature reserves and parks with superb picnic spots, natural swimming pools, plunging waterfalls, invigorating day hikes, mountain biking and all the clear air, fantastic birdwatching and colourful fynbos you can handle.
Opening Times
Summer: (1 September – 30 April): 07:00 – 16:00 (Everyone is expected to have exited by 18:00).
Winter: (1 May – 31 August): 08:00 – 16:00 (Everyone is expected to have exited by 18:00).
Hiking trails have daily cut-off times to ensure that clients can access, safely hike, and exit by 18:00.
Waterval 1 and 2: No access after 14:00
Panorama Circuit: No access after 10:00
Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof: No access after 12:00
Swartboskloof Trail: No access after 10:00
Emergency Contact Information
Jonkershoek Office (Mon to Fri)
Emergency Tel (Fire and Rescue)
Winelands Emergency Tel
Our Trail Partners
