The Best Hikes To Waterfalls In The Cape
JONKERSHOEK NATURE RESERVE:
A 15-minute drive from the historic centre of Stellenbosch, this lush reserve offers four challenging hiking trails. The invigorating Swartboskloof Trail ascends to the top of Kurktrekkernek, and then back down past a waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you could take the more easygoing Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof hike. There are many rockpools and waterfalls to dip into along the way. The duration of the trails varies from 2 hours to 6 hours.
Need to know Some of the paths are slippery when wet, so tread carefully.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or acquire them at the reserve office at R50 for adults and R30 for children.
MYBURGH'S WATERFALL RAVINE:
Not for the faint-hearted or the unfit, Myburgh's Waterfall Ravine trail begins in Hout Bay and takes you right through Table Mountain National Park to the Twelve Apostles path, ending in Hout Bay. The scenic and well-shaded trail follows a stream up to a beautiful waterfall, which is a welcome respite from the hectic hike. There is no swimming at the waterfall. The duration of this hiking trail is about 4 to 5 hours.
Need to know Parts of the route are very steep and require some climbing.
BOBBEJAANS RIVER TRAIL:
Situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, this trail takes you above the river that gives it its name, culminating at a majestic waterfall. Along the way, you'll cross the Witte River, where you can take a refreshing dip in its cool waters.There are various crystal-clear rockpools and waterfalls to cool off in along the way. The duration of this hike is 6 hours.
Need to know The trail is not recommended during winter, as the Witte River can become quite rough following heavy rainfall.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or acquire them at the reserve office at R50 for adults and R30 for children.
GROOT WINTERHOEK:
A mere 120 kilometres north of Cape Town, this small conservation area is well-known for its rugged landscape and rich heritage. Among the interesting rock formations, exquisite fynbos, and clear-water rockpools, you'll find ancient rock paintings by the San and Khoi people. It is very popular with hikers and mountain bikers, and there are plenty of places to stop for a refreshing swim. The duration of this hike is between 1 to 6 hours.
Need to know Groot Winterhoek Wilderness was closed due to fire damage, but part of the reserve has been reopened to the public, including day hiking trails such as De Tronk to Die Hel.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or acquire them at the reserve office at R50 for adults and R30 for children.
BOESMANSKLOOF:
Back in the day, if there was a mountain in your path, you'd have to walk over it! This hike allows you to do exactly that. Where travellers would normally have to drive around the Riviersonderend mountain range to get from Greyton to McGregor, the Boesmanskloof trail takes you right through it, passing by the beautiful Oakes Falls on the way and granting you the opportunity to spot an array of mountain-dwelling flora and fauna. Around the halfway point you'll reach Oakes Falls, a beautiful series of waterfalls that spill into a perfect natural pool available for swimming. The duration of this hike is between 6 and 7 hours.
Need to know The trail can be hiked in one day, but you will need to arrange transport back to your starting point (whether it be Greyton or McGregor). Or you could just return via the same route the following day.
All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access its hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or acquire them at the reserve office at R50 for adults and R30 for children.
Sources:
Main image : Photo by DEAR on Unsplash
Google and Inside Guide