Trekking / Hiking

Hiking in the Cape Winelands offer visitors something that will suit everyone. Whether you as a hiker prefer to stroll through secluded, shaded valleys, walk the rolling foothills, hike the upper reaches or take on the challenge of man against mountain, the mountains of the Cape Winelands is certainly a hikers paradise. The best experience about the cape Winelands hiking trails is that many fascinating landmarks can be reached with a comfortable walk and the minimum of climbing.

1) Breakfast Rock Hiking Trail (5.5km)
This route in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is within most people’s capabilities, and takes you from the entrance of the nature reserve up a zigzagging path to a viewpoint with spectacular panoramic views of the Franschhoek valley.
After a few minutes of admiring the surroundings, you’ll descend again and then take a short, steep path to the bottom of the gorge to have a drink of the crystal clear river water before returning to the starting point again.
The diversity and number of plant species along the trail means that there is always something flowering at any time of the year, so keep your eyes peeled!
PRICE: R295 per person
Includes: Transport, guided hike, permit for Nature Reserve and 500ml of still water.

2) Perdekop Hiking Trail (16km)
As far as 16km hikes go, this isn’t the toughest around. The starting point is high up, the ascent to the highest point is not too
intense, although the descent into the gorge bottom to cross the river on the way back, might start telling on the knees near the end.
It’s a great hike, and the variety of the fynbos, as well as the geology of the area are well represented for the entire duration of the hike.
The trail is a combination of zigzagging up and down slopes, meandering through hills, and skirting cliff tops (note that the path remains well clear of the edge and you can still enjoy the view with no danger), as it ascends to the high point.
The views are absolutely breathtaking, the mountain air is cool and refreshing, and there is a strong chance of seeing some the interesting animals which roam these mountains.

The descent is down a mountain ridge, with an easy gradient at first, and then getting steeper towards the bottom, before crossing the river. From here, it is just a quick, steep uphill back to the starting point.
PRICE: R495 per person
Includes: Transport, guided hike, permit for Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve and 1,5L of still water, food pack containing – energy bar, banana, orange, bran muffin, sandwich (choice of ham, cheese and tomato / chicken mayo / tuna mayo).

3) The Waterfalls Hiking Trail (6.5km)
This is a short but adventurous 6.5km route, involving some climbing and
clambering. However, don’t be deterred if you have no climbing experience or are afraid of heights; the tricky section only comes near the end of the trail. There are two waterfalls, the first of which is relatively easily accessible, and it is only the final stretch up to the second waterfall which requires a bit of clambering and steady nerves, and if you feel you’d rather not attempt it, you can enjoy the beautiful nature around you and have a dip in the river while the rest of your group does the final short stretch.
The first part of the trail meanders along the banks of the Eerste River, and the first waterfall is reached quickly. Here, you can admire the dripping moss banks and indigenous trees, before setting off for the second waterfall.
The trail takes a sudden up-turn as it curves towards a steep sided gorge, and where it meets this gorge, the exciting part starts.
Here, you’ll walk up the river itself, at times hopping from rock to rock, while vertical cliffs hem you in on either side. After a few minutes of wandering between lush ferns and trees, what seems like a dead end is reached at a small waterfall.
This is where the climbing starts, and we’ll keep the second waterfall itself a surprise…..
Note that in high summer, the flow of the waterfalls may be reduced drastically, but it still remains a fun hike which ever time of the year you do it.

PRICE: R695 per person
Includes: Transport, guided hike, permit for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and 1,5L of still water, food pack containing – energy bar, banana, orange, bran muffin, sandwich (choice of ham, cheese and tomato / chicken mayo / tuna mayo).

4) Panorama Hiking Trail (17km)
This trail is about 17km long, takes the best part of a day, and is recommended only for experienced hikers. It is a fantastic route, showcasing some of the best that the area has to offer in terms of scenery, plant life, and outdoor adventure in general.
The trail starts with a steady climb up the side of Jonkershoek valley. You gain altitude quickly and after about 3.5km, the contour path is reached. This makes for a pleasant respite as you contour along the mountainside, winding in and out of the folds of the mountain.
Then, the very steep ascent to Berg River Neck starts. The intense effort required for this uphill is well rewarded with an awesome view down Assegaaibos Gorge on the one side, and Jonkershoek Valley on the other.
Another short ascent takes you onto the stretch of mountain which closes the back of the valley. This entire meandering section offers the stunning panoramic views for which the trail is named.
Once the opposite side of the valley is reached, the knee jarring descent begins.
The name of this section, Kurktrekker, says it all – it is the Afrikaans word for cork screw. The path zigzags down the mountain at an extremely steep gradient, only leveling somewhat near the valley bottom where it traces the Eerste River to take you back to the starting point.
PRICE: R795 per person
Includes: Transport, guided hike, permit for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and 1,5L of still water, food pack containing – energy bar, banana, orange, bran muffin, sandwich (choice of ham, cheese and tomato / chicken mayo / tuna mayo).