Day hikes in Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch mountains
Venture about 40 km inland from Cape Town and you will discover the world-famous Winelands region of the Western Cape. The magnificent surrounding mountain ranges offer not only a superb wine-producing area but also a series of generous valleys and geographical wonders to hike and explore. Rich in local history and boasting a spectacular diversity of fynbos, you are sure to get a taste of the best the Cape has to offer.
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Day hikes in Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch mountains
What's included in Day hikes in Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch mountains
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Paarl Nature reserve is situated 70km from Cape Town CBD. We start at 427m / 14001ft and ascend Paarl Rock 543m /1781ft to spectacular views over the valley and then onto Gordon and Bretagne Rocks. We walk to the top of Bretagne Rock 649m / 2129ft with the help of a chain walkway. We descend and walk on a boardwalk through indigenous forest and then onto a footpath between the two domes to Christmas Camp for a well-deserved rest under the old wild olive trees. From here we walk back to the start of the hike. Total Distance: Approx. 7 km
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is found at the top of Franschhoek pass about 15 minutes’ drive from the town centre. The Reserve is part of the UNESCO Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve and boasts awe-inspiring views of the Franschhoek Valley (on a clear day one can see as far as Table Mountain) as well as a wide array of indigenous plants. Route Description: The hike starts at the entrance gate and follows the westerly valley of the Perdekloof stream. The trail crosses the stream and then carries on to the Look Out 1093m / 3586ft approx. 3km from the entry gate with superb panoramic views of the Wemmershoek valley and surrounding cliffs. From here we double back to the entry gate. Total distance approx. 6km / 3.72miles.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is situated 16km from Stellenbosch which is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains with their high peaks and deep valleys. While you hike here you are constantly aware of the massive mountains and the amazing flora surrounding you. We need to obtain a permit in advance for entry to the reserve. We start the 6.9km circular route called Sossyskloof at 300m / 984ft above sea level. The first section is flat with fynbos on both sides of the path. We cross a stream via a wooden bridge and start to ascend the western slopes of Swartboskloof for about 2 km, passing through a beautiful indigenous forest where we will have a rest in the shade before we traverse along a contour path to Sosyskloof waterfall. We continue to a lookout with a view over the Jonkershoek valley 800m / 2625ft above sea level. From here we descend and walk back to the start.
Inclusions
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers with Knee problems
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- We will organise pick up address before the tour.
