Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch: Address, Phone Number, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve Reviews: 4.5/5
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
4.5
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4.5
291 reviews
Excellent
169
Very good
97
Average
15
Poor
4
Terrible
6
R M
Durbanville, South Africa6 contributions
Mar 2021
we did one of the trails in the reserve, I can't remember which one, but we had lots of fun along the walk
Written 2 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
SJ Fouche
2 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
Amazing place to hike. Cars can sometimes only enter from 9am. Book beforehand. Some of the trails ( like the waterfalls) only starts 5km in. So its 10km walking extra over and above the trail.
2 companies now manage the trails. MTO to the left and Caoe nature to the right. Different routes diferent times etc
2 companies now manage the trails. MTO to the left and Caoe nature to the right. Different routes diferent times etc
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steven D
Johannesburg, South Africa54 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
My girlfriend, her brother and his fiancé went on a hike in the Reserve on Christmas Day. Although the Reserve was formally closed and the ablution facilities were shut, visitors were still able to walk from the gate into the Reserve. There are many brilliant hiking and mountain biking trails within the Reserve, ranging from novice to advanced levels.
The trail we chose took us up towards the fire lookout point and towards two immensely beautiful and unspoiled waterfalls. The water from both falls is drinkable. The natural splendour of the Reserve is enough to see me returning there the next time I am in the area.
The trail we chose took us up towards the fire lookout point and towards two immensely beautiful and unspoiled waterfalls. The water from both falls is drinkable. The natural splendour of the Reserve is enough to see me returning there the next time I am in the area.
Written 6 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Crazyredpepper
Plattekloof, South Africa609 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We love getting out in nature. Great family bonding time. First time I have ever come to this nature reserve and I loved it. In spring and summer come really early, it can get really hot. Bring the swimming costume the waterfalls are so inviting after hiking. Try to park at the start of your hiking trail. It is quite a distance from the entrance to the start of the trails. I saw quite a few families with smaller children turn back before they even started the hike.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kapoorkush
Regina, Canada17 contributions
Apr 2019
I love hiking and have hiked so many trails so far, but this one is just something else. While hiking it seems like as if you are walking in a paradise. Start hiking early morning and enjoy the perfect sunrise. If you love photography by no chance miss this one to test your skills with your cameras. Skills+hiking+good stamina will take you all the way to the waterfalls on the top. These waterfalls are best place for meditation/Yoga. Just kidding but seriously spare some moment if you are in Cape Town or plannig to visit anytime soon!! Just go and hike this one!!!!
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
jules
swaffham11 contributions
Mar 2020
Fabulous location with great hikes. One 'easy' but more challenging ones. Really rough roads but 10k loop is worth doing.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nazlie D
Cape Town Central, South Africa273 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Our Sunday hike choice was the Circular Loop at the Jonkershoek Cape Nature reserve. It’s a 10km gravel, Jeep track. This track is safe to walk on and is shared by mountain bikers and cars going to the various start points for the other trails. The trail sits in the valley as you are surrounded by all the mountains and hills. Taking in the vegetation and the nature as a whole is such an experience. There are several spots where you can take breaks or just take in the view, you just have to make the right choices. Parts of the trails are in full sun. Make sure you take enough water with on warm days.
The halfway point has a strong stream. This is also the start point for the next level hike that takes you to the two stunning waterfalls. You can expect to pay R50 per person, which is quite steep but worth it. No cash on site and payments can be done via card or SnapScan and Zapper. The toilets at the start is also well maintained.
The halfway point has a strong stream. This is also the start point for the next level hike that takes you to the two stunning waterfalls. You can expect to pay R50 per person, which is quite steep but worth it. No cash on site and payments can be done via card or SnapScan and Zapper. The toilets at the start is also well maintained.
Written 2 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Marius Roux
Strand, South Africa223 contributions
Jan 2020
A real great walk in nature with a small river and two beautiful waterfalls. Steep at some places but a great walk with lots of vegetation.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ana R
Kelkheim (Taunus), Germany13 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Visited this lovely park in Jan 2020, hiking to the waterfalls at 30 degrees heat. Well, it is well possible, kids should be really fit though as the way is partially very narrow and a bit steep. Recommend at least from the age of 8, not younger.
Beware, if you are driving from the gate to the second parking (4 km), the road is in a poor condition, large stones etc - risk to damage the normal car, 4 wheel drive is a better option. To get to this parking you have to be very early (before 7.30) at the gate. Alternative, mountain bike to the hiking start. Walking 4 km plus further 6 km hike would be rather exhausting with kids.
In the Höhe there are plenty of options to refresh in the stream, the water is pure and pleasantly cold. The second waterfall is great, you can swim there too, the first one we managed to miss. Overall, great fun half-day trip. The ticket office staff is very helpful too.
Beware, if you are driving from the gate to the second parking (4 km), the road is in a poor condition, large stones etc - risk to damage the normal car, 4 wheel drive is a better option. To get to this parking you have to be very early (before 7.30) at the gate. Alternative, mountain bike to the hiking start. Walking 4 km plus further 6 km hike would be rather exhausting with kids.
In the Höhe there are plenty of options to refresh in the stream, the water is pure and pleasantly cold. The second waterfall is great, you can swim there too, the first one we managed to miss. Overall, great fun half-day trip. The ticket office staff is very helpful too.
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ethan Le Roux
Knysna, South Africa23 contributions
Jan 2019
The trails are well kept and easy to follow. The beauty in the area is unmatched and like no other around. Just make sure you bring some water and snacks because you won't want to leave this beautiful reserve any time soon
Written 17 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Are dogs allowed?
ecsonza
Cape Town, South Africa1Â 487 contributions
No dogs allowed.
Ennio T
Stellenbosch, South Africa2 contributions
I don't have a car so i want to go here by uber. How far is the walk from the entrance point to the beginning of the trial?
Hi there, I just wanted to know if you used or saw the braai facilities there? What were they like?
Henry R
Breukelen, The Netherlands85 contributions
No facilities: it was very, very dry!
It says only 60 people allowed per day. What time should I be there to ensure that my family and I are part of the 60 people?
Peter_guest
London, UK253 contributions
I've been there a number of times but never encountered this - might be an issue around holidays I suppose. But people arrive and leave all the time anyway.
infoI1204KT
Cape Town Central, South Africa
How do u know which hike is which, how long, how many kms, what waterfalls are there at the end, beginning, of which trails, and which waterfalls do u go to to really swim? Thanks, Jonathan.
fahimad2017
52 contributions
There is a 17km hike (Panorama trail) which hosts picture perfect views.
There is also the the 3 hour waterfall hike. There are the two popular waterfalls. The first waterfall is about a 15 minute walk and the second waterfall could take another 40 minute walk (depending on your speed ofcourse) this hike is also child friendly.
However, if you want to hike to the elusive waterfall this is DEFINITELY not recommended for kids. After you arrive at the second waterfall there will not be any more paths. Basically you have to scramble (should actually call it climbing) upstream, which becomes increasingly difficult when the water levels are high. This part of the hike is graded a C+ (VERY technical and EXTREMELY steep). If you are scared of heights this is NOT for you. Almost every grip you will find will be wet and covered in slippery moss- so one has to take extra precaution. Make sure you are atleast 3 people together as it will make it easier of you have assistance- ie: holding each others feet if you just any get any grips on the mountain.
You will know you are in the right spot As soon as you can see the waterfall its just a short climb (15minutes) to the top where there is a stunning rock pool with this massive waterfall continously feeding it. Perfect to swim in. This waterfall is just spectacular! Its really a surreal feeling looking at something that beautful; and worth every step you took to get there. Just be aware, grip tight, and stay focused.
PumpkinGirl43
3 contributions
Thank you for your review! We will be visiting in September. My parents are joining us, who are 74 and 70. They are in reasonably good health. In your opinion, would this hike be difficult for people of that age?
Thank you in advance!
Irene_McC
Cape Town, South Africa40 contributions
Hi - that totally depends on their individual state of fitness. There are several different tracks you can hike or just drive the circular route by car and get out at different points to stretch your legs. They will certainly enjoy the scenery and being right in the middle of nature there, I am sure.
Enjoy your time together!
PumpkinGirl43
3 contributions
Hello. My parents and I will be visiting in the beginning of September. They are 74 and 70 years old. Is the ride something they would consider too strenuous if they are not very active people? They are in good health otherwise.
Thank you!
Becky
Hi Becky
There is a 10km circular route that you can drive. They will be able to do that no problem. It is a gravel road, but fine to drive with a car.
At the gate there is a lovely coffee shop with the mountains surrounding you. Definitely worth a visit!
Kindest
René
NumberoneSusan
Boston, MA
Is July a good time to visit for animal viewing and weather?
Thank you,
Susan
kumben
Banff, UK2 contributions
It does rain, but the weather can also be cool (10 deg C) and dry. Not sure about animals, because this area is for hikers and mountainbikers. Wild flowers like proteas - Yes!
