Stellenbosch, Winelands · Western Cape

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

  • HoursWinter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00; everyone out by 18:00. Cut-offs: Waterval 1 and 2 after 14:00, Sosyskloof after 12:00, Swartboskloof and Panorama after 10:00.
  • DogsNot allowed
  • Map Directions
  • Official Conditions
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Vineyards below the Franschhoek mountains in the Cape Winelands
Winelands region · representative photograph, not this specific trail

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is CapeNature’s 9,800-hectare World Heritage valley about 9km from Stellenbosch. It includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve (204 ha). Official day hikes: Tweede Waterval 6.4km, Swartboskloof–Sosyskloof 5.3km or 6.9km, Panorama Circuit 17km, Swartboskloof Trail 18km. From 23 March 2026, parking on the circular route is closed until further notice — use the outside parking and walk about 5km to the trails. Hours: winter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00; everyone out by 18:00. Cut-offs: Waterval 1 and 2 after 14:00, Sosyskloof after 12:00, Swartboskloof and Panorama after 10:00. Permits via the MTO website or at the MTO gate. Wild Cards need a confirmation letter or the physical card. Day-access tariffs on the reserve page have shown both R70 and R50 — confirm at the gate. Office 087 087 4118. Dogs are not permitted without the reserve manager’s prior written consent.

Before you go, read Jonkershoek Nature Reserve guide.

Other listings in Stellenbosch: Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Picnic Site , Jonkershoek Panorama Route , Spier Picnics , Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof Loop , Swartboskloof Trail , Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall) Trail .

Questions

Are dogs allowed at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve?
Dogs are not allowed at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
When is Jonkershoek Nature Reserve open?
Winter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00; everyone out by 18:00. Cut-offs: Waterval 1 and 2 after 14:00, Sosyskloof after 12:00, Swartboskloof and Panorama after 10:00.
Where do you park for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve?
CapeNature: circular-route parking closed from 23 March 2026 until further notice. Use the outside parking and walk about 5km to the trails. Confirm on the reserve page before you drive.

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Nearby on the map

From this pin: Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof Loop (same gate); Swartboskloof Trail (same gate); Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall) Trail (same gate); Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Picnic Site 0.4 km.

Vineyards below the Franschhoek mountains in the Cape Winelands
Winelands region · representative photo, not this trail

Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof Loop

Stellenbosch, Winelands · same gate · easy

CapeNature’s easy Jonkershoek loop: 5.3km, or 6.9km if you take the lookout detour.

  • No dogs
  • No access after 12:00; everyone out by 18:00. Reserve: winter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00.
Vineyards below the Franschhoek mountains in the Cape Winelands
Winelands region · representative photo, not this trail

Swartboskloof Trail

Stellenbosch, Winelands · same gate · hard

CapeNature’s 18km, six-hour Jonkershoek climb — more than 900m of altitude in the first 4.5km.

  • No dogs
  • No access after 10:00; everyone out by 18:00. Reserve: winter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00.
Vineyards below the Franschhoek mountains in the Cape Winelands
Winelands region · representative photo, not this trail

Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall) Trail

Stellenbosch, Winelands · same gate · easy

CapeNature’s 6.4km, two-hour easy ramble along the Eerste River to the foot of Tweede Waterval.

  • No dogs
  • No access after 14:00; everyone out by 18:00. Reserve: winter (1 May–31 August) 08:00–16:00; summer (1 September–30 April) 07:00–16:00.
Vineyards below the Franschhoek mountains in the Cape Winelands
Winelands region · representative photo, not this trail

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Picnic Site

Stellenbosch, Winelands · 0.4 km away

A genuine bring-your-own picnic site under century-old oaks in a small CapeNature reserve in the Jonkershoek valley.

  • Picnic
Entry from R50

Hike at your own risk. Trail conditions change — weather, fire damage, water crossings and rockfalls can make a route unsafe with little or no notice. Distance, difficulty and other details here are compiled from public sources and may be outdated. Always verify current conditions with the relevant park or reserve authority before setting out, and hike within your own ability.