Stellenbosch, Winelands · Western Cape

Swartboskloof Trail, Jonkershoek

  • Distance18 km
  • Gradehard
  • Time 6 hours
  • HoursNo 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.
  • 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

CapeNature lists the Swartboskloof Trail as 18km and about six hours. It climbs the steep kloof, going higher than 900m in the first 4.5km, then levels toward Kurktrekkernek before a 2.5km descent to a waterfall. Bring a swimming costume. No access after 10:00; everyone must be out by 18:00. From 23 March 2026, circular-route parking is closed until further notice: use the outside parking and walk about 5km to the trails. Day-access tariffs on the reserve page have shown both R70 and R50 — confirm at the MTO gate or on the official page. Office: 087 087 4118.

Before you go, read Jonkershoek hiking guide.

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

Questions

How hard is Swartboskloof Trail?
Swartboskloof Trail is graded hard and typically takes about 6 hours over 18 km. Difficulty grades are set by the reserve or operator, not a national standard — read the safety note on the listing before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Swartboskloof Trail?
Dogs are not allowed at Swartboskloof Trail.
When is Swartboskloof Trail open?
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.
Where do you park for Swartboskloof Trail?
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); Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall) Trail (same gate); Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (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

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

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Stellenbosch, Winelands · same gate

CapeNature’s 9,800-hectare Stellenbosch valley reserve. Official day hikes 5.3–18km. Circular-route parking closed from 23 March 2026 — walk about 5km from the outside parking. Day-access tariff on the live page has shown both R70 and R50. No dogs without written consent.

  • No dogs
  • 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.
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.