jonkershoek nature reserve

R15 (<£1) entry fee for entry on foot to this delightfully quiet nature reserve. 10km/6 mile circuit can be done on foot (2 hours), bike or by car (higher charge) with further side walks to waterfalls.Go early (gates open at 7.30 am) and take a sunhat and lots of water - it was 42 centigrade the day we went round!

If your visiting the Stellenbosch area and love hiking, trial running or mountain biking, this should be on the too do list.You can park at the gate by the cafe or choose to drive the 10km circular track to various start points for different hikes.You can also hire bikes here if you don't have your own.There is something for all abilities, whether you want to walk or cycle the 10km circular route or do one if the more serious 18km hikes taking 5 to 7 hours depending how quick you walk.The Panarama route is a must, but the first hour and a half is a 4 km climb, until it levels out. The views back down the valley are stunning.

Excelkent place to just simply enjoy nature. My child recommends the pretty flowers and I just couldn't get enough of the scenic landscapes

Splendid proteas in magnificent mountains with great hiking and mountain bike trails. Well worth a visit..or two...

What an absolutely exquisite part of South Africa. We are absolutely in love with the Drakensberg but must say that after our hike in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, our loyalty is probably forever divided. Pristine and very well maintained. Just for info sake....you have to drive into the Reserve for the hikes. Parking space is a bit tricky. Start early in summer - it gets quite hot in the day.

We decided to hike up to the first waterfall based on positive tripadvisor reviews.When you arrive at the gate, there is no map or information available - so be sure to prepare well in advance by downloading the online map using the following link - http://www.capenature.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Jonkershoek-2014.pdfThe road that you travel is a 10km circular road. It is a very bumpy road and for most of the trip we drove either in 1st or 2nd gear with our 4x4.We arrived and parked close to the entrance just off the road and started our trek. We took our 3 and 12 year old daughters with us.The hike is not suitable for kids under 6 - 8 because the 'steps' are quite steep, with lots of sections of rocks and boulders; and I landed up carrying my 3 year old most of the way there and back.We spoke to some hikers that were on their way back to the car and they said that there was no signage and we needed to take a sharp right to reach waterfall. At some point I became a bit disillusioned not knowing if we would see the fork and we decided to rather just spend some time in the stream and 'private pool' that we discovered that the kids thoroughly enjoyed. For families with little kids I would rather recommend that they drive past the pathway leading to the waterfall hike and the road takes a sharp bend to the left - and you will need to drive across a cement bridge. I would recommend that you park your car on the other side of the bridge and take the kids down to the stream. The access is much easier that walking along the waterfall hike. However, if you are strong and fit, our private pool that we discovered was just after a huge ridge - approx 20 min walk from entrance - and it seemed like there was a path to go up the mountain except that the steps were exceptionally steep. At that point there is an easy path down to the river on the left - with great miniature waterfalls and an abundance of shallow pools for the kids. We would definitely go back - but with extra power to help carry the little one!

Take the time to drive this slowly and really enjoy the bird life and the mammals . The scenery is dramatic and there are many trails to explore

There are several trails to walk, for younger and also older people. We, as 65 plus did the waterfall trail and had a wonderful hike of two hours. A pity we did not see many birds because it was to late. The breeze kept us quite cool as you walk along the river.

Amazing hike from start to finish. It was off peak season so the hike was very tranquil and pleasant throughout. For nature lovers whom haven't been to SA the different flora is certainly an experience we enjoyed. Only issue we had was the lack of signage as we ventured deep in the trail tracks, but otherwise highly recommended!

We did the 10 km drive through the reserve and the scenery was stunning. It is also possible to walk, run or cycle through the reserve.

Best kept secret. Paradise on our doorstep. A MUST visit !///////////////////////////////,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,................

We went for one of the walks to a waterfall. Lovely route with river to the side all the way. Nature beautiful especially after all the rain in winter.

Lovely Walks in the most majestic scenery. Very wet at this time of the year and the stream was running strongly.

Taking a walk through this area brings back the need to keep in touch with nature and our natural heritage in SA.The reserve was quiet and safe, giving us time just to wander and chat. Perfect for an afternoon or picnic

Great outdoor spot for any out door lover. Whether you hike, mountain bike or even play paintball. The scenery is breath taking, fresh air is great.