Van De Kaap Tours & Hiking
JONKERSHOEK WATERFALL

Guided hike

JONKERSHOEK WATERFALL

Walk beside mountain streams meandering through rare fynbos to a hidden waterfall.

Why Hike Jonkershoek Waterfall

Summer Special
R1,800 – R4,000 per person

Tucked within the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch, the Tweede Waterval Trail is a memorable experience that showcases the wild beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

You can expect views of the towering Boland mountain peaks, lush river valleys, clear rock pools, and vibrant mountain fynbos including proteas.
Jonkershoek

  • Perfect for Nature Lovers: The reserve protects an extraordinary ecosystem filled with endemic plants, birdlife, crystal-clear rivers, and diverse mountain landscapes that change with every season. Walk alongside the flowing river and fynbos trails to a hidden waterfall surrounded by cliffs.

  • A Wilderness Experience: Unlike many urban hiking routes in Cape Town, Jonkershoek feels secluded. The valley creates the sensation of being deep in the mountains while in fact easily accessible from Stellenbosch. Ideal for visitors seeking more than a typical walk, the hike offers a genuine wilderness escape — hike to the rhythm of birdsong and flowing water.

  • First Waterfall & Rock Pools: Early on the hike, you'll reach the Eerste Waterval, a charming waterfall surrounded by shallow rock pools that are perfect for photographs and a brief rest, and you may even see the famous Disa orchid.

  • Cool Off in Natural Mountain Pools: The climax is the magnificent Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall), where cool mountain water cascades into a pristine natural pool. Few trails combine hiking with a swim beneath a waterfall. The crystal-clear mountain pools provide a refreshing reward at the end of the trail.

  • Rare Cape Floral Kingdom: You'll spot unique fynbos species found nowhere else on Earth. Jonkershoek forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region, home to one of the world's richest concentrations of plant biodiversity.

  • Professionally Guided: Our guides hold CATHSSETA certifications in both hiking and cultural guiding, ensuring a safe and deeply enriching experience for our guests.

Trail Overview

Stats

  • Distance — ±7km
  • Duration — ±4 hours
  • Difficulty — 3/5 moderate
  • Elevation Gain — ±360 metres
  • Best Suited For — reasonably fit individuals, nature lovers seeking a scenic, relatively easy walk with rock pools
  • Not Suited For — very young children, people with mobility restrictions, anyone expecting a completely flat stroll
  • NB One has to cross a ledge with a steep dropoff aided by a chain/wire, then scramble over a few boulders, and finally wade through the river to get to the second waterfall — but it is totally worth it because hikers can enjoy a well-earned break, take photographs, enjoy trail snacks, or cool off with a refreshing swim before starting the return journey.
Jonkershoek Trail

Level of fitness required

  • This experience requires a moderate fitness level and is suitable for active families.
Eerste Waterval Jonkershoek

Can you climb to the very top of the Jonkershoek waterfall?

No, the dangerous, technical ascent above the base of Tweede Waterval is permanently closed for safety. Our tour strictly and safely ends at the designated lower rock pool.

Are reserve permits included in the tour price?

Yes, the CapeNature reserve permit and entry fee are covered and pre-booked by us.

Can the day be extended to include a visit to a vineyard?

Definitely! Reach out to our team via WhatsApp or our Contact form with your request and we’ll take care of the logistics.

Tweede Waterval Trail

Terrain & Route Type

  • An out-and-back trail with two waterfalls along the way — maintained trails with riverside paths and natural stone steps.
  • The route begins gently, making for a relaxed introduction to the reserve's remarkable biodiversity.
  • Following the course of the Eerste River deep into the valley, this guided hike takes you through a diverse landscape of rocky paths, mountain streams, gorges, and towering cliffs before reaching a spectacular waterfall hidden in the mountains.
  • As the hike progresses, the terrain gradually becomes more adventurous and technical, with a short scramble adding a sense of exploration while remaining accessible to most active travellers.
  • Expect exposed roots and uneven terrain, short scrambles over boulders, a steep gorge section with a narrow path and chain, and a river crossing wading upstream.

Important safety note

Mountain weather can change quickly, and rainfall may make sections of the trail slippery or affect water levels. Your Guide will assess conditions on the day and adapt the experience if required. For your safety, kindly follow the Guide's instructions at all times. Starting times are seasonal and will be confirmed.

Highlights

  • Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch

Suggested to bring

  • Personal medication if necessary
  • Footwear suitable for hiking
  • Warm jacket / windbreaker
  • Beanie or cap
  • Water (we provide 1.5L pp)
  • Snack (we provide local nibbles)
  • Sun protection
Chat with us