Guided hike
Jonkershoek Waterfall
Walk beside mountain streams meandering through rare fynbos to a hidden waterfall.
Why Hike Jonkershoek Waterfall
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.
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.
Cool Off in Natural Mountain Pools: Few trails combine hiking with a swim beneath a waterfall. During suitable conditions, the crystal-clear mountain pools provide a refreshing reward at the end of the trail.
Rare Cape Floral Kingdom: Jonkershoek forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region, home to one of the world's richest concentrations of plant biodiversity. You'll find unique fynbos species found nowhere else on Earth.
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.
Trail Overview
Tucked within the breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve near Stellenbosch, the Tweede Waterval Trail is a rewarding experience that showcases the wild beauty of the Cape Floral Kingdom. 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. The route begins gently, making for a relaxed introduction to the reserve's remarkable biodiversity. As the hike progresses, the terrain gradually becomes more adventurous, with a short scramble adding a sense of exploration while remaining accessible to most active travellers. The climax is the magnificent Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall), where cool mountain water cascades into a pristine natural pool. Here, guests can enjoy a well-earned break, take photographs, enjoy trail snacks, or cool off with a refreshing swim before beginning the return journey. This guided experience is ideal for visitors seeking more than a typical walk, offering a genuine wilderness escape just a short drive from Stellenbosch and Cape Town.
Terrain & Route Type
- Difficulty 3/5
- Duration ~4 hours
- Distance ~6,5 km
- Elevation gain ~360 metres
- Natural stone steps
- Short scramble over boulders
- Exposed roots and uneven terrain
- River crossings and wading upstream
- Well-maintained trails with riverside paths
- Steep gorge section with narrow path and chain
- Out-and-back trail with two waterfalls along the way
Important safety note
Mountain weather can change quickly, and recent 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.
Highlights
- Hike to the rhythm of birdsong and flowing water
- Jonkershoek is a UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Region
- Hidden waterfall surrounded by cliffs
Suggested to bring
- Backpack (water, snacks, etc)
- Personal medication if necessary
- Footwear suitable for hiking
- Comfortable clothing
- Warm jacket / windbreaker
- Beanie or cap
- Water (~1,5L per person)
- Trail snack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen