Take a Hike

The Stellenbosch Hiking Club organises a large variety of day and weekend hikes in the Western Cape. Hikes are graded to assists hikers based on fitness and appetite for adventure.

Walks range from flat and easy to steep and challenging. The following grading is used:
Steepness: 1 (walk) to 4 (rock climb)
Exposure: A (none) to C (high)
Level of effort: Green (easy) to Red (difficult)

We share the club’s 2026 programme.

2026 Programme
Date	Route	Grading	Contact person
7 March	Tweede Waterval, Jonkershoek	12 km 2A/B Orange	Johanita Kotze 082 6584082
14 March	Missing Link,  Camps Bay	12 km 2A	Louise Dudley 083 635 1510
21 March	Helderberg – West Peak	13km 3B Orange	Fay Pistorius 078 370 2269
Tuesday 24 March	Bobbejaanskloof Eerste Tol Bainskloof (swim hike)	9km 2B	Dalene Pretorius 0846543888
28 March	Geelhout route, Twin Traverse and contour along the lower slopes of Cathedral Peak.	20km 2B Orange	Linda du Toit 0721070213
3- 6 April	Easter weekend – no hike
11 April	Up Kasteelpoort and down with the Cableway	Challenging 3B	Helmien Jonker 082 855 3178
18 April	Beach walk from Simon’s Town to Kalk Bay	11km 2A	Johanita Kotze 082 6584082
25 April	Perdekop Mont Rochelle – Franschoek	15km 2B Orange	Hanlie Caine 0825295440
2 May	Plaisir Trail, Plaisir Wine Estate, Simondium	14km 2A	Cynthia Slattery 072 246 1902
9 May	Rifberg and Cathedral Peak – Jonkershoek	20km 4D Black	Breyten van Merwe 078 2913675
16 May	Vogelgat – Vogel Pool	15 km 2B Orange	Loumarie van Wyk 084 6222804
23 May	Panorama Jonkershoek	17km 4B Red	Hanlie Caine 082 5295440
29 to 31 May	Cederberg Wolfberg Arch	Various	Francois Coetzee 083 4504168 Admin Renée Coetzee 082 926 7772
6 June	Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon	10km 3B Orange	Johanita Kotze 082 6584082
13 June	Sculpture Corner loop, Fernkloof (Hermanus)	16-18km 3A	Hanlie Caine 0825295440
20 June	Kleinmond Spooknek, Dots Dash and Klipspringer to harbour	15 km 2B	Maryna Loubser 084584 2864
27 June	Ox wagon Trail – Starting at Idiom Wine Estate	10.5 km 2B Green	Fay Pistorius 078 370 2269
4 July	Constantia mountain and Olifant-se-stert cave – Silvermine – SANParks	10 km 4A Green	Hein Gericke 082 777 0881
11 July	Banhoek – Duiwelskloof	14km 2B/3A	Hanlie Caine 0825295440
18 July	Assegaaiboskloof – Jonkershoek to Berg River Dam	22km 3B Orange	Linda du Toit 0721070213
25 July	TBC

For more information reach out to the indicated contact person or consult the General Information document or use www.stbvoetslaan.co.za or the WhatsApp group.

Longer hikes

21 to 27 April: Lighthouse “Pilgrimage of Hope”   Southern Cape: Mosselbaai to Stilbaai, 6 days, 107 km   Fully booked.

29 to 31 May Cederberg: Wolfberg Arch Contact Renée Coetzee (reneecoetzee16@gmail.com) before 15 February 2026 to book your place. There is space for only 10 people.reneecoetzee16@gmail.com
Driving distance	235km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R705.00
Hiking distance	Saturday: 16km out-and-back. 6–7 hours. Sunday: 5km out-and-back. 2–3 hours.	Fee	Driekhoek Groothuis: R874 pp for two nights; CapeNature day permit R90 pp
Grading	Saturday 3B. Sunday 2B	Hike leader	Francois Coetzee. Admin: Renée Coetzee
Meeting time	We leave on Friday as early as suits everyone and arrive at Driehoek Farm that evening.	Departure time
Overnight on Friday and Saturday night in the Groothuis at Driehoek Farm.   On Saturday we hike to Wolfberg Arch: a well-marked route with a steadily steep ascent up to 800 m elevation to reach the Arch. There are no technical steep sections, but it is a long and tiring hike — for fit hikers only. Sunday – we pack up in the morning and drive to the Algeria campsite. We hike a lovely, relatively easy path up the gorge to the waterfall. Some scrambling in places and a rocky path.

Baviaanskloof Canyon, 11 to 17 December 2026   Fully booked.

Saturday 7 March Tweede Waterval, Jonkershoek   Book with Johanita Kotze on 082 658 4082 by 6 March.
Driving distance	None
Hiking distance	12km	Entrance fee	R60.00. Wildcard holders free
Grading	2B Orange	Hike leader	Johanita Kotze
Meeting time	07:00 in Jonkershoek
We meet at 07:00 at the Jonkershoek entrance gate. After permits have been obtained, we drive in and park at Witbrug. We then follow the path past Eerste Waterval to Tweede Waterval. Proceed along the designated path and turn left at the Kurktrekker sign. Continue walking until you reach the wooden platform, which provides an impressive view of the entire valley. Following a scheduled tea break, return via the same route.

Saturday 14 March 2026: Missing Link, Camps Bay   Book with Louise Dudley on 083 635 1510 by 12:00 on Friday 13 March.
Driving distance	60km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R180.00
Hiking distance	12km	Entrance fee	none
Grading	2A	Hike leader	Louise Dudley
Meeting time	06:45	Departure time	07:00
The Twelve Apostles “Missing Link Loop” is a 12km circular route that starts and ends in Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay. The contour path offers lovely views of the Twelve Apostles, Lion’s Head and the Atlantic Ocean and is fairly level, but it ends with a stiff climb back to the vehicles (total elevation gain of 365 m). There is very little shade.

Tuesday 24 March 2026: Bobbejaanskloof, Eerste Tol, Bainskloof (swim hike)   Book with Delene Pretorius on 084 654 3888 by 17 March   Permit hike. Numbers are limited. Permits will be obtained in advance, and this will determine the final number of hikers.   Hikers will be informed of the payment date. Pay the club directly and send proof of payment to the treasurer, mariella@internext.co.za, as well as the hike leader,dp2@sun.ac.za and mariella@internext.co.zadp2@sun.ac.za   Wild Card holders – phone CapeNature on 087 087 8250 to book your place and receive a discount.
Driving distance	60km	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R180.00
Hiking distance	± 9km (approximately 6 hours)	Entrance fee	R50.00 or Wild Card holders (free)
Grading	2B	Hike leader	Delene Pretorius 084 654 3888 (WhatsApp)
Meeting time	06:45 by Coetzenburg	Departure time	07:00 or 08:00 at Eerste Tol, Bainskloof
We hike from Eerste Tol across the Witte River and then through beautiful fynbos into the Bobbejaan River kloof, up to the waterfall. This is an out-and-back route. The footpath is uneven and rocky, and hikers are exposed on the last section before the waterfall — hence the B grading. All the while we enjoy the mountains closing around us, and we can cool off from the summer heat in the wonderful pools. Remember swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat. This popular route is offered on a Tuesday because it is overcrowded on a Saturday.

Saturday 28 March: Geelhout and Twin Traverse route, Jonkershoek   Book with Linda du Toit on 072 1070 213 by 27 March
Driving distance	Geen.
Hiking distance	20km	Entrance fee	MTO R60.00 adults, R55.00 pensioners. No cash accepted.
Grading	3B Orange	Hike leader	Linda du Toit
Meeting time	08:00 at the Jonkershoek gate
The hike starts at the gate. We follow the Geelhout route, which eventually becomes the Twin Traverse route. We follow a trail — occasionally crossing stretches of jeep track — as we take in the stunning views of the Jonkershoek mountains and valley. After traversing Twin Traverse, we keep to the path, passing Langrivier until it joins the climb up to Bergriviernek. From there, we descend toward Witbrug and make our way back to the gate along the circular route.

Saturday 11 April – Kasteelspoort   Book with Helmien Jonker on 082 855 3178 or email helmienjonker@hotmail.com 7 days before the hike. Buy your cable car ticket online in advance if you do not have a Wild Card, for a discount.
Driving distance	65km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R200.00 =
Hiking distance	7km	Entrance fee	Cable car ticket R295 (60+ get a substantial discount, R100).
Grading	3B Orange	Hike leader	Helmien Jonker
Meeting time	07:30 at parking area of Kloof Neck	Departure time	06:45 from Stellenbosch
This is one of Table Mountain’s routes with the best views over Camps Bay, Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles. Table Mountain — one of the oldest mountains on earth — is 600 million years old. We hike from Teresa Avenue, Camps Bay. We join the Pipe Track, and from there continue up via the Kasteelspoort route. Clambering over rocks requires good stamina, as the path grows steep. We then hike to the “Diving Board” at 900 m elevation, a popular spot for photos of the overhanging rock. We walk to the upper cable station (1,076 m) for refreshments and take in the views. There are ladders with minimal exposure. Please remember to bring valid identification to ensure you are eligible for the standard or discounted single ticket fare for the cable car descent. In the event of strong winds, the cable car service will be suspended, and the hike will be cancelled. Given the variable weather conditions on Table Mountain, it is advisable to pack warm clothing. Ensure you carry an adequate supply of drinking water.

Saturday 18 April – Beach walk from Simon’s Town to Kalk Bay   Book with Johanita Kotze on 082 658 4082 by 17 April
Driving distance	80km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R240.00
Hiking distance	11km	Entrance fee	Train ticket back to Simon’s Town
Grading	2A Green	Hike leader	Johanita Kotze
Meeting time	08:00 – Just Nuisance Statue – Jubilee Square Simonstown	Departure time	Leave Stellenbosch 06:30
Enjoy a coastal walk from Simon’s Town Jubilee Square, with historical highlights and stops for coffee. From Kalk Bay, you can have refreshments and take the train back to Simon’s Town.

Saturday, 25 April, Perdekop – Mont Rochelle   Book with Hanlie Caine on 082 529 5440 by 23 April.
Driving distance	45km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R140.00
Hiking distance	15km	Entrance fee	R70.00 for permit. No wild card affiliation
Grading	2.5B Orange	Hike leader	Hanlie Caine
Meeting time	06:45	Departure time	07:00
We meet at 08:00 at the entrance gate of Mont Rochelle Reserve. We hike past Breakfast Rock to Uitkyk. About 2.7km from the entrance gate, the Perdekop route branches off to the right, east of the Uitkyk route (elevation 1,108m). The trail continues in a general easterly direction and climbs (+/- 180m) in the first kilometre. For the next km the trail swings in a north-easterly direction, then north and north-east. Along this section you can see beautiful panoramic views over the Wemmershoek Valley and surrounding cliffs. To the west, Table Mountain is visible on a clear day. The trail then swings eastwards, crosses a small stream and passes the turn-off to the return route (elevation 1,488m). Perdekop Peak (elevation 1,575m) is about 4.3km from the Uitkyk turn-off. It is marked by a large stone cairn (elevation 1,575m). From Perdekop Peak the trail descends gradually in a southerly/south-westerly direction. The last section includes a very steep descent into the Du Toit River gorge and a steep climb back out. From there it is a short distance back to the gate.

Saturday 2 May 2026 – Plaisir Trail, Plaisir Wine Estate, Simondium   Hike leader: Cynthia Slattery – Please Whats App Cynthia on 072 246 1902 by 13h00 on 1 May to confirm
Driving distance	20km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R60.00
Hiking distance	14km	Entrance fee	R60.00
Grading	2A	Hike leader	Cynthia Slattery
Meeting time	07:30	Departure time	07:45
We drive to the Plaisir Wine Estate in Simondium (about a half-hour drive from Stellenbosch), where we park and obtain our permits at the Wine Tasting Centre. The walking trail starts after the ‘Trail Centre’. We begin hiking in the direction of Simonsberg and return on a different path along a little stream. Hikers and mountain bikers share the path, so we must keep an eye out for bikes at all times. The path can be slippery in wet weather. Tamlin Amber in her blog notes the following: “The trail offers a wide range of scenery and flora. There are forest sections near the streams, to proteas and pines nearer the top. This hike is quite exposed. You only really enjoy shade in the stream sections and near the top in the pines. Apart from a few steep hill climbs, clay tracks and some rocky areas with loose sand, there is nothing too hectic to tackle. Overall, this is a truly beautiful, rewarding hike. It is not overly demanding; however, you will need water, plenty of sunscreen and comfortable shoes.”

Saturday 9 May Rifberg and Katedraalpiek – Jonkershoek   Contact Breyten van der Merwe by 13:00 on 8 May on 078 291 3675 if you would like to join.   This is a demanding and challenging hike. Click here to watch Ralph Pina’s video “Scrambling up the Cathedral” beforehand if you are unsure whether it is for you.
Driving distance	None
Hiking distance	20km	Entrance fee	R65.00 wild card holders free. No cash payments.
Grading	4D Black	Hike leader	Breyten van der Merwe
Meeting time	07:00 in Jonkershoek
The group convenes at 07:00 at the Jonkershoek reserve entrance. Vehicles are parked at Witbrug, followed by an ascent to Bergriviernek. The route continues north toward Rifberg, also referred to as the Second Ridge. Descent is made via the smooth “Slab” route. Access to the Third Ridge involves traversing an exposed ledge and ascending a grassy gully, commonly known as the Green Mamba, which leads to Cathedral Peak. The return journey follows the same path, with a detour through Langrivier.

Saturday 16 May – Vogelgat Hermanus   Book with Loumarie van Wyk on 084 622 2804 by 2 May. The hike is limited to 9 hikers. Please note the earlier meeting time.
Driving distance	100km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R300.00
Hiking distance	15km	Entrance fee	R100.00 contribution to the annual permit
Grading	2B Orange	Hike leader	Loumarie van Wyk
Meeting time	06:45	Departure time	Leave Stellenbosch at 07:00
We meet at 08:45 at the entrance to Vogelgat. The hike then starts at the base camp, via Shower and Vogel Pool to Guys Pool, and returns via a circular route. Bring swimwear. This is a wonderful opportunity to hike in this private nature reserve.

Saturday, 23 May: Panorama Route (Up to Bergriviernek and down via Kurktrekker) – Jonkershoek Book with Hanlie Caine on 082 529 5440 by 21 May.
Driving distance	None
Hiking distance	17km	Entrance fee	R60.00, Wild card holders free. No cash payments.
Grading	4B Red	Hike leader	Hanlie Caine
Meeting time	07:45 by die hek in Jonkershoek	Departure time	08:00
We meet at 07:00 at the gate of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. We park at Witbrug and then start the steep climb to a contour path just below the Third Ridge and Banghoek peaks. Following the contour path, you reach Bergriviernek, with incredible views over Assegaaiboskloof. The path then winds across the Dwarsberg plateau, with its marshy areas and streams surrounded by disas, to Kurktrekkernek. There is a short detour here to the summit of Guardian Peak (1,227m), with breathtaking views over the Cape Peninsula, from Table Mountain to Cape Point, Robben Island, False Bay, Cape Hangklip and the peaks of the Hottentots-Holland range. From Kurktrekker the path descends past Tweede and Eerste waterfalls back to the start.

Saturday, 6 June Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon   Book with Johanita Kotze on 082 658 4082 by 5 June. Buy your cable car and Kirstenbosch tickets online in advance if you do not have a Wild Card, for a discount. If you do have a Wild Card, you get an additional discount.
Driving distance	50km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R150.00
Hiking distance	10km	Entrance fee	R100 Kirstenbosch and R295 cable car – pensioners and Wild Card members get a discount.
Grading	3B Orange	Hike leader	Johanita Kotze
Meeting time	06:45	Departure time	07:00
We meet at 08:00 at the Kirstenbosch entrance gate. We start our walk, walking through the garden to reach the route. Skeleton Gorge is a popular route to the Back Table, as hikers stay in the shade of the wooded gorge. The route follows Smuts Path to the contour path and then climbs steeply on the left-hand side of the ravine. There are ladders that help hikers over a few steep, rocky sections. The gorge opens out above this section and emerges on the Back Table. Here hikers turn right for Maclear’s Beacon (the highest point on Table Mountain, 1,085 m). From here we follow the path to the Upper Cableway Station to descend by cable car. It’s quite a scramble, with big, steep rocky sections in the gorge — please make sure you are prepared.

Saturday 13 June: Sculptures Corner loop, Fernkloof (Hermanus)   Book with Hanlie Caine on 082 529 5440 by 11 June
Driving distance	100km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R300.00
Hiking distance	16–18km	Entrance fee	None
Grading	3A	Hike leader	Hannelie Caine
Meeting time	06:00	Departure time	06:15
We aim to meet at 07:45 at the car park at Fernkloof Nature Reserve’s main gate. We then start hiking at 08:00 through the gardens, up through the indigenous trees of Boekenhoutbos, steeply up via Adder Ladder’s zig-zag. At White Rock we turn right and walk to Galpin Hut, where we rest for a while with beautiful views over Hermanus. From there we do the Sculpture Corner loop and let our imagination run free with all the lovely rock formations. We pass at the foot of Aasvoëlkop (824 m) on a wide circuit, from where we again have beautiful views towards the Kleinrivier Lagoon and Stanford. We turn down to the three Mosselrivier dams and descend steeply to the bottom. At the dams we stop for lunch and explore a bit. Then we return through Fernkloof’s gardens to the cars. NB: Please make sure you bring enough water. Depending on the weather the day can get very hot. For mountain-fit hikers only.
Saturday, 20 June: Kleinmond – Spooknek, Dots Dash, Klipspringer to the harbour   Book with Maryna Loubser on 084 548 2864 by 19 June. For fit people only who can handle heights, descents and uneven terrain.
Driving distance	80km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R240.00.
Hiking distance	15km	Entrance fee	None
Grading	2B Red	Hike leader	Maryna Loubser
Meeting time	07:00	Departure time	07:15
Please assemble at the harbour at 08:30. The hike will commence from the harbour, proceeding along the boardwalk on the east bank of the river toward Fairy Glen. The route then ascends to Kasteelkopnek and continues onward to Spooknek. The descent follows Dots Dash and Klipspringer, traversing through Feetjiesbos before returning along the east bank to the harbour.

Saturday 27 June 2026 Ox- wagon Trail, Somerset West   Book with Fay Pistorius on 078 270 2269 by 12:00 on Friday 26 June.
Driving distance	20km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R60.00
Hiking distance	10km	Entrance fee	None
Grading	2B Green	Hike leader	Fay Pistorius
Meeting time	07:00	Departure time	07:15
Starting at Idiom Restaurant [-34.104674,18.941571], we follow a jeep track; then, a rocky trail climbing steadily. Our total ascent on a good trail, steep at times, is 450m. Gouged into the rocks we see the scars left by the wheels of ox-wagons. The first wagon to venture into the interior left the Cape in 1664. Traffic peaked in 1821 with 4,500 wagons using this pass annually – 20% not making it. At the top of the pass, we head up to the right to the old cannons to enjoy a well-earned snack break before returning to Idiom where refreshments can be enjoyed by those not wanting to leave immediately.

Saturday 4 July 2026: Constantia Mountain and Olifant-se-stert cave – Silvermine is a SANParks property. Book with Hein Gericke on 082 777 0881 by 3 July. Wild Card holders – present your card to enter free.
Driving distance	70km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R210.00
Hiking distance	9km	Permit	R44:00, Wild Card free
Grading	2A Orange	Hike leader	Hein Gericke
Meeting time	06:00	Departure time	06:15
We gather at 07:00 in the car park beside the dam. From there, we take the circular trail in an anti-clockwise direction, passing Elephant’s Eye cave and making our way up the mountain. Although the path is steep and exhausting, it doesn’t present any technical challenges. Starting at 474m, we ascend to the radio mast at 927m, where stunning panoramic views await us. After beginning our descent on the Hout Bay side, we soon come across the secluded Olifant-se-stert cave, hidden away in the landscape. We then make a sharp descent to the popular viewing platform before winding through Prinskasteel Valley to return to our starting point. During this season, the vegetation should be vibrant and full of colour.

Saturday 18 July 2026 Banhoek – Duiwelskloof   Book with Hanlie Caine on 082 529 5440 by 16 July.
Driving distance	12km x 2	Suggested contribution towards fuel costs	R35.00
Hiking distance	±14km	Entrance fee	None
Grading	2B Orange	Hike leader	Hanlie Caine
Meeting time	07:15	Departure time	07:30
We park at 08:00 at Betlehem farm and hike from there in the direction of Boschendal to the turn-off to Duiwelskloof. We walk a short way uphill to the start of the kloof. From there it is a lovely, level and cool path between trees, alongside the stream, with impressive rock walls on both sides. The last roughly third of the route involves serious boulder hopping and rocky terrain to the waterfall. Those who want to skip the last section can wait comfortably until the rest of the group returns the same way. We follow the same route back from the kloof to the starting point.

18 July 2026: Assegaaiboskloof – Jonkershoek to Bergrivier Dam   Book with Linda du Toit on 072 1070 213 by 3 July. The hike begins at Witbrug parking in Jonkershoek reserve. Arrange drop-off in advance, as we won’t return to Stellenbosch before the gate closes. his is a permit hike and numbers are limited. Members get preference.
Driving distance	None	Cost of the shuttle back to Stellenbosch	Approximately R300 pp (exact cost will be available closer to the date of the hike).
Hiking distance	22km	Entrance fee	R50.00, Wild card free
Grading	3B Orange	Hike leader	Linda du Toit
We meet at 07:00 at the Jonkershoek gate, collect permits, and head to Witbrug. The hike follows a steep path up to Bergriviernek for refreshments, then descends to the Berg River’s start in Assegaaiboskloof. We follow river trails, crossing several times, with most of the route on a clear path. The journey ends at the Bergrivier Dam back gate, where transport returns us to Stellenbosch. Expect a long but rewarding day.

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