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Below are just some of the hiking trails in the Stellenbosch area.
Jonkershoek Trails
There are several hiking trails within the beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The Swartboskloof-Sosyskloof route offers a 5.3 km and a 6.9 km circular route - easy scenic walks with forests and a waterfall in winter. A trip to the Second Waterfall is 6.4 km there and back. It starts as an easy scenic walk with the Eerste River in sight for most of the way, then there is a fairly steep section to the gorge (the steep and dangerous ascent to the actual waterfall is closed to hikers).
Panorama, a 17.1 km trail with a fairly steep 4 km-ascent up to a contour path, offers splendid views. The Swartboskloof trail is the longest at 18 km, with panoramic views, a steep ascent, a level top section and a steep descent to the waterfall route.
For more information on Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, click here.
Helderberg Hiking Trail
Helderberg Farm, a short drive from Stellenbosch, is situated on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, with spectacular views of False Bay, Stellenbosch and the Cape Peninsula. Hikes range from a 1.8 km, 50-minute walk to a tougher 11 km route.
Granny's Forest
Offers easy walking for both young and old, and there's an overnight hut if you opt for a longer trail. All trails are colour-coded.
There are several other nature reserves with hiking trails, within easy driving distance of Stellenbosch, and many other scenic walks in the vicinity.
Vineyard Hiking Trail
The Vineyard trail, a full day's ramble, is best undertaken in autumn or spring. This long 24-kilometre trail between Stellenbosch and Kuils River takes the hiker through a series of "kopjes" (hills) and ridges, through forest plantations, vineyards and olive groves in what must be one of the most scenic and historic farming districts in South Africa. The trail starts on the slopes of Papegaai Berg ( Parrot Mountain), above the Oude Libertas Centre, where parking is available.
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