Nature lovers can now look forward to enjoying the tranquil beauty of Jonkershoek Nature reserve, 9 km outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape - following the recent re-opening of its popular hiking trails (repaired back to a useable standard) after a devastating fire forced CapeNature to close it eight months ago.
“The vegetation in this 14 500 hectare World Heritage site is coming back with a lot of bulb species flowering, creating some very interesting hiking conditions as there is something different around every corner” says Patrick Shone, Conservation Manager at Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
Jonkershoek Nature reserve offers pristine hiking trails and bird watching opportunities, a picnic site and the Assegaaibosch Manor House, a national monument and popular guesthouse.
The Reserve also functions as a mountain catchment area, providing water to Cape Town, Stellenbosch and surrounds. In February this year, a fire which broke out at the local picnic and swimming spot, inadvertently caused by three youngsters - reported to have been smoking a hookah pipe at the swimming spot, burnt about 5000 hectares, other fires in the area around the same time burnt a total area of 35 000 hectares and this all leads to the decrease in water run-off in the region.
CapeNature calls on members of the public to exercise caution this fire-season when working with open flames such as braais, pipes and cigarettes.
BACKGROUND
LOCATION
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve comprises the imposing Jonkershoek Mountains and portions of the upper Jonkershoek valley. The Jonkershoek Mountains, with their high peaks and deep kloofs, form part of the larger Hottentots Holland mountain range. The Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers have their various sources high in these mountains, although only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek valley. The lower reaches of the valley are a well-known wine-producing area.
WHAT TO DO
Cycle or walk the 10 km circular route around the valley. Take the 3km hike along the Eerste Rivier to the first waterfall, or the longer, steeper 6.4 km hike to the second waterfall. For a more strenuous hike, try the uphill 18 km Swartboskloof or 17 km Panorama route. Be sure to check the weather report first and read up on hiking safety tips. Get permits at the gate and pay at the entrance kiosk. Adults R25; kids R12; gates are open 8am – 6pm.
HISTORY
In 1692 Simon van der Stel granted a number of freeholds in the Jonkershoek valley. A certain Jan Andriessen, also known as Jan de Jonkheer because he had been a bachelor midshipman, named his grant of land the Vallei Jonkershoek. The Assegaaibosch farmstead (Manor House) was built in 1790, and with time it was altered quite substantially by its various occupants. The huge old oak trees were planted by Wouter Eduard Wium, who was granted the land by Lord Charles Somerset in 1817, with the special proviso that he plant oaks in the area. Over the years the farm changed hands several times and by the early twentieth century it had become quite run-down. In 1960 the Cape Provincial Administration purchased Assegaaibosch, and the house was renovated to its present condition. It is now a national monument and is used as a guest house.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
CapeNature Booking office – National callers: 0861 CAPENATURE (227 362 8873)
International callers: 0027 861 362 8873/0027 21 659 3500
ISSUED BY:
Liesl Brink
Public Relations Officer
Mobile: 071 688 2649
Email: lbrink@capenature.co.za
Website: www.capenature.co.za
«
Go Back
