Please Can you share this Unique Nature Experience - [Latest Update 22 Going – 8 x Spots Left - Booking Essential] – Soulful Stellenboschberg Hiking Trail that starts at the Eerste River and leads up to the summit of Stellenboschberg Peak offering breathtaking 360-degree views over Jonkershoek Simonsberg and the Strand. The panoramic scenery alone makes this a must-do — definitely one for the bucket list
Sunday – 3rd of August 2025 @ 8.30am - [11.78km] - Finishing time of walk @ approx. 4.30pm. IF KEEN TO JOIN YOU CAN MESSAGE ME ON
aWFpbiB8IGF3YWtlbmluZy1pbnR1aXRpb24gISBjb20= or you can call me or WhatsApp me on - 072 327 2840 --- Wherever possible I aim to offer you hiking trails that you might not have previously discovered all while ensuring the safety of a group experience.
TO VIEW PICTURES OF THE AWESOME WALK EVENT COMING - https://www.facebook.com/events/635539776243509/?active_tab=discussion
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Trail Distance - [11.73] -- The map above also gives you an idea of the route gradient for the trail. ==> TRAIL MAP ROUTE – https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5604717.html
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer for the Sundays Hike - https://tinyurl.com/49j9eftp - If using your phone you can zoom into the trail or even rotate the view of the trail to give you a better idea of the trail on offer.
Please ensure that you will be on time for the meeting point and that you can commit to the ending time of the hiking trail before you join. This is for your safety reasons since we will all be leaving and returning as a group together. As an added measure of protection on every walk we have at least 3-5 two-way radios in the group to ensure that everyone is accounted for at all times.
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Ample time has been allocated to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature on this day. The anticipated conclusion of the walk is 4.30pm. It is important to note that this is an approximate time so it is recommended not to plan any other activities immediately after the walk. Although I make every effort to adhere to the estimated schedule unforeseen circumstances may arise that could potentially delay our return.
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LIFT SHARING TO MEETING POINT OF TRAIL ON OFFER WITH A WHATSAPP GROUP BEFORE EVENT
“Meeting Point is located about 55min from Central Cape Town CBD”
Wherever possible there will be lift transport sharing options to save on petrol costs in getting to the
start of the hiking trail.
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ORGANISED GROUP HIKE COST AS LISTED BELOW
COST: R70.00 Per Person for the organised walk or you can do a EFT
@ Please note that unfortunately no dogs are allowed on any of the walks that are on offer
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FITNESS REQUIRED & TYPE OF TRAIL
On offer will be an INTERMEDIATE to a HIGHER LEVEL OF FITNESS SOULFUL WALK due to the types of trails and distances over the three days. The accent in the steepest section would be like doing Kasteel Poort to the top of Table Mountain or a trail like Mont Rochelle Reserve Franschoek heading up via Du Toitskop Peak or a trail like Panorama Hiking Trail - Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
If in doubt please call. Extra time is added along the way for extra stops - If you need to ask me any questions about the walk you can call me or whatsapp me on - 072 327 2840
This trail will offer a unique chance to experience this trail and explore its beautiful surroundings not to mention connecting with like-minded people.
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DETAILED FULL WALK DESCRIPTION ON OFFER
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The Stellenboschberg Hiking Trail begins at the Eerste River swing bridge a familiar landmark near Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch. This area has long served as a natural corridor between the town and the surrounding mountains with the Karindal Hangbrug providing a scenic crossing over the Eerste River. The river itself was named by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1679 as it was the first watercourse encountered on his expedition from the Cape. Historically the surrounding foothills were used for grazing and forestry during the colonial period and remnants of old jeep tracks still trace parts of the route.
The “Tweede Kruis” (Second Cross) a midway landmark may reflect early surveying or religious markers and has long served as a resting point for hikers. It offers the first panoramic views over the Jonkershoek Valley and the vineyards that helped shape the region's cultural identity. Today the trail forms part of broader conservation efforts to preserve access to the Cape Winelands' mountainous terrain while encouraging low-impact recreation.
As hikers ascend they pass through a diverse array of fynbos vegetation including king protea (Protea cynaroides) pincushion proteas (Leucospermum spp.) and several species of Erica and Restio. The mountain slopes are dominated by this endemic biome defined by three primary plant groups: reed-like restioids heath-like ericoids and iconic proteoids. Birdlife is abundant along the route with sightings of Cape sugarbirds orange-breasted sunbirds and fiscal flycatchers common. Changing vegetation zones—from riverine forest to montane fynbos—also support small mammals and reptiles while the occasional Verreaux’s eagle overhead enhances the sense of wilderness.
The final stretch to Stellenboschberg Peak involves crossing a field of sandstone boulders with cairns marking the safest route. At 1175 meters the summit offers a 360-degree panorama that includes Jonkershoek Valley Simonsberg and the coastline of the Strand and False Bay. Raptors such as the black eagle may be seen soaring overhead making the peak an ideal place to appreciate the intersection of geology flora and fauna.
The return journey follows the same path requiring careful descent on loose gravel and steep switchbacks below the Second Cross. Once back at the Coetzenburg sports fields hikers retrace their steps along the Bergpad trail system passing through the Koloniesland area before concluding the journey at the Karindal Hangbrug.
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WHAT IS ON OFFER DURING THE HIKE
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What is on offer is a soulful nature experience with like-minded people with lots of extra time allocated to breaks to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings a morning tea break on route our lunch break and quiet time out in nature for reflection on our return route after lunchtime permitting.
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DIRECTIONS FROM CAPE TOWN
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WHEN LEAVING PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE DIRECTIONS WITH YOU
Driving Directions: Cape Town City Centre to Stellenbosch
Exit Cape Town City Centre. Start by making your way onto the N2 highway heading east following signs for Somerset West / Cape Town International Airport. Major roads like Buitengracht Street will lead you directly onto the N2.
Travel on the N2 Highway. Continue on the N2 for approximately 25-30 kilometers. You will pass Cape Town International Airport on your right.
Take the Stellenbosch Exit (R310). Take Exit 33 for the R310 / Baden Powell Drive following the signs for Stellenbosch.
Follow the R310 into Stellenbosch. Turn left onto the R310 (also known as Polkadraai Road). Continue straight on this road for several kilometers until you enter the town of Stellenbosch where it becomes Adam Tas Street.
Navigate to Jonkershoek. From Adam Tas Street turn right onto Langstraat-Suid Road. Continue straight as this road becomes Jonkershoek Road. Arrive at Your Destination.
Turn left onto Bosch-en-Dal Road. Your destination is located on this road near the Karindal Hangbrug (swing bridge) that crosses the Eerste River.
IF IN DOUBT USE THE LINK BELOW ON YOUR GOOGLE MAPS TO GET TO THE LOCATION
Please give yourself extra time as people often underestimate the travelling time in getting there. It’s about 55min travelling time from the City Central Cape Town Or to check where you are coming from see link - https://tinyurl.com/4abhyfj8
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