Please Can you share, this Unique Nature Experience - [Latest Update 26 Going – 4 Spots Left - Booking Essential] – Soulful Bainskloof’s Happy Valley Trail, returning via the Rock-Hopper Trail along the Witte River — with plenty of 🏊♀️swimming spots en route and stunning mountain views.
The hiking trail 🌿follows a stone path that leads past the monument commemorating those who perished in the Witte River disaster of 1895 — a moment to pause and reflect. From there, we continue toward the Weir and descend to the river, where our adventure begins: rock-hopping, bouldering, and winding through the waterways. Numerous opportunities for swimming will enrich the experience, and the return segment of the trail reveals striking rock features and panoramic mountain views.
💧 For this route, we’ll be exploring a section of the trail 🥾 we haven’t covered before — one that includes two large pools ideal for swimming. It’s a perfect summer trail, offering cool water, shaded rest spots, and a fresh perspective on the valley’s natural beauty.
Please remember to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip during the breaks along the route. Even if you choose not to swim, it’s advisable to bring a towel so you can relax on the riverbanks while enjoying a tea or lunch break. For walks that include swimming stops, river shoes are recommended if you have them — they offer comfort and grip on slippery rocks.
If you are not into swims to keep you cool, then this is not for you. Any river crossings will be shallow, so you don’t need to be a swimmer.
📅Sunday – 7th of December 2025 @ 8.30am - [6.10km] - 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.
#########################
🗺️Trail Distance - [6.11km] -- The map above also gives you an idea of the route gradient for the trail. ==> TRAIL MAP ROUTE –
https://www.mapometer.com/walking/route_5619275.html
Here is a 3D Fly-over View of the Trail on offer for the Sundays Hike -
https://tinyurl.com/r7kz3ss7 - 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.
#########################
🚗LIFT SHARING TO MEETING POINT OF TRAIL ON OFFER, WITH A WHATSAPP GROUP, BEFORE EVENT
“Meeting Point is located about 85min 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.
#########################
✨ORGANISED GROUP HIKE COST AS LISTED BELOW
PRE-PAYMENT FOR THIS HIKE, IS REQUIRED, AS I HAVE PAID FOR PERMITS
COST: R125.00 or R70.00 if have a Wild card - Per Person for the organised walk, payable in advance before End of Day on Thursday, the 13th of November 2025 as I have to pay for permits and this area is quite popular in January.
Payment confirms spot. If you have a wild card, please send me your wild card number to confirm your spot. And payment to confirm spots, via EFT
📬Please email full details with confirmation of payment including
[
aWFpbiB8IGF3YWtlbmluZy1pbnR1aXRpb24gISBjb20=](mailto:
aWFpbiB8IGF3YWtlbmluZy1pbnR1aXRpb24gISBjb20=)
STANDARD BANK - Iain A. Macdonald / Current Account / Account number - 070336709 /Branch Code - 020909 / Corner Lower Long and Hans Strydom Street / Cape Town – South Africa
Please email full details with confirmation of payment including
Full Name and Surname / Contact numbers / Number of People / Occupation / Level of Fitness /
@ Please note that unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on any of the walks that are on offer
#########################
💪FITNESS REQUIRED & TYPE OF TRAIL🌿
#########################
If you can comfortably walk to the top of Lion’s Head, you’ll be well-suited to this route. There are numerous boulders along the trail that require careful navigation, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. Extra time has been built into the schedule for rest stops, swimming breaks, and to enjoy the stunning scenery.
If you’re new to the group and unsure about your fitness level — whether due to terrain or duration — please feel free to call me for guidance. The pace will be gentle and unhurried, with plenty of time for photos and to soak in the beauty of this special part of our country 😊. If you have any questions about the walk, you’re welcome to call or WhatsApp me on 072 327 2840.
@@@@@@@@@@@@
⚕️If you have any injuries or physical conditions that could affect your experience on the trail, please let me know in advance. I’ll be happy to advise whether this hike is suitable for you or not.
PLEASE NOTE: Start time is 8:30 AM for this walk.
#########################
✨ FULL WALK DESCRIPTION ON OFFER FOR THIS HIKE 🌿
#########################
The hike begins from the parking area and heads along a stone path that passes the poignant monument commemorating those who lost their lives in the Witte River disaster of 1895 — a quiet moment of reflection before we descend into the heart of the valley. From there, we continue toward the Weir and down to the river, where our adventure truly begins: rock-hopping, bouldering, and weaving along the winding waterways. Numerous natural pools invite us to pause and swim, enriching the experience with moments of cool immersion. The return leg of the trail rewards us with striking rock formations and sweeping mountain vistas.
This particular route explores a section we haven’t covered before — a fresh perspective on familiar terrain. It includes two large, inviting pools ideal for summer swims, making it a perfect warm-weather trail. With shaded stretches and water never far away, it offers a balance of movement and rest, challenge and refreshment.
The Witte River itself is a pristine mountain stream flowing through the Limietberg Nature Reserve, just over an hour from Cape Town. Fed by mountain runoff, its waters are exceptionally clear and cool, winding through steep gorges, rocky outcrops, and indigenous vegetation. Along the way, we may encounter dassies, klipspringers, baboons, and a chorus of birdlife — from wagtails and kingfishers to the soaring Verreaux’s eagle. The riverbanks are lined with proteas, ericas, and wild almond trees along it banks.
#########################
🏞️ WITTE RIVER NEAR BAINSKLOOK 🌿
#########################
The Witte River near Bainskloof is a pristine mountain stream flowing through the Limietberg Nature Reserve, celebrated for its crystal-clear pools, rugged beauty, and tranquil hiking routes.
Here’s a deeper look at what makes it special:
🌿 Location & Setting
• Situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, the Witte River winds through the dramatic folds of Bainskloof Pass, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.
• Fed by mountain runoff, its waters are exceptionally clear and cool — ideal for summer swims.
• The river flows through steep gorges, rocky outcrops, and indigenous vegetation, offering a wild and immersive nature experience.
💧 Swimming & Nature
• Natural swimming holes carved into the rock — some deep enough for plunges, others shallow and sun-warmed.
• Wildlife includes dassies, klipspringers, baboons, and a rich array of birdlife such as black eagles. Occasionally, leopards are spotted in the reserve, so dogs are not permitted.
• The area is clean, quiet, and largely shaded by mountain cliffs, though some sections are exposed — sun protection is advised.
🌿 Nature & Heritage
• Indigenous flora: Expect proteas, ericas, and riverine trees like wild almond and keurboom lining the banks.
• Birdlife: Look out for kingfishers, wagtails, and raptors overhead — the cliffs are nesting grounds for Verreaux’s eagles.
• Cultural echoes: The river flows through the Limietberg Nature Reserve, rich in Khoisan heritage and early settler history.
#########################
🌿ABOUT THIS SOULFUL TRAIL EXPERIENCE
#########################
What’s on offer is a soulful nature experience shared with like-minded people, with plenty of extra time allocated for breaks to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. This includes a morning tea break en route, a relaxed lunch stop, and quiet time in nature for reflection on the return leg—weather and timing permitting
#########################
🚗 HOW TO GET HERE FROM CAPE TOWN
#########################
⚠️ VERY IMPORTANT: Regardless of the walk, please bring at
least 2 litres of water—and 3 litres if the day is hot or humid. This is non-negotiable for joining any of our walks.
📍 Before You Leave – A Travel Reminder: Please make sure your directions are clearly sorted before setting out for the walk. Some of our meeting points are in remote or mountainous areas where cell phone reception can be limited or unreliable, especially if you're relying on mobile data or GPS apps.
A little preparation goes a long way—it helps us all arrive on time, feeling relaxed and ready to connect with nature. If you're unsure about the route or need help with directions, feel free to reach out before the day of the hike—I'm happy to assist.
***************************
***************************
From Cape Town City Centre via the N1
From Cape Town: Take the Klapmuts/ Wellington turn-off on N1. Turn left and drive for 20km until you get into Wellington. At the third set of traffic lights, turn left into Piet Retief Street and then right at the next set of traffic lights into Church Street. This will lead you into Bainskloof Pass towards Worcester.
The meeting point and the start of the trail will be in the parking area on the right–hand side about 1km before you get to the top of the Bainkloof pass.
📍IF IN DOUBT, USE THE GOOGLE MAPS LINK BELOW TO REACH THE LOCATION
Please give yourself extra time, as people often underestimate the travelling time in getting there. It’s about 85min travelling time from the City Central Cape Town Or to check where you are coming from see link -
https://tinyurl.com/2jdf8uud
You may also like the following events from Iain A Macdonald @Soulful Nature Walks Cape Town:
Also check out other
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Wellington,
Sports events in Wellington,
Meetups in Wellington.
