1 Day Guided Hiking Tours in Stellenbosch

This page includes different Guided hikes in the Stellenbosch Region and also has info on hiking trails in Stellenbosch like the Vineyard Hiking Trail in Devon Valley.

1. The Waterfall (6.5km)

This is a short but adventurous hiking trail involving some climbing and scrambling, however, don’t be deterred if you have limited climbing experience – the tricky sections are optional and there is plenty to see without doing those.
The trail first meanders along the Eerste River and the first waterfall is easily reached. This makes for a great rest stop where you can admire the dripping moss banks and old indigenous trees.
Soon after this, the trail takes a sudden up-turn as it curves towards a steep sided gorge. Where the path meets this gorge is where the really fun part starts.
The river itself is now  your path, and at times you will be hopping from rock to rock while vertical cliffs hem you in on either side. A few minutes of wandering between lush ferns, moss and trees takes you to the trickiest section of the hike.
Here, those who feel they would rather not try this section can enjoy the scenery around them while the rest of the group does the last short section up to the second waterfall.
For those who make it all the way, the second waterfall is quite a sight to behold as its flow feeds the water plants clothing the cliff face that it runs down.

Please note that in high summer the flow of the waterfalls may be drastically reduced, however, in late January or February this is one of the few places to witness the flowering of the very rare and endangered Cape Red Disa
Cost is R355 per person

Including:
- Guided hike
- Permit for Jonkershoek Nature        
Reserve
- Food pack
- Transport to and from nature reserve

2. Sossyskloof ( 7.2km)

This hike takes place within an ancient rock fault within the Jonkershoek valley, and in a relatively short distance it showcases the variety of forms of the indigenous flora as well as the geology of the area very well.
It is a circular trail which takes you initially through a stand of protea trees, and then winds its way up a rock strewn slope.
The path then levels off onto a flat contour section which offers lovely views over the Jonkershoek valley. At times, you will pass through some small pockets of indigenous forest with various types of trees that may well as much as 250 to 300 years old. One of these shady areas will make the ideal spot to stop for lunch.
After this section, the zig – zagging descent starts with the impressive cliff face rising up out of the fault line forming an imposing backdrop to the scenery. This descent will take you all the way back to the starting point.
With such floral variety in the area, there is a good chance of seeing plants in flower at any time of the year that you do this hike.

Cost is R325 pp, including:
- Guided hike
- Permit for Jonkershoek Nature        
Reserve
- Food pack
- Transport to and from nature reserve

3. Panorama Hiking Trail (17km):

This trail is about 17km long, takes the best part of a day, and is recommended only for experienced hikers. It is a fantastic route, showcasing some of the best that the area has to offer in terms of scenery, plant life, and outdoor adventure in general.

The trail starts with a steady climb up the side of Jonkershoek Valley. You gain altitude quickly and after about 3.5km, the contour path is reached. This makes for a pleasant respite as you contour along the mountainside, winding in and out of the folds of the mountain.

Then, the very steep ascent to Berg River Neck starts. The intense effort required for this uphill is well rewarded with an awesome view down Assegaaibos Gorge on the one side, and Jonkershoek Valley on the other.

Another short ascent takes you onto the stretch of mountain which closes the back of the valley. This entire meandering section offers the stunning panoramic views for which the trail is named.

Once the opposite side of the valley is reached, the knee jarring descent begins.

The name of this section, Kurktrekker, says it all – it is the Afrikaans word for cork screw. The path zigzags down the mountain at an extremely steep gradient, only leveling somewhat near the valley bottom where it traces the Eerste River to take you back to the starting point.

Cost is 445pp,
including:
- Guided hike
- Permit for Jonkershoek
Nature Reserve
- Food pack  
- Transport to, and from nature
reserve

4. Vineyard Hiking Trails ( 3 Routes)

These Routes are non Guided and permit (R25) can be bought at Devonvalley Hotel. If you would like to have a guide, please contact us for more info. Map can bedownloaded here.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE
For the birder and nature lover. The trail starts
at Devon Valley Hotel and winds its way past
two wine estates before it reaches the
Shepherd’s Creek, a tributary of the Eerste
River. The hiker is rewarded with spectacular
views over the Devon Valley, as seen from the
saddle between Bottelarykop and Ribbokkop.
Fynbos and renosterveld grow profusely and
contrast beautifully with the vine-clad hills.
Distance Estimated time
14,6 km 5,5 hour

VINTNERS’ ROUTE
For the wine lover. Starting at Devon Valley
Hotel, the hiker meanders through vine-clad hills
before starting the ascent to The Lookout Point
from where one is greeted with unsurpassed
views over the entire Stellenbosch Mountain
Range. The wine estates form a chequer board
of colours, the colours and hues tinted by each
passing season. The trail passes wine estates:
SylvanVale, Meinert Wines, The House of
JC Le Roux and Stone Hill, where hikers may
choose to linger and sample the fruit of the vine.
Distance Estimated time
3,1 km 1 hour
Difficulty
Moderate

DEVON VALLEY ROUTE
For the health and fitness lover. Seemingly
innocent, this trail affords the hiker with a good
work-out, all along the slopes of the vine-clad
hills, with commanding views of both sides
of the Devon Valley. Abundant fresh air and
meticulously kept vineyards against the
backdrop of the magnificent Stellenbosch
mountains, lure the hiker to linger at Middelvlei,
a wine estate steeped in the history of
wine-making pioneers.
Do the trail on foot or on a mountain-bike.
Distance Estimated time
11,4 km 4,5 hours
Difficulty
Fair, hilly