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Jonkershoek Waterfall Trail

Moderate

Jonkershoek

At a glance

Distance

10 km return

Time

3–4 hr

Elevation gain

350 m

Summit

600 m

Child friendlyWater on routeStream crossings
No dogs Permit required Parking CapeNature Jonkershoek — R70 adult, R50 child, card only

A hiker slipped and fell fatally on an 'easy' section of the trail near the second waterfall. The path near the waterfalls is slippery and has steel rails installed — use them. Do not rush the river boulder section at Tweede Waterval. IMPORTANT (as of March 2026): Parking on the Jonkershoek circular route is closed until further notice. Visitors must park outside the circular drive and walk approximately 5km each way to reach the trailheads. This adds roughly 10km round-trip and 2 hours to every hike in the reserve. Confirm current status with CapeNature.

Know before you go

  • Easy 20-minute walk to the first waterfall; another 40 minutes of boulder scrambling to the second.
  • Bring a swimsuit — the river pools are excellent.
  • Baboons are active — secure all food and close packs before entering.
  • CapeNature fee R70 per adult — card only, no cash. Arrive early; only 20 cars allowed at a time.

If you need help

CapeNature manages this reserve with a 60-person daily cap. The dirt road is badly corrugated — take a vehicle with clearance. Card-only payment at the gate (no cash). Fatal slip and fall recorded near Tweede Waterval.

Emergency exit

The Eerste River follows the valley back to the parking area. Do not attempt to cross the river independently in flood conditions — wait for water levels to drop.

Cell reception

Poor to none inside the reserve.

Start point

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve parking area — drive 5km from gate along circular jeep road (maximum 20 cars, first come first served)

Get directions to trailhead

Parking: Currently parking is closed on the circular drive — park outside and walk in 5 km. Confirm with CapeNature.

Elevation profile

0 km5.0 km10 km600 m280 m

Peak

600 m

Total ascent

350 m

Trail length

10 km

Best time of year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Avoid wet winter weekends. Waterfall pools best September–November.

Water sources

Treat or filter before drinking — never trust a stream raw.

  • Eerste River

    Year-round

    Strong flow. Treat before drinking.

  • Waterfall pools

    Winter and spring only

    Excellent swim pools in spring and early summer.

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Tell someone where you are going

Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.

Last reviewed March 2026

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