Walk AwêhCall WSAR
All trails

Swartboskloof Trail

Hard

Jonkershoek

At a glance

Distance

18 km circuit

Time

6–7 hr

Elevation gain

900 m

Summit

1200 m

Water on routeRemote
No dogs Permit required Parking CapeNature Jonkershoek — R70 adult, R50 child, card only

The initial 4.5km climbs over 900m — one of the steepest sustained ascents in the Western Cape. The path is slippery when wet. Do not start after 10am — the route takes a full day and late starters risk running out of daylight. 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

  • One of the benchmark hard hikes in the Cape region — brutal gorge climb followed by a spectacular plateau.
  • Detour to Guardian Peak (1227m) gives simultaneous views of Table Mountain, Cape Point, and False Bay.
  • Bring a swimsuit for the waterfall pools.
  • CapeNature fee R70 per adult — start by 07:00 in summer.

If you need help

Long, remote, and demanding. Weather on the Dwarsberg plateau is dramatically different from the valley — cold, wet, and windy even on warm days. Hikers who underestimate the climbing time have been caught out by darkness. Bring a headlamp.

Emergency exit

At Kurktrekkernek, descend via the Tweede Waterval path back to the parking area (still a significant hike). There is no quick way off this route.

Cell reception

None inside the reserve.

Start point

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve circular parking area — 5km from gate

Get directions to trailhead

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

Elevation profile

0 km4.5 km18 km1200 m280 m

Peak

1200 m

Total ascent

900 m

Trail length

18 km

Best time of year

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

Start by 07:00 in summer. Plateau is exposed and weather can turn fast.

Water sources

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

  • Swartboskloof streams

    Year-round

    Reliable in the kloof. Treat before drinking.

  • Waterfall pools

    Winter and spring only

    Swim pools in spring and early summer.

Build your checklist for this trail
Check turn-around time

Tell someone where you are going

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

Last reviewed March 2026

Report incorrect information