Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve

Riviersonderend Conservation Area

Greyton Nature Reserve

Greyton, Western Cape

For those that have never ventured across its borders, Greyton and the close bye Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve are truly described as precious jewels of the Cape. Surrounded by high mountain peaks that are often shrouded in mist, the area is a hikers and walkers paradise with trails to suite everyone. The reserve is situated about 15km south of Robertson on the McGregor road.

         
 

Genadendal Hiking Trail

This is a two day trail with a total distance of 25,3km, day 1 being 14,3km and day 2 being 11km. The trail can be considered to be fairly strenuous.

  
 
         
 
 

The trail starts and finishes in the historic settlement of Genadendal which dates back more than 200 years to when a Moravian mission was established. For those wishing to overnight before setting out on the trail, accommodation can be arranged through the church.

The trail traverses the 69,500ha Riviersonderend conservation area which is surrounded by the towns of Riviersonderend, Greyton, McGregor and Villiersdorp.

 Group size is restricted to two groups of 12 each.

  
         
 

 The first day will take about 8 hours to complete and starts with steep climb up Perdekop. The trail passes two beautiful pools, Groot and Klein Koffiegat where a quick dip can be had on hot day. The trail then begins its gradual descent to the overnight camp at Die Hoek.

The second day should take about 7 hours to complete and consists of a long steady climb up to a saddle between Arendkop and Uitkykkop followed by a descent back to Genadendal.

  
 
         
 
 

Boesmanskloof Trail

This is a linear trail of 17km and stretches from Greyton to McGregor through the beautiful Riviersonderend conservation area. Transport needs to be arranged from the end of the trail unless a decision is taken to hike the trail in both directions over two days which is a popular options. There is plenty of excellent overnight accommodation to be had in both towns. It should be noted that the McGregor end finishes at Die Galg which is approximately 14km outside McGregor. The trail can be considered fairly strenuous and hikers should be fit and well equipped.

 

  

 

Map of the trail
         
 

Along the trail there is a series of pools and waterfalls known as Oakes falls that provide ideal opportunities for a swim or two especially the approach from Greyton includes a 400m ascent.

Accommodation in fully equipped but very basic cottages is available at Die Galg; for details contact BJ Oosthuizen on (02353)735 or for more comfort Whipstock farm 023 625 1733. Whipstock will also pick you up from the end of the trail if required.

It should be noted that the area can be very warm in summer while there is a good possibilty of snow in winter.

  

The trail is very popular and bookings need to be made well in advance.

 
         
 
  There are two other day trails that under Vrolijheid Nature Reserve:

Rooikat Trail

This trail is 19km long and should take about 8 hours to complete. The trail is circular and winds up and around the Elandsberg mountains. The route is fairly strenuous and an early start is necessary. The trail is quite rugged and good hiking boots should be warn. Springbok grazing is a common sight. No water is available along the route

Heron Trail

This trail is 3km long and should be suitable for most people. It winds through succulent Karoo vegetation and takes you to two lovely dams with bird hides. There have been 175 bird species recorded in the reserve.

  

Bookings

 

Telephone  0861Jacana (0861 522262)

Direct phone: Port Elizabeth 041 378 1439

Pretoria: 012 803 9109

Direct fax: PE 041 378 2548

Pretoria: 012 803 4144

 PE e-mail  bookings@jacanacollection.co.za

Pretoria e-mail: rosa@jacanacollection.co.za

 

 

Reservations can be made for the Vrolijheid Nature Reserve through Western Cape Nature Conservation Board

 Bredasdorp Reservation Office

Telephone +27 28 425 5020

Fax +27 28 425 5030

e-mail capenature@tiscali.co.za

Greyton

Apart from the above trails, Greyton has a number of other trails to offer its visitors. These include trails in Greyton Nature Reserve and around the picturesque little town. I have included links to these on their excellent website that also includes details of accommodation and contacts. Before making plans to visit the area why not visit the site www.greyton.net

         
  Haardepeerkloof Trail

http://www.greyton.net/hikes/haardepeerkloof_trail.html

Knietjieshoogte Trail

http://www.greyton.net/hikes/knietjieshoogte_walk.html

Noupoortskloof Trail

http://www.greyton.net/hikes/noupoortskloof_walk.html

Maermanskloof Trail

http://www.greyton.net/hikes/maermanskloof_trail.html

Breakfast Rock Trail

http://www.greyton.net/hikes/breakfast_rock.html

There are several other short trails worth exploring in the area which are listed on the Greyton website

 

  
 

Greyton Tourism Bureau

+27 (0)28 2549414
+27(0282549564 info@greyton.net
P O Box 167
Greyton
7233
29 Main Road
Greyton

Footprint Hiking Club

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