Perdekop Trail in Mont Rochelle NR

Perdekop Trail in Mont Rochelle. 

Just beyond the pretty Valley of Franschhoek lies Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Perdekop Trail offers panoramic views in all directions. On a clear day even Table Mountain and Lion’s Head is visible. Perdekop stands at 1575m elevation. 

More so however you’ll hike through diverse natural landscapes and beautiful Fynbos, including Proteas, Erica's, Restios. 

The Berg River Dam can be seen on the far end of the valley, and across Franschhoek Pass you look towards Theewaterskloof Dam. Both are important supply reservoirs to Cape Town and Theewaterskloof Dam. Wemmershoekdam is visible from Uitkyk. 

Antelope tracks and droppings on the way , indicates the presence of the small mammals that survive up in the mountains. One such species is the Klipspringer, which you could get lucky to sight as the bucks are diurnal and inhabit rocky terrain – mostly the peaks/ridges and plateaus. Keep your eyes peeled for cat scat or fresh tracks, this is leopard country after all!

The trail is approximately 13km and takes roughly 7 hours including short stops. Elevation gain is 1017m

Panorama Route Jonkershoek Stellenbosch

Panorama Route Jonkershoek 

Pay an entry fee at the gate of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. They do nót take cash. Drive or hike to the White Bridge (about 5km). I recommend driving although the road is bad and bumpy. 

Starting at the trailhead at the "White Bridge", if you go clock-wise, you start climbing immediately on a well-maintained singletrack path. Or go anti clockwise up Kurktrekkernek via the waterfalls. It is a steep aproximately 2 km hike to the top. Many people prefer this rather than coming down via the Kurktrekkernek track. 

The climb is fairly challenging with loose rocks but offers amazing views of both sides of the valleys with beautiful flowers on the way. 

The board says 17 km but it is closer to 14km. Route takes between 5 and 7 hours depending on hiking speed, fitness and amount op breaks if you drive with car to the start of trail. Take enough water (at least two liter) and food for the hike.