- Western Cape
- Boland Mountain Complex
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Boland Mountain Complex, Western Cape
Eerste River runs through it
The Jonkershoek Nature Reserve encompasses 11 100 hectares of mountain catchment area of the Jonkershoek mountains and includes within its borders a small nature reserve called Asseggaaibosch Nature Reserve. Both of them are part of the Boland Mountain Complex of the Cape Floral Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is situated near Stellenebosch in the Cape Province. It includes the magnificent Jonkershoek Mountains as well as sections of the Jonkershoek valley. The mountains form part of the Boland mountain range. The Eerste River is the only river, of the 4 rivers that have their source in the mountains, to flow through the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. This is an excellent hiking landscape due to its rugged terrain and varied vegetation.
Plants
Along the banks of the Eerste River, dense riparian vegetation can be found but in most of the area, mountain fybos dominates. There are over 1 100 plant species including a few rare and endemic plants such as:
- Mountain Cypress
- P. neriifolia
- Protea repens
Animals
- Baboons
- Honey Badger
- Klipspringer
Birds
The entrance gate of the reserve has many large indigenous trees as well as exotic trees where a fair number of bird species can be spotted, such as:
- African Dusky Flycatcher
- African Olive-Pigeon
- Cape Canary
- Cape Weaver
- Fork-tailed Drongo
The thick woods of indigenous vegetation harbour many birds such as:
- Black Sparrowhawk
- Cape Batis Brimstone Canary
- Sombre Greenbul
- Southern Boubou
Along the river many other birds can be found as well as in the more open fynbos areas where the smaller birds like to nest. Around the river banks the African Black Duck usually puts in an appearance. There is never a shortage for the avid bird spotter no matter where in the park he finds himself. There are also several species of venomous snakes and hikers are advised to be cautious.
Facilities
- The reserve only caters for day visitors and there is a picnic area at the river’s edge.
- The nature reserve has 4 hiking routes to suit the beginner or the more experienced hardy hiker.
- No overnight accommodation is available
- No Mountain Biking is permitted
Admission
Please contact their website.
Hours
1 April to 31 October, 07h30 - 18h001 November to 31 March, 07h30 - 19h00
Contact details
Cape NatureTel: +27 21 866 1560
Fax: +27 21 886 1567
Email Website