View of Simonsberg from the start of my hike, beautiful morning light

Link to detailed route page and map click on route title [route-snippet id=”1575″ featured=”image”]

First explore hike for a while in South Africa. We recently became aware that the Banhoek Conservatory has improved /opened up a number of trails in the area opposite the Simonsberg. Several years back when we hiked along the ridge from Jonkershoek towards Botmaskop, we looked down on this area and thought how special it would be to explore.

Today was the day, of what I think will be many future hikes in the area. I checked out some option on AllTrails and decided to take a route from the parking are at Bethlehem (excellent secure parking) up to the Waterfall following the green bike trail for some distance. I then contoured round on the Skyline trail before taking a less formal path up the Duiwelskloof. From then it was back down on a circular loop to the parking area.

Key things to note about the hike

  • the views are stunning
  • The bike paths in the lower section on the reserve are excellent, the higher up you go on the flanks of the mountain range the harder they become (not a surprise)
  • The path up to the waterfall is tricky in places and there is some exposure and limited scrambling. However the path is easy to follow and well marked. Beautiful spot.
  • The contour path was very well maintained and for the most part a very smooth surface without too many rocky sections
  • The path up the Duiwelskloof river was slow going, it is quite rocky, in some places hard to pick out without the aid of cairns showing the way. I decided to head back once I got out of cell phone reception as I was on my own and there was a real risk I could twist an ankle.
  • However, I found this section of the trail very beautiful and the feeling of wilderness and solitude was special. The views of the cliffs hemming in the kloof and the glimpses of the mountain peaks framed by blue sky was outstanding.
  • I will head back here and go further up the kloof – but not on my own next time.
  • The hike back down to my starting point was on very good trails and I did not tire of the views.
  • The day was finished off by an excellent coffee at Chilli Oil
  • A couple of days later I took a group of 4 up the Skyline Contour trail, they really enjoyed it and a highlight was seeing some Eland grazing.

See below a screenshow of the photos from my hike and below that a short clip of the photos from the side trail up to the first waterfall link to photos of side hike

Here is a link to my route map on Outdoor Active Hike link