Boland Hiking Trail

Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, Western Cape

The Boland Hiking Trail is situated in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve which is characterized by its rugged and mountainous terrain and abundant mountain fynbos that sprawls along the route, some of which are rare and endemic. Altitudes range from 500m-1590m in the reserve and as a result incredible mountain views can be enjoyed throughout the trail. In addition, many animal species inhabit the reserve adding to the beauty of the trail. The reserve has a number of national monuments which hold historical significance such as Jan Joubert’s Gat Bridge Pass which was one of the first bridges built in South Africa.

Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Take the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass, turn left on the R321, go through Grabouw and on towards Villiersdorp. Up in Viljoen’s Pass, watch out for Nuweberg and the reserve entrance signposted on your left.

Start point: Nuweberg Forestry Station, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

End Point: Nuweberg Forestry Station, Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

Routes vary and cover two or three days. While all routes begin and end at the Nuweberg offices, not all paths are equal. Starting at the Nuweberg entrance, ascend into the steep mountains via the Sphinx trail. Make your way through the magical valleys to the Landdroskop Hut, which is nestled up on the plateau and boasts spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. As the trail winds down from Landdroskop, the Riviersonderend Gorge opens up before you. There are excellent swimming pools at regular intervals in the middle section from Boegoekloof to Boesmanskloof and the views are really something special to behold. The walk back to Newberg from this point is short so hikers may feel free to explore the surrounding areas before heading back.

Need to know

2 days, 1 night
Distance: 42,6km
Max: 30 hikers
Accommodation Summary: Basic Hikers Huts
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
No U/12 allowed

Accommodation Facilities:

Basic huts that sleep 30 people in four rooms
Bunk beds and mattresses
Eco-Toilets
Braai facilities and Wood
Drinking Water
Night 1 : Landroskop hut

Boland Hiking Trail

Trail distances

Nuweberg to Landdroskop Hut (Sphinx Route): 12km, 3-4 hours (moderate). Please note that hikers will not be allowed to start hiking this route later than 1pm, in order to ensure that they are finished safely before night fall.

Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut (Orchard route): 14km, 4-5 hours (moderate). Please note that hikers will not be allowed to start hiking this route later than 12:00 noon, in order to ensure that they are finished safely before night fall.

Nuweberg to Boesmanskloof Hut (Pofaddernek and Noordekloof; longer route): 17.2km, 7 hours (strenuous) – THIS ROUTE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Boesmanskloof to Landdroskop Hut via Pofaddernek and Noordekloof: 17.6km, 7 hours (moderate) – THIS ROUTE IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Additional Information:

All trails start and end at the parking area next to the offices.
Hikers should be fit, experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather.
The route may close temporarily in extreme weather conditions.
Please note that fires and braais are allowed only in demarcated sites.
Carry water with you especially during the summer months
No camping allowed
Directions To the Start:
By Air: The closest airport to the Cape Town International Airport
By Road: Nuweberg Forestry Station, Caledon
Porterage/Luggage Transfer:
There is no porterage or luggage transfer service. All items required for the trail must be carried with you.