The greater Groot Winterhoek conservation area is particularly important for protecting mountain fynbos and wildlife. It is also one of twenty-two strategic water source areas of national importance and is a World Heritage Site.

This area is rich in history, with ancient rock paintings by the San and Khoi people, and the oldest farm established in 1875. Early settlers in the area used animals to transport produce and supplies between Porterville and Saron. Their tracks are still visible above Driebosch and Weltevrede.

As Groot Winterhoek’s name suggests, winters are cold and wet. Winter nights are very cold, with temperatures below freezing. Summers are moderate, but hikers should always be prepared for sudden cold and mist.

There’s plenty to do in Groot Winterhoek, including various day and overnight hikes with crystal-clear mountain pools.

As this is a Wilderness Area, the paths are unmarked. Hikers should be well-equipped for difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and must carry an accurate map of the area. A maximum of 12 people per trail per day are allowed. There are multiple unmarked trails and hikers may choose their own routes.

If heavy rains are experienced during the hike, it is advisable to return via the De Tronk Jeep Track as rivers may be flooded. Basic shelter is available at Perdevlei and De Tronk. Hikers should note that all refuse must be carried out and that fires are not permitted. Advance reservations are essential.

Climate

As the name suggests, winters are cold and wet, while summers are moderate. The average annual rainfall is 1450mm, with the heaviest rains occurring between April and September. Winter nights are very cold with temperatures falling to below freezing level, accompanied by heavy frost and frequent snow. The weather at Groot Winterhoek is unpredictable and hikers should always be prepared for sudden cold and mist.

What To Bring

• Insect repellent
• Torch
• Toilet Paper
• Toiletries
• Cash/Card
• Drinking water
• Tents (needed for wilderness camping)
• Medical kit
• Phone
• Food
• Walking shoes
• Warm clothing
• Sunhat
• Sunscreen
• Bedding

Pertinent Information:

• There is no shop on the reserve.
• Food, beverages and other provisions must be bought beforehand.
• Cell reception (Vodacom only) at hotspots: Disa Hut, near Rhebok Hut, and some Perdevlei & Groot Kliphuis peaks.
• There are baboons on the reserve. All visitors are reminded to carefully
• adhere to all notifications regarding safekeeping of food and valuables.
• Do not hike alone.
• Obey all signage.
• Carry enough food and water with you.
• Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
• Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
• Stay in a group and on the trails.
• Please alert reserve staff once you have finished your hike, so that they know
• you are safely off the trails.

Rates:

Off Peak Season

Disa, Klipspringer and Suikerbekkie:

• R649.00 per night (1 – 4 pax)
• R105.00 pp.pn – Add pax

Ribbok

• R836.00 per night (1 – 4 pax)
• R187.00 pp.pn – Add pax

Peak Season:

Disa, Klipspringer and Suikerbekkie:

• R1 210.00 per night

Ribbok

• R1 650.00 per night

Trails:

Die Hel and Perdevlei (overnight)
Off peak and Peak Season

• R209.00 pp.pn

Day Hike (Wilderness Area)

• R94.00 – Adult
• R60.00 – Per child

Admin Fee:

• R55.00 once off per reservation

Overnight Hiking Huts

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area offers four basic hiker huts. These huts are self-sustainable, because they are difficult to reach for regular cleaning. Visitors need to clean huts before leaving. This will ensure that the next group of visitors will also have a pleasant stay.

Rainwater is captured from the roof of the huts and stored in tanks. The availability of this water is not guaranteed. Hikers are advised to boil water before drinking.  Water is also available on the trail to the huts.

Only bunk beds and mattresses are provided. Sun-dome toilets are available at each hut (excluding Ribbok which has a flush toilet).

De Tronk Basic Hiker Huts

Ribbok

The hut accommodates a maximum of eight people and consists of four bedrooms.

One bedroom has two single beds with mattresses, another has one bunk bed with a mattress, and the remaining two bedrooms each have two bunk beds with mattresses. The kitchen has a table and chairs as well as a sink, but there is no hot water. Please note that no fires are allowed.

Electricity: No
Bathroom: Shower (no hot water), flush toilet, basin
Kitchen: Sink (no hot water)
Bedding, linen and towels: No

Suikerbekkie

Self-catering

Suikerbekkie has two bedrooms, sleeping up to eight people on bunk beds with mattresses. A table is provided in an extra room for cooking purposes. Please note that no fires are allowed.

Electricity: No
Bathroom: Freestanding sundome toilet
Bedding, linen and towels: No
Disabled access: No
Pets welcome: No

Klipspringer

Klipspringer’s two bedrooms sleep up to eight people on bunk beds with mattresses. A table is provided in an extra room for cooking purposes. Please note that no fires are allowed.

Electricity: No
Bathroom: Freestanding sundome toilet
Bedding, linen and towels: No

Disa

Disa accommodates eight people in two rooms with two bunk beds and mattresses. An extra room provides space for cooking. A table is provided. Please note that no fires are allowed.

Electricity: No
Bathroom: Freestanding sundome toilet
Bedding, linen and towels: No

Hiking trails

As Groot Winterhoek is a wilderness area, there is no designated camping sites, however, visitors are encouraged to stick to existing and marked footpaths/ trails. You can explore the area’s rock formations and caves, and overnight in the veld. Hikers must check in at the reception prior to embarking to their day or overnight hike. Hikers must leave their vehicles at the designated parking area near the office complex.

To lessen the environmental impact of numerous visitors, the area is divided into two user-zones: Kliphuis and Perdevlei in the east, and De Tronk and Die Hel in the south. The trails do not have route markers, but small cairns show directions where trails lead over plate rock.

Parking area to De Tronk via jeep track

• Trail distance: 14km
• Estimated time: 3.5 hours

This route is fairly easy, but water is not available for the first 11km, until Weltevrede. Enjoy the beautiful vegetation on this hike, including tolbos, erica and exceptionally large waboom trees.

Parking area to De Tronk via river

• Trail distance: 13km
• Estimated time: 3 hours

This route follows the Kliphuis River to the low-water bridge. From there it follows the jeep track to De Tronk. Plenty of water is available and there are lots of swimming pools to cool off in along the way, so bring a swimming costume with you. This trail is surrounded by beautiful patches of ericas.

The Groot Kliphuis River is difficult and dangerous to cross in winter.

Parking area to Protea Pool

• Trail distance: 1.5km
• Estimated time: 40 minutes

This route is easy, taking you through a flat trail before stopping at the small, refreshing Protea Pool. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you. From there you can explore the Groot Kliphuis River.

Keep an eye open for the Disas that flower between December and February.

Parking area to Disa Pool

• Trail distance: 2.6km
• Estimated time: 1 hour

This route is easy, taking you through a flat trail before stopping at the small, refreshing Protea Pool. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you. From there you can explore the Groot Kliphuis River.

Keep an eye open for the Disas that flower between December and February.

Parking area to Crystal Pool

• Trail distance: 7.5km
• Estimated time: 2 hours

This route is easy, taking you through a flat trail before stopping at the small, refreshing Protea Pool. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you. From there you can explore the Groot Kliphuis River.

Parking area to Groot Kliphuis via river

• Trail distance: 9.5km
• Estimated time: 3.5 hours

This easy route follows the Kliphuis River for a short distance before shifting east. The trail winds through exceptional rock formations and passes a wonderful swimming pool as it enters the koppies. Remember your swimming costume. Many ericas and Disas grow along this route. Water is plentiful, but in winter the streams can be difficult to cross.

Parking area to Die Hel

• Trail distance: 18km
• Estimated time: 4.5 hours

This route follows the Kliphuis River to the low-water bridge. From there it follows the jeep track to De Tronk. From De Tronk, the path leads south under oak trees and over a small footbridge towards Die Hel. The route is easy until you reach the gorge. The descent to the swimming pool is very steep and difficult. Look out for the rock art on an overhang on the left of the footpath as it begins to drop steeply. The pool is very deep and one of the largest in the Western Cape. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you.

De Tronk to Die Hel

• Trail distance: 4km
• Estimated time: 1.5 hours

From De Tronk, the path leads south under oak trees and over a small footbridge towards Die Hel. The route is easy until you reach the gorge. The descent to the swimming pool is very steep and difficult. Look out for the rock art on an overhang on the left of the footpath as it begins to drop steeply. The pool is very deep and one of the largest in the Western Cape. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you.

Groot Kliphuis to Perdevlei via jeep track

• Trail distance: 6km
• Estimated time: 2 hours

This route is fairly demanding but offers magnificent views. Enjoy the stunning fynbos along the trail, particularly the protea, which grows in abundance in this area.

Groot Kliphuis to Perdevlei via river

• Trail distance: 6km
• Estimated time: 2 hours

This route leads south, from Kliphuis to the Klein Kliphuis River. From there, hikers turn east (left) to reach Perdevlei. The river usually has water.

Perdevlei to De Tronk

• Trail distance: 12km
• Estimated time: 2.5 hours

This beautiful route follows the Klein Kliphuis River, joining the jeep track leading to De Tronk. Remember to bring a swimming costume with you so that you can plunge into the many swimming pools along the way.

Parking to Perdevlei

• Trail distance: 15km
• Estimated time: 6 hours

The trail winds through exceptional rock formations and passes a wonderful swimming pool as it enters the koppies. It then continues until Groot Kliphuis. Hikers can either turn left to connect to the old jeep track or right to continue via the river. Remember your swimming costume. Many Ericas and Disas grow along this route. Water is plentiful, but in winter the streams can be difficult to cross.