Hiking and Walking

There are a variety of day hikes as well as longer, overnight trails on offer. Regardless of the length of the trail, visitors should take heed of trail advice given, in particular the need to wear comfortable shoes, suntan lotion and a hat, and to carry sufficient water.

Hiking trails and maps

Hikers will enjoy the relatively easy three-to-four hour hike on the Bushbuck Trail, and also the more challenging Grysbok Trail.

Easy to use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no firearms/no picking of flowers or collecting of seeds/no fires except in designated areas/no horse riding.

Permits

Permits may be purchased for R50 per adult and R30 per child at the reserve office or through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
  • Do not hike alone.
  • Carry enough food and water with you.
  • Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
  • Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
  • Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
  • Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
  • Obey all signage.
  • 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.
  • Please ensure that you bring along enough drinking water while hiking.

Bushbuck trail

Trail distance: 10km

Estimated time: 3-4 hours

This beautiful route wanders through mountain fynbos and indigenous forest, providing a shaded and relatively easy hike for all ages. The route loops in and around the indigenous forest, affording hikers the opportunity to visit both bird hides in the forest, as well as taking them past most of the tree species in the reserve.

Grysboksirkel

Trail distance: 15km

Estimated time: 5-6 hours

The Grysboksirkel is a tougher hike, taking you out of the forest-covered valley, up the mountainside through the fynbos area, and on to the ridge of the hills bordering the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. The hike is a loop and will bring you back to the reserve road.

Sleeping Beauty 

Trail distance: 9.8km 

Estimated time: Â±4–5 hours

The Sleeping Beauty is a challenging mountain peak located near Riversdale in the Western Cape, through the Langeberg Mountains, offering diverse flora, fauna, and panoramic views. The shape of the mountain resembles a woman lying on her back, as if asleep hence the name Sleeping Beauty, and is popular with locals and visitors.