Please note that overnight hiking trails are restricted, children under the age of 12 are not permitted to hike on overnight trails. 

Enjoy the stunning scenery and variety of fynbos as you wind your way across the undulating Hottentots Holland Mountains. Birders should be on the lookout for the 110 species in the area.

Hiking trails

Hikes range from day excursions to overnight experiences on the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.

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

Huts

Overnight huts are available at Landroskop and Boesmanskloof. Each hut sleeps 30 people in four rooms that can be booked separately. Bunk beds, mattresses and water are supplied. Wood is available to purchase at the entrance gate to the nature reserve.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no firearms/ no picking of flowers or collection of seeds/ fires only in designated areas.

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.    

Palmiet Trail

Trail distance: 6km

Estimated time: 2 hours

This easy, circular route is perfect for families. Please note that hikers will not be allowed to start hiking this route later than 2pm, in order to ensure that they are back safely before night fall.

Multi-day hiking

The Boland Hiking Trail passes through the reserve. You can choose your route, covering one, two or three days. Hikers should be fit, experienced and well-equipped for extreme weather.

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

The overnight hiking trail winds through the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve. The trail has two overnight sites, one with two huts and another with one hut. 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.

Kloofing is an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the Hottentots Holland and its clear mountain pools. Suicide Gorge is a popular route, involving a combination of hiking, leaping off cliffs into deep pools and swimming through mountain streams. Kloofing is not for the faint-hearted. This is best done with an experienced kloofer who has done the route before.

Suicide Gorge Kloofing Trail

Trail distance: 17km

Estimated time: 8 hours

This kloofing route is not for the faint-hearted! More of a swim than a hike, Suicide Gorge takes you through spectacular canyon scenery and beautiful waterfalls. The highest jump is a pulse-racing 14m. Certain daring leaps down waterfalls cannot be avoided, so make sure you are not afraid of heights and are willing to swim in cold water. Remember, once you’re in, the only way to get out of this section of the Riviersonderend Mountains is through some gravity-defying jumps and scrambles. Hikers should be fit, experienced and in good health. Light footwear is advisable, as well as a wetsuit. Use a waterproof bag. The route can be dangerous in extreme weather conditions.

When kloofing at Suicide Gorge, hikers must be accompanied by someone who has previous experience of the trail. The name and contact details of your guide must be provided when making your booking.

Please note: This route is only open from 1 November to 30 April.

Riviersonderend Kloofing Trail

Trail distance: 15km

Estimated time: 8.5 hours

This route is a better option for nervous beginners wanting to avoid Suicide Gorge. It lies lower down the same river as Suicide Gorge, but you can avoid most of the jumps or do them from a low spot. The highest jump on this circular route is 7m. Kloofers should be reasonably fit, willing to swim in cold water and not afraid of heights. Light footwear is advisable, as well as a wetsuit. Use a waterproof bag. The route can be dangerous in extreme weather conditions.

Please note: This route is only open from 1 November to 30 April.

*Please note that the Suicide Gorge and Riviersonderend Route kloofing trails may be closed at any time at the discretion of the reserve staff, in the event of inclement weather or any other unsafe conditions.

The reserve’s mountain bike trail is 22km, winding up to Groenlandberg. 

The Groenland trail offers stunning panoramic views of the sea, nearby farms and even Hermanus on a clear day. It’s a moderate out-and-back route that allows bikers to enjoy the reserve’s wealth of fynbos.

Visitors will discover a number of clear natural pools hidden in the mountain. 

They offer a refreshing respite from the searing heat during summer months, although the daring may plunge into the pools in winter too!

Situated in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, CapeNature has partnered with Cape Canopy Tour to take you  into a previously inaccessible and pristine part of  this amazing World Heritage Site. Only one hour from Cape Town, we offer a fully guided adventure activity for nature enthusiasts of ages 5 to 75!

Current tour departure times are on the hour from 8am to 2pm, and each tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

What to expect

After a safety briefing and kitting up at the reception, guests will be transported by 4×4 high into the mountain range: this is where the fun begins!

Two professional guides will accompany each small group, ensuring strict safety standards all the while providing an enlightening and educational experience, providing interesting facts about the nature and geology of this interesting area.

Slide along steel cables from platform to platform, taking you past waterfalls and through valleys, enjoying all that mother nature has to offer. With 13 platforms and slides up to 320m long, both nature and adventure enthusiasts will be sure to come back for more!

After a short walk back to the vehicle, we transport you back down to enjoy a light meal together. 

What to bring

• Comfortable and practical clothes for ziplining and closed shoes are essential.
• Sunscreen and a hat are necessary.
• A warm top is recommended as weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
• A rain jacket is necessary on rainy or drizzly days.
• A small backpack is handy, but keep it light.

Cost: R895 per person per Canopy Tour. R40 discount (R855 total) for Wild Card holders.

For more information, and to book, head to the Cape Canopy Tours website.

Hottentots Holland has six beautiful picnic sites nestled within our reserve, each with the capacity to accommodate up to 36 people. To secure your spot, you can easily obtain a picnicking permit either through our Booking office or online.

We provide ample parking and toilet facilities for your convenience, so you can focus on enjoying your day out. However, please note that day picnickers are restricted to the picnic area only. We have daily capacity limits in place to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Our braai facilities, complete with a braai grid, are sure to make your picnic extra special. While we do not provide power points, we offer eco logs and charcoal for sale at the reserve. Please refrain from bringing your own firewood, as we strive to maintain our eco-friendly practices.

If you need any last-minute items, our mini shop has got you covered. And don't worry about the sun - our shaded picnic sites will keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day. Come and experience the beauty of our reserve while enjoying a lovely picnic with your loved ones.