Marloth Nature Reserve

Activities

• Picnicking

  

  
  There are picnic tables at the reserve entrance, as well as a picnic area adjacent to the parking lot at the start of the picturesque Duiwelsbos waterfall hike. Both areas have panoramic views of the imposing mountain ranges above.

• Mountain biking

  

  Marloth has great routes for mountain bikers to explore, varying from easy to advanced trails. The routes are limited to the plantation gravel roads. For more details visit the reserve office.

• Horse Riding

  

  For those with their own horses, Marloth has various trails available in the reserve and the neighbouring plantation. Private operators in the area provide horses and guided trails. Details are available at the reserve office.

• Hiking and Walking

  

  Marloth offers various day trails, ranging from easy, short walks to more strenuous, longer hikes. These trails lead into the shady green indigenous forest, where cool pools and waterfalls wait to be discovered. Day walks are open from sunrise to sunset.

  

  Hikers may, however, still walk the first section of the trail which starts at the office and passes through Boskloof, Goedgeloof, Proteavallei and Wolfkloof. Shorter day routes are possible. This trail is fairly demanding and should only be attempted by fit hikers. Reservations are limited to a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 10 people. Trips should be planned in advance as hikers are not permitted to leave the trail due to it being surrounded by private property, especially at Wolfkloof and Gooedgeloof, as well of the possibility of getting lost.

  

  Hiking trails

  Marloth offers four hiking trails, all with their own scenic attractions.

  Huts

  Four rustic huts equipped only with beds, water and primitive toilets provide limited overnight shelter. Hikers should bring their own cooking utensils, bedding, warm screen and drinking water. Boskloof shelter has no mattresses so hikers need to provide their own hiking mat rolls. Fires are only permitted at the demarcated site at Wolfkloof due to the high risk of veld fires and the scarcity of fire wood. All shelters are self maintained and must be left as found with “leave no trace” principles needing to be adhered to at all times. No refuse bins are provided as hikers must carry out everything carried in, and no dumping of any items is allowed.

  Help us protect nature

  No pets/no firearms/no picking of flowers or collection of seeds/no fishing without permits/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.

  Twaalfuurkop Peak

  Trail distance: 12.4km
  Estimated time: 6 hours

  This challenging hike starts from the reserve office. The trail takes hikers to the mountain peak of Twaalfuurkop (1 450m), offering breathtaking views of the entire Langeberg Mountains, the Rûensveld and even the Indian Ocean. We suggest hiking in a group of at least three. Be prepared for rapid climatic changes and extreme weather conditions.

  Duiwelsbos Waterfall

  Duiwelsbos Waterfall

   

  Trail distance: 2km
  Estimated time: 2 hours

  This lovely hike starts at the Koloniesbos parking area. Hikers make their way to the beautiful Duiwelsbos Waterfall via the cool green indigenous forest. On the trail you’ll see the reserve’s rich plant and wildlife, including fynbos, birds and small animals.

  Plaat Loop

  Trail distance: 12km
  Estimated time: 3 hours

  The Plaat Loop is a moderate hike with inspiring views and plenty of cool mountain streams to swim in along the trail.

  Appelsbos Loop

  Trail distance: 21km
  Estimated time: 5 hours

  This trail starts from Marloth Office and provides a good workout.

  Multi-day hiking

  The challenging Swellendam Hiking Trail is one of South Africa’s top ten hikes. Hikers can choose various routes between two and six days in length. The trails have rustic huts, with mattresses, basic toilets and drinking water. No cooking utensils are provided. Fires are only allowed at the Glen Stream and Wolfkloof huts due to the high risk of wildfires and scarcity of firewood. A trail map and brochure are available on request.

  

   

• Bird watching

  

  Avid birders should be on the lookout for the reserve’s 114 species, including the African fish eagle, black eagle, wood owl, red-winged francolin, tambourine dove, four different species of woodpecker, and the Cape vulture.