Jonkershoek Waterfall Hike: 4x4 Access Trails

Reach the waterfall without the 10km walk to the start

A four-hour guided hike in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve departing from Stellenbosch includes 4x4 transport from Lanzerac Hotel to the trailhead, entrance to the reserve, and a registered mountain and wilderness first responder guide. The 4x4 ride covers the distance that would otherwise add an extra 10km of jeep track on foot, letting you spend your time on the actual hiking trails instead of the approach. Groups stay under eight people, and children from age six are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided hike to Jonkershoek Waterfall

• Start at trail center near Lanzerac Deli
• Hike along well-defined trails
• Reach First or Second Waterfall
• Visit viewpoint if Second Waterfall inaccessible

The experience

The reserve's access road fills quickly (only the first 20 cars get through each day), so the 4x4 pickup from Lanzerac Hotel solves that bottleneck before the hike even starts. You ride into Jonkershoek in a safari vehicle, which gets you to the trailhead without burning energy on a long walk in. A temporary road closure means the route currently includes an extra 10km of jeep track that you'll walk, but the guide adjusts the itinerary to explore other hiking routes in the reserve until the road reopens in September 2026.

Your guide is a registered mountain walking and wilderness first responder, trained in nature therapy as well. The hike aims for the First or Second Waterfall depending on weather and conditions. If the Second Waterfall isn't reachable, you'll reach a viewpoint where you can see it instead. The whole outing runs four hours from start to finish.

Pickup happens from central Stellenbosch and transport to the reserve entrance is included, along with your entrance fee. Bring water and snacks. Food and drinks are not provided. The trail suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for anyone with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Entrance fee to Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.
• 4x4 transport from central Stellenbosch to the reserve and to the trailhead.
• registered mountain walking and wilderness first responder guide leading the hike in English.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Trail centre opposite Lanzerac deli.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Scootours Cape Town

Is this one for you?At four hours total, the hike leaves room for a meal or wine tasting elsewhere in Stellenbosch on the same day, but doesn't rush: the 4x4 ride and the guide's expertise mean you're hiking the reserve itself, not walking to it.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

How do I get picked up, and where does the 4x4 ride start?

Pickup is from central Stellenbosch and takes you to Lanzerac Hotel, where the 4x4 ride into Jonkershoek begins. From there, the safari vehicle carries you to the trailhead.

What is the temporary road closure, and how does it change the hike?

A temporary closure in the reserve means you'll walk an extra 10km of jeep track that would normally be driven. The guide explores other hiking routes in the reserve until the road reopens in September 2026, so the destination may vary depending on conditions and your group's preference.

Can I reach the Second Waterfall, or will we stop at the first one?

The hike aims for the First or Second Waterfall, but wet conditions or weather may prevent reaching the Second. If that happens, you'll hike to a viewpoint where you can see the Second Waterfall instead.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring?

Entrance to the reserve, the 4x4 transport from Stellenbosch to the trailhead, and your registered guide are all included. Bring your own water and snacks. Neither is provided.