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NATURE RESERVES - Jonkershoek & Assegaaibosch
Province: Western Cape
Region:Winelands/ Route 62
Closest Towns :
Stellenbosch
Background
History records that in the late 1600s, under the doting and indulgent aegis of governor Simon van der Stel, one Jan Andriessen (aka Jan de Jonkheer, because of his illustrious past as a sailor) suddenly up and forsook the lofty mast and named this particular freehold land grant Vallei Jonkershoek. Time flew by. Vines were planted. Oaks. People came and went. Much was altered. Today Jonkershoek, which includes the adjacent and smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, serves a,s a mountain catchment area, whose crystal torrents provide water for Stellenbosch and its environs. Its turrets form part of the Boland mountains. The old Assegaaibosch farmstead, built in 1790, is now a national monument and a rather swish self-catering guesthouse. Also within Assegaaibosch is what was once a colonial trout hatchery, ridiculous as it may seem, for trout are now recognised as an invasive alien species. The University of Stellenbosch uses facilities in the old, stone hatching-house (also a national monument) for research purposes. At the reception office you will find an interesting freshwater aquarium (open during office hours), and a wildflower garden nearby, which, though no longer cultivated, still hosts a variety of fynbos species.
Facilities
From the Jonkershoek entrance gate, a circular dirt road of about 10 km bumps and winds around the valley edges. Apart from a pleasant drive, this is a great way to get your bearings, before attempting anything more strenuous. It is along this route that you will notice signs marking recognized trails that run off into the heights. At the valley's narrowest point you will cross a concrete bridge over the Eerste River, before heading back to the gate.
But it is this river that is likely to leave an impression on you, particularly in summer. Pools of shade and bright water slacken its bouldered path under the trees. Flush-faced hikers and cyclists coming down from the hills know them well.
Some people visit Jonkershoek for the river alone, to relax or lunch lightly at their favourite spots.
But if it is a full-blown picnic spread you are after, then Assegaaibosch would better suit your needs. Here, along the same river, with its own canopy of trees, there are braai areas, picnic tables and toilets.
Hiking
You might feel a little mystified, initially, at what appears to be any number of
potential walks and trails staring you in the face from the surrounding hillsides.
But if you pick up a map at the entrance or at the reception office, along with your
permit, you will see that the best and most enjoy able routes have already been marked.
Swartboskloof Trail
(18 km): Via Kurktrekkernek to Witbrug. A steep 4,5 km ascent, level along top section and then a steep 2,6 km descent, down Kurktrekker to the Waterfall route.
Panorama (17 km):
A steep 4 km ascent on to contour path, over Dwarsberg plateau and down Kurktrekker.
Tweede Waterval (6,4 km): An easy out and back walk, with the Eerste River in sight for most of the way. Up a steep section to the gorge. The dangerous ascent to the waterfall itself is closed to hikers.
Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof (6,9 km or a shorter route of 5,3 km): An easy circular route. Waterfall on stream in winter: Patches of relic forest.
Assegaaibosch has two short day walks (3 km and 5 km) that start from the picnic area. Both are suited to those who prefer gent1e exercise.
Mountain biking
Easily the second most popular activity at Jonkershoek. But you need not be a pro, any clunker will do. Take the circular route. Make a day of it. Take the children. En route, dip into the Eerste River or into the icy streams that feed it. Take some cured hams, chocolate, feed yourself, why not? Fiercer, leaner, more competitive riders will want to make immediate use of helmets, toe-clips and other paraphernalia. To do this you will need to take a run at one of any number of jeep tracks that head up into the plantations beneath the peaks known as the Twins, on the north side of the valley. With perseverance you will emerge not only above the hoi polloi, but above the tree line and, once you have got your breath back, you will find yourself in silence so tremendous it will again take your breath away.
Tips:
Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch can quite easily be visited as a same-day trip from Cape Town.
Get the best out of both reserves, overnight in Stellenbosch. Better still, set yourself up in the historical and stately self-catering Assegaaibosch homestead.
Wind and rain of a high order are not uncommon in winter. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Take a swimming costume on hot days.
Best do the Jonkershoek circular drive in an anti-clockwise direction, as the sign
suggests, or you will find yourself at variance with oncoming vehicles.
There are no toilets within Jonkershoek, but there are at the entrance gate and the tea garden without, and at Assegaaibosch.
If you take your car into the reserves, check on closing times. These vary according to the season.
Cellphone reception is good except in the higher reaches of the mountains.
Getting there
Approach Stellenbosch from the R310. Turn left on to the R44 and then right into Merriman Avenue (note the Jonkershoek sign). Follow this road past three sets of traffic lights, a four-way stop and a traffic circle until you have passed the Lanzerac Hotel on your right. Follow the winding avenue for about 6 km, to the gates and the guard house/ ticket office. You can either park outside or drive in.
If you are now asking yourself what happened to Assegaaibosch, you should know that you have already passed its sign and the reserve office. Both are less than a kilometre back down the road. A perusal of the interpretation centre at the office will help to orientate you.
Fly Fishing
Can there be a more relaxing and contemplative pastime? Some swear by scrimshaw, but they are a dying breed. The ceremony of breaking bread for sparrows to peck at is another. For fly- fishing enthusiasts, though, and the more steadfast angler, a good stretch of water is what is called for. In the middle of Jonkershoek is the Kleinplaas Dam, fed by the Eerste River, and by a tunnel through the mountains from the Theewaterskloof Dam, near Villiersdorp. It will keep you amused for hours, either in your fold-out chair on the bank, in your wader in the shallows, or prowling, beady-eyed, the edges of the sometimes-reedy shore, with your caddis, your nymph, your dun and your dying. Finding evidence of the afore- mentioned tunnel might also amuse you. Cunning people, engineers. An entry fee paid at the gate allows access to the dam. But you will need a recreational freshwater angling licence.
Enquiries/ Bookings:
Tel: 27 21 866 1560
Fax 27 21 866 1567
E-mail: jonkerhk@cncjnk.wcape.gov.za
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