Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, affectionately referred to as “Jonkers” by the locals, operated by Cape Nature, one of South Africa’s foremost public conservation entities, is one of the jewels in the crown. Home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and spectacular Jonkershoek Valley, the reserve, which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, is conveniently situated near the town of Stellenbosch, the hub of the famous Cape Wineland Region. The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, part of the important Boland Mountain Complex, are ideal for trail runners of all levels looking for fantastic trails, spectacular views, and an opportunity to experience the region’s fascinating biodiversity and history. In addition to trail running, visitors to Jonkers can enjoy world-class hiking and MTB trails, birding, unique biodiversity, and the chance to swim under waterfalls in crisp, clear mountain streams. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is 11 000ha of pristine protected wilderness, and functions as a mountain catchment area for the Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend Rivers (although only the Eerste (First) River flows through the Jonkershoek Valley. Jonkers contains a comprehensive network of maintained trails, while smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, at 204ha, home to the historical Assegaaibosch Farmstead, a National Monument built in 1792, is ideal for shorter outings. The sturdy stone Colonial Government Trout Hatchery, dating back to the late 1800s, is today used by Cape Nature as a conservation station.
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), Natural World Heritage Site and one of the Natural New 7 Wonders of the World, the jewel in South Africa’s natural crown sitting in the very heart of the World’s Most Beautiful City. A haven of magnificent mountains plunging into crystal seas fringed with bleached white sands of the Cape Peninsula. Add to this its awesome tapestry of natural and social history, and you have a destination that has something for everyone – from madcap adrenaline sports fans and families to nature lovers and history buffs. Stretching 70km from Signal Hill and Table Mountain in the north to Cape Point in the south, including a large Marine Protected Area and many of the world renowned beaches around the Peninsula, TMNP is a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is also home to many interesting animals and thousands of exquisite plants and trees, a large number of which are found nowhere else on Earth!
TMNP, operated by SANParks, South Africa’s top national conservation body, is truly an adventure lover’s paradise. Home to the world famous 13 Peaks Challenge, trail runners can easily spend weeks exploring trails a kilometre or more above the city without doing the same trail twice. Alternatively they can enjoy a gourmet breakfast, uber to a trailhead, conquer an epic mountain trail, and enjoy an evening of some of the world’s best food, wine and nightlife.
