Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail ( McGregor-Greyton)

This stunning hike along the Boesmanskloof Trail winds its way through the Riviersonderend Mountains that separate the two villages, passing the 750m (2,461ft) high point of Uitsigpunt and leading you to your destination via a series of waterfalls and pools that are great for swimming. En route, you will see plenty of fynbos protea and Erica species. On the mammal front, keep your eyes peeled for baboons, klipspringers, common duikers, and perhaps a caracal, while birds-wise there should be malachite sunbirds and Cape sugarbirds, black and booted eagles, and jackal buzzards.

It’s a reasonably strenuous 14km hike that you can do in a day. Alternatively, do the “out and back”, staying the night in either Greyton or McGregor and walking back the next day (Dogs, fires, and camping are not allowed. Booking ahead is essential!

This 14km trail links the towns of McGregor in the north and Greyton in the south. It passes through the Riviersonderend Conservation Area, which is a declared mountain catchment area comprised of state land and private property.

The Boesmanskloof trail leads through spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls (The popular Oakes Falls), and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. There is a great diversity of plant species with many different Protea and Erica, and the stream cone bush and wild almond growing along the watercourses. Animals found in the area include the Duiker, Grey Rhebuck, Klipspringer, Baboon, Dassie, Spotted Genet, and, rarely, Leopards. Birdlife includes the Black and Booted Eagle, Cape Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, and others.

Physically the trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness as it continuously ascends, descends, and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof. This is a winter rainfall area (generally cold and wet) and the summer months are extremely warm and dry. Water may be required during the summer months.

Cape Nature manages large areas in the Western Cape Mountains and encourages hikers to enjoy their wild beauty. Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to explore natural areas but could end in tragedy if these guidelines are not followed. Accessing Cape Nature managed areas constitutes acceptance of these conditions: Cape Nature will not be held liable and hereby indemnifies itself for any loss, theft, damage, illness, injury, or death to any person, or any other matter arising, in any other manner, and from any other cause whatsoever, caused by negligence, any act, or omission of Cape Nature, its agents, mandatory’s and/or employees. Right of admission reserved.

The Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend mountain range. It is in the Robertson Karoo region of the south-western Cape. The trail links the small towns of McGregor in the north to Greyton in the south. It has become one of the most popular trails in the Western Cape, especially as the beautiful colonial-style town of Greyton lies at the one end

The trail may be hiked in one day, from either McGregor or Greyton, but a popular option is a 2-day there and back route. If you opt for the 1-way hike, it is important to arrange for transport. It starts just outside Greyton, Ample private accommodation is available in both towns. No overnight camping is allowed on the trail, but there is a municipal campsite in Greyton. While the trail lies just outside Greyton, it only commences 14 km to the south of McGregor at Die Galg. Hikers may often choose to walk the trail there and back (a total of 28 Km) and overnight in either of the two towns. Another delightful option is to begin the trail at McGregor and walk to Greyton. Because the trail requires between 4 – 5 hours to complete, there is plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the views. The main attractions along the route are the spectacular mountain scenery; large rock pools waterfalls and Lovely Cape wildflowers. Highlights include views of the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains, with their steep gorges and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. Water is abundant in large rock pools. The highlight is the breathtaking Oakes Falls in the middle of nowhere!

There is a great diversity of plant species – many different Protea and Erica species occur here. The stream cone bush and wild almond grow along the watercourses. Animals found in the area include the duiker, Grey roebuck, klipspringer, baboon, dassie and spotted genet. Leopards are very rare. Among the birds, species like the Black and booted eagle, Cape Sugarbird, malachite sunbird, and others are found the hike is extremely popular among tourists and city dwellers. It is a total get-away and only one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town. Just being in Greyton and McGregor itself is a walk into another world.

Boesmanskloof Day Trail

Trail distance: 14km

Estimated time: 6-7 hours

The trail is approximately 14 km and can be hiked in one day, starting from either McGregor or Greyton. Hikers should note that on the Greyton side the trail starts just outside Greyton and that the first 6 km is on a jeep track up to the view point. On the McGregor side the trail starts approximately 14 km to the south of McGregor at Die Galg, and transport should be organised accordingly.

The trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains, passing through the beautiful Riviersonderend Conservation Area. Stop for a well-deserved rest at Oakes Falls – a breathtaking series of cool waterfalls and pools.

Multi-day hiking

The Boesmanskloof Two-Day Trail and the Genadendal Trail (also two days) are strenuous hikes that are well worth the effort.

Boesmanskloof Two-Day Trail

Trail distance: 28km (14km per day)

Estimated time: 2 days

Hikers should note that on the Greyton side the trail starts just outside Greyton and that the first 6 km is on a jeep track up to the view point. On the McGregor side the trail starts approximately 14 km to the south of McGregor at Die Galg, and transport should be organised accordingly.

The trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains, passing through the beautiful Riviersonderend Conservation Area. Stop for a well-deserved rest at Oakes Falls – a breathtaking series of cool waterfalls and pools. The route is fairly strenuous and it can be very hot during summer.

Call 087 087 8250 or email reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Friday: 07h30 to 16h30
• Saturday: 08h00 to 12h00
• Sunday: Closed