Peaks and Petals hike at Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Stellenbosch

Nestled on the northeastern slopes of Stellenboschberg, Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is named after the Assegaaibosch tree, which historically thrived in the Jonkershoek Valley. Even today, you can discover charming pockets of woodlands tucked away in the ravines, where the Assegaaiboschkloof River and Baviaanskloof River flow down towards the Eerste River. Both Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve and Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, have been designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in recognition of their exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.
Beyond its beautiful and historic woodlands, the reserve offers 2 circular hikes through a wildflower garden, small pockets of forests and streams to a viewpoint that offers stunning views of the majestic surrounding peaks, including Suurberg, Haelkop, Bothmaskop, Square Tower Peak, and Twins Peak.

Basic agenda:
After paying an entrance fee at the gate, we find a suitable parking spot from where we will follow a paved road and a circular jeeptrack that ascends gradually until a wildflower garden with a pond and lawns are reached.
This will be the perfect spot to have our first break while enjoying the spectacular views to Bothmaskop and Square Tower Peak.
Next follows a rough hiking trail along a mountain stream that ascends to a contour path that takes us to Assegaaiboschkloof and over a short hill. Standing on top of this hill, one can view the dramatic peaks of Jonkershoek Nature Reserve including Twin Peaks, Virgin Peaks, and Ridge Peaks. A short downhill follows to a single large Oak tree and then through a greenish thicket to a short steep uphill once again.
A short flat section is followed by a steep descent back to the Eersteriver, requiring some steady footwork over loose gravel. Once at the river, we follow a flat and easy hiking path back to the lovely picnic area where today's hike ends.

Trail details:
Distance: 7km, circular trail
Accumulative elevation: 230 meters
Terrain: paved sections with jeeptracks and mountain hiking paths, loose gravel at certain points with splendid views, lawns, picnic areas.
Difficulty: Grade 2B, suitable for any mildly fit hikers.

Fee to join hike: R50. Cash on the day or EFT on the day.
Entrance to Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is R50, payable at the entrance gate on the day of the hike. Free with Wildcard
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name, surname and name of hike.
Bring along: Hat, snacks, coffee/cooldrink/water, Rehydrate.
Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.