Volstruiskloof Waterfall and Duiwelskloof, Banhoek Valley, Kylemore

Please be invited to our exhilarating hike to the beautiful Volstruiskloof Waterfall at Banhoek Nature Reserve.
The Banhoek Conservancy was established by a group of farmers in an attempt to protect the environment, to uplift the community and to re-establish a balance between human activities and nature.
Around the 1700s the Banhoek Valley was known as ‘De Bange Hoek’. ‘Bang’ in Dutch and Afrikaans means ‘fear’, referring to the terror struck in those who travelled over the treacherously steep mountain pass and also the wild animals such as lion and leopard that roamed the area.
The Banhoek Valley is surrounded by the massive Jonkershoek Mountains and the Groot Drakenstein Mountains with peaks such as Dragoon Peak, Dragoon Buttress, Eikenhof Peak and Hutchinson's Peak towering more than 1200 meters above sea level.
The valley itself is mostly covered with mountain fynbos species like ericas and restios. Hikers can expect to see Bontebok, Eland and Gemsbokke, while sightings of mammals such as leopard, honey badger, klipspringer and mongoose are very rare. Hikers should be alert to Berg adder, puff adder, boomslang and Cape cobra.

Basic agenda:
After entering the Banhoek Conservancy gate, we follow a flat footpath all along the Volstruiskloof river until a jeeptrack intersection is reached where we turn left. Please be aware of mountain bikers traveling at high speeds on tracks next to these footpaths. An uphill section follows for the next kilometer to climb 240 meters reaching a contour path that takes us to the waterfall at Volstruis Kloof.
A tricky section awaits the adventurous hiker before the waterfall can be reached safely by means of a chain that is securely fixed onto rocks.
If you are not up for this challenge, you may wait patiently until the whole group returns to continue the hike towards Eikenhof kloof and then Duiwelskloof that we will explore for only a short section. The Sky Traverse path is followed all around Dragoon Buttress while enjoying magnificent views of the valley. The mighty Devil's Tooth (1131m) suddenly comes within sight around a corner before we enter the breathtaking Duiwelskloof where we will be having lunch and coffee near a mountain stream.
After a short visit to Duiwelskloof, we will be taking the shortest route through the Banhoek valley via the Jagtershuisie back to the carpark. Please be on the lookout for Eland and Gemsbok that we saw on our last visit. Be vigilant of mountain bikers that cross our footpaths and be considerate to other people using these trails.
This trail is about 13-14km's long and has a total elevation gain of more than 500 meters. Sturdy boots will be needed on the rocky sections inside Duiwelskloof. Grading: 2B.

Fee to join hike:
R50. Cash on the day or EFT on the day:
Entrance to Banhoek Conservancy for hikers : Free

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, warm jacket, food, coffee/tea/cooldrink/2 lt water, First aid kit.
Rain cancels. Full refunds will be received if this event is cancelled by the organisers.
Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept 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.