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sklo

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Limietkop

Groenberg

Observation

Peak

Klein Wellington

Sneeukop

Bobbejaans River

Witte

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to Wellington

(Eerste Tol)Bainskloof Corner Lodge

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last water point

Limietberg Day 2

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H A W E Q U A S S T A T E

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F O R E S T

H A W E Q U A S S T A T E

F O R E S T

Day 2 - START

The trail starts at Tweede Tol (safe parking isavailable) and ascends steadily intoWolwekloof for the first 4 km. You hike in asoutherly direction to Eerste Tol and theBainskloof Corner Lodge (2 km south of EersteTol).T

Enough water should be carried,as thereis no running water in summer. It is alsoadvisable to begin early to avoid the middayheat.

he route offers fantastic views over theBerg River Valley,Table Mountain, Simonsberg,the Franschhoek Mountains in the south, theVoëlvlei Dam, and the Riebeeck Valley to thenorth.

Hikers need to arrange their ownovernight accommodation at BainskloofCorner Lodge Tel:021 864 1159.

The next day hikers have 3 routes to choosefrom for the hike back toTweedeTol:

1 You can return along the route you walkedthe day before;

2 You can walk back along the Bainskloof Passfor a cultural historical perspective;

3 You can go back on the Rockhopper Trailwhich is along the riverbed of theWitte River.Follow the river downstream to Tweede Tol.This can only be done in summer.

Some 102 000 ha of fynbos-covered mountain slopes, challenging cliffs, and indigenous river

valleys make up the Limietberg Nature Reserve. It stretches from Franschhoek in the south, to

the Klein Drakenstein mountains in the east and the Elandsberge in the north, and forms part of

the greater Boland mountain range. The area is an important water catchment for the Breede and Berg

Rivers. The catchment also feeds the Wemmershoek, Stettynskloof and Brandvlei dams.

The weather conditions in these mountains vary from very hot and dry in the

summer months, to extremely cold and wet during the winter, with snow

on the higher peaks. Hikers are cautioned to heed weather reports.

Small antelope, baboon and the occasional caracal and leopard occur.

You may also be lucky enough to spot endemic birds such as the Cape

sugarbird and the protea canary, as well as the majestic black eagle.

Three endemic fish species are increasingly threatened by alien trout

fish that were introduced prior to the establishment of the reserve.

www.capenature.co.za

Limietberg

Rock Hopper

Happy Valley

Murasie

Miaspoort

Kromrivier

Elandsrivier

Bobbejaansrivier

Hiking Trails:

Roads:

Secondary Road

Freeway

National Road

Provincial Road

L E G E N D

Towns /built up areas

Contour intervals 40 m

Rivers and streams

Trail distance4.5 km

Railway line

Dams

Waterfalls

Look-out points

Graves

ParkingP

Swimming pools

Drinking waterw

T his popular two-day trail has

changed from the previous linear

route, to a circular route between

Tweede Tol in Bainskloof to Bainskloof

Corner Lodge, 2km south of Eerste Tol.

Groups are limited to 12 people, with a

maximum of 24 people per day.

3 Murasie2 Rock Hopper 4 Bobbejaansrivier1 Limietberg Trail 7 Elandsrivier6 Kromrivier5 Happy Valley 8 Miaspoort

Day 1: 13 km, 8 hours. Day 2: 7.5km, 5 hours.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

All persons entering this conservation area and using its

facilities do so entirely at their own risk. The Western

Cape Nature Conservation Board and/or its employees

and/or agents and/or its successors in title shall not be

liable for any damage, loss, theft, injury, accident or death

suffered by any person, howsoever caused.

Right of Admission Reserved.

FIRE LIABILITY

Fire is a major environmental, human and livelihood

threat. Anyone caught lighting, using or maintaining a fire

or attempting to light, use or maintain a fire in areas other

than those demarcated by the Nature Reserve Manager

will be in contravention of the National Veld and Forest

Fire Act (101 of 1998) and will be liable for a fine as well

as all costs incurred to extinguish the fire.

PLEASE BE FIREWISE.

PLEASE REMEMBER

Your safety is your responsibility

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

(021) 871 1535/6 (weekdays)

082 494 9707 (weekends)

HikingTrailsLimietbergNATURE RESERVE

R

45

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43

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Witels River

FranschhoekPass

DuToitskloof

Pass

Bainsk

loof

Pas

s

to Villiersdorpto Stellenbosch

to Ceresto Gouda

to Malmesbury

to Cape Town

to Cape Town

Mont RochelleMemorialCat-se-pad

Observation Point

Fisherman’sCave

Suurvlakte

START ofLimietberg

Trail

WEMMERSHOEKDAM

STETTYNSKLOOFDAM

Elands River

Krom River

Bree R

iver

Berg R

iver

Bobbejaans River

Witt

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r

PERDEKOP

LIMIETKOP

PIC BLANC

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LO

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GROOTDRAKENSTEINMTNS

Du Toitskloof Tunnel

HuguenotTunnel

HawequasForestryStation

DU

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OF

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Tweede Tol

(Eerste Tol)Turn back point for Limietberg Trail (Day 2)

De NekBainskloof Corner Lodge

Wellington

Rawsonville

Worcester

Paarl

Franschhoek

BRANDVLEI DAM

KWAGGASKLOOF DAM

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R303

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EXIT 62/ASonstraal Rd

HawequasBospad

HUGUENOTKOP

HUGUENOTKOP

HUGUENOTKOP

Planning

Weather

Always carry the following items:

Plan your hike thoroughly,paying attention to:• Permit requirements and gate times.• Availability of water.• Size of group (preferably three or more), never

hike alone.• Fitness and medical condition of group members.

The slowest person determines the pace ofhiking.

• Inform someone of your plans and expected timeof return.

• Time of start and expected finish.• Time of sunset and tides.

Weather conditions can change very quickly.Do notattempt to hike if a trail is closed - it can endangerlives• If the weather takes a turn for the worse, make

your way back to the start as quickly as possible.Do not attempt to complete the trail.

• Weather forecasts are available at tel:082 162.If indoubt,phone the reserve before leaving home.

• Headlamp /Torch (with new batteries)• Compass / GPS• At least a 1,5 l water bottle• Cell phone with spare battery• First aid kit

Clothing and Footwear

• Boots or shoes should be sturdy with strong non-slip soles and must be well worn in.Tennis shoesand sandals are not suitable.

• Sun hats are essential, even on cool days. In coldweather,wear a warm cap to prevent heat loss.

• Whistle• Matches in a waterproof container.• Warm jacket

because it may impairjudgement and cause dehydration.

• Keep the group together.• Keep moving if possible.• If unable to continue due to injury or collapse,or if

weather conditions become too severe, seekshelter.

• Stay on or close to the path to be visible to arescue party.Do not stray from a given route.

• In case of emergency notify the reserve office orphone 10177.

• If possible,send two experienced group membersto report the accident. Don't abandon thecasualty.

• Give the rescue team full name,age of the casualty;the type of injury;the location of the accident.

• Never descend via unknown terrain. Loosestones and hidden cliffs can be deadly.

• Sunlight and weather permitting, retrace yoursteps until reaching a known route. Otherwise,stay where you are until rescued.

• Use bright items to reveal your position to searchteams.Blow a whistle to attract attention.

(abnormally low body temperature)Wet, wind and cold can cause hypothermia.Symptoms include stumbling, uncontrolled shivering,slurred speech, loss of memory and drowsiness. Staydry and warm and seek shelter while you still haveenergy,but try to stay near the path.

Alcohol is not permitted

In the event of an emergency or accident :

Being lost

Hypothermia

Hyperthermia

Fires can be deadly!

Conservation

(heat exhaustion)Hot weather, insufficient liquid and exhaustion cancause hyperthermia or heat exhaustion. Symptomscan include exhaustion, stumbling, dizziness,headaches and impaired vision.

The following points can help to avoid hyperthermia:• Hike in the cool of morning and later afternoon.• Rest in the shade during midday.• Drink enough water.

• Stay calm and think in practical terms. Keep yourgroup together, keep water bottles filled and, ifpossible, wet your equipment and clothes.Synthetic materials can melt.

• Never try to out-run a fire, especially uphill.Takenote of changes in wind direction.

• Find water, rock slabs or cleared areas and staythere. Avoid thick bush, kloofs and rocky areaswhere you could be trapped.

• Try to keep to jeep tracks,paths or open slopes.• Wave bright items to attract attention.• Inform the trail authorities when you reach the

end of your hike.

• Do not interfere with plants or animals,or defacerocks or trees.

• Take all litter home with you.• Use a small spade to bury toilet matter.• Fires are strictly prohibited.• Never discard cigarette butts - they cause veld

fires and are unsightly.• Stick to paths and walk in single file to avoid soil

erosion.

Reservations:

South Africa: (021)483 0190International: 0861 227 362 8873

or email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za

Tel:(021) 871 1535/6

082 494 9707

Enquiries:

Reserve cell:

NO FIRESARE

ALLOWED ALONG

THE ROUTE.

20.5 km, 2 days. Circular.

1 Limietberg Trai l

CapeNature manages large areas in the Western Cape, and encourages hikers to enjoy their wild

beauty. Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to explore naturalareas, but could end in tragedy if these

guidelines are not followed.H I K I N G S A F E T Y

10 km, 6 hours. There and back.

From the fenced parking area (for permit hold-ers) near the exit of the tunnel on the

Worcester side, follow the trail across the bridgeover the Molenaars River. After crossing the river,the trail heads upstream and then ascends alongthe right-hand slopes of the Krom River. Beforereaching the first waterfall, the path passesthrough a magnificent patch of indigenous forest.Extreme caution must be exercised when climb-ing to the second waterfall with its impressivepool.This popular trail might be closed during win-ter and heavy rains.Please inquire first.

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Bainsk

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Cape

Town

Fisherman’sCave

Suurvlakte

START ofLimietberg

Trail

WEMMERSHOEKDAM

STETTYNSKLOOFDAM

Elands River

Krom River

Bobbejaans River

Witt

e Rive

r

LIMIETKOP

PIC BLANC

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HuguenotTunnel

HawequasForestryStation

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Tweede Tol

(Eerste Tol)Turn back point for Limietberg Trail (Day 2)

De NekBainskloof Corner Lodge

Wellington

Rawsonville

Paarl

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HawequasBospad

HUGUENOTKOP

HUGUENOTKOP

HUGUENOTKOP

This moderate to difficult adventure challengesyou to find your own way up or down the

boulder-strewn riverbed of the Witte River.Leaving the Bainskloof Lodge parking area, youclimb down to the river and follow it downstreamto Tweede Tol.The trail alternates between rockhopping, walking, and swimming through to thelast pool at Tweede Tol. Noteworthy among theriverine vegetation are the tall yellowwoods.Youwill need a vehicle to get you to the start andanother to collect you at the end.

This route in Bainskloof Pass follows a sectionof the Limietberg Trail and ends at Junction

Pool. The trail is limited to 12 people per day. Itstarts at the Bainskloof Lodge parking area -

follow the gravel road for about 150 m thenclimb over a fence using the wooden stile. Fromhere, hikers follow the jeep track parallel to theWitte River that has some spine-tingling pools,with Junction Pool as one of the most popularpools in the Boland Mountains.

fromthere

Look out for afurrow, “Die Witrivier se Grip”, that was built byfarmers in 1856 to divert water from the WitteRiver to the Berg RiverValley.

(part of the HappyValley trail)

Take an easy stroll up to the ruins of Hugo'sRest, a house seemingly surrounded by ill for-

tune.The trail starts at the Bainskloof Lodge park-ing area.About 150 m from the parking area youclimb over a fence using a wooden stile. Follow ajeep track past a memorial to four people whodrowned in 1895 while attempting to save a stu-dent from a flooding river. Walk a little furtherand take your next turn to the right to find thehaunted ruin where a young woman was mur-dered in 1978.This route is ideal for large groups,with some good swimming pools along the way.

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Bainskloof Corner Lodge

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to Wolseley

De Nek

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to Cape Town

from Worcester

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El ands

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Kromrivier

Old Du ToitskloofTunnel

Elandsrivier

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bridgebridge

0 0.5 km

9 km, 5 hours. There and back.

The trail starts at the Bainskloof Lodge parkingarea at De Nek. It winds along the

Bobbejaans River, a tributary of the Witte River.You cross theWitte River for an easy walk along acontour above the river.After about 3,5 km, thereis a turn-off to inviting pools in the river.The final750 m ascends steeply to the three-tieredwaterfall. This trail is very popular in summer,when the disas and giant proteas are in bloom.TheWitte River is difficult to cross in the winter.

© CapeNature 1/15

5 Happy Val ley

This trail starts on the old Du Toitskloof Passabove the eastern entrance of the Huguenot

tunnel. It is a long and initially difficult walk as thefirst two hours are a steep climb to the top of theridge. An easy walk along the ridge is followed byanother steep ascent to the cross at HuguenotKop, erected in February 1945 by Italian Prison-ers-of-War who built the pass. At 1 318 m, thehiker is rewarded with unsurpassed views overthe entire Boland mountain range and PaarlValley.

8 km, 6 hours. There and back.

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MountainClub route

(Eerste Tol)

De Nek

Bainsklo

of Pass to Wellington

Klein Wellington

Sneeukop

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Pilkington Bridge

0 km

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This trail is immediately to the right after theWorcester exit of the tunnel. There is a

fenced parking area for permit holders. From theparking area follow the trail towards the bridge.Before the bridge, at the signpost, hikers turn lefttowards the tunnel. After an initial steep climb,the route becomes easier following the ElandsRiver. It swings away from the river at places,ascending quite high,and providing views over thevalley. The trail then descends to the Fisherman'sCave overhang,with its dense vegetation and riverpool.

This trail is very popular in the winter as norivers are crossed.

7 km, 3 hours. There and back.

Muras ie

7 km, 5 hours. There and back.

6 Kromriv ier

6 km, 5 hours. There and back.

E landsr iv ier7

3

These facilities available only at Tweede Tol:

Limietberg

Rock Hopper

Happy Valley

Murasie

Miaspoort

Kromrivier

Elandsrivier

Bobbejaansrivier

L E G E N D

Hiking Trails:

Roads:

Railway line

Contour intervals 40 m

Dams

Look-out points

Graves

Waterfalls

Towns / built up areas

Rivers and streams

FreewayNational RoadProvincial Road

ParkingP

Secondary Road

Drinking water

Swimming pools

3 Murasie

2 Rock Hopper

4 Bobbejaansrivier

1 Limietberg Trail

7 Elandsrivier

6 Kromrivier

5 Happy Valley

8 Miaspoort

7.5 km, 5 hours. Open end.

Can walk up or downstream.

Rock Hopper2

Bobbejaansr iv ier4