Free options for walking and hiking in and around Stellenbosch include Stellenbosch Mountain or Banhoek Conservancy, according to Nina Blom, a Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Certificate in Education student who is a member of the Berg-en Toerklub. An entrance fee or Cape Nature permit is required for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve or Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, stated Blom. PHOTO: Chelsea Burnell
The natural elements of Stellenbosch and surrounding areas, and the scaling of buildings and urban street furniture may be key contributing factors that make Stellenbosch enjoyable for all kinds of pedestrians.
This is according to Lauren Buchanan, chairperson of the Stellenbosch Heritage Foundation, in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
By hiking and walking, people will be able to experience some fresh air and a rush of adrenaline and endorphins, which are “ingredients for true zest for life”, according to Nina Blom, a Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Certificate in Education student who is a member of the Berg-en Toerklub. VIDEO: Chelsea Burnell
“Due to the size and nature of Stellenbosch town, it is a walkable space,” stated Buchanan.
MatieMedia spoke to some local trail experts about the best spots to hike and walk in Stellenbosch.
The Stellenbosch Berg-en Toerklub (BTK) is a way for Stellenbosch University (SU) students to explore trails and paths in Stellenbosch and surrounding areas, according to Petri Smit, chairman of the Berg-en Toerklub (BTK). PHOTO: Sourced/De Wet Denkema
Options galore
There are a number of popular trails for people to walk and hike on in Stellenbosch, according to Petri Smit, chairman of the Berg-en Toerklub (BTK), in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
The Berg-en Toerklub (BTK) is a hiking society at Stellenbosch University that aims to provide students with the opportunity to “explore nature, get to know like-minded individuals, socialise and just generally have a good time – all while getting in a fair bit of exercise”, according to Smit.
Stellenbosch Mountain is an area that is very easily accessible, according to Nina Blom, a Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Certificate in Education student who is a member of the Berg-en Toerklub. This mountain is very popular amongst students because of its beautiful view of Stellenbosch and Cape Town, said Blom. She added that one gains elevation relatively quickly on this trail and a medium level of fitness is therefore required. PHOTO: Chelsea Burnell
“Finding trails can be difficult when starting out, but apps such as AllTrails have many of the more popular routes already mapped out and documented,” stated Smit.
“The longest hike in the area that your average outdoors enjoyer can safely enjoy would probably be one of the Panorama variations in Jonkershoek,” stated Smit.
The shortest hiking trail would be the Second Cross trail on Stellenbosch Mountain or the Second Waterfall trail in Jonkershoek, he said. The Jonkershoek trail is three to four kilometres if starting from the trailhead, according to Smit.
One of the multiple tours the Berg-en Toerklub (BTK) offers students is the Drakensberg hike, which takes place every four years. Tours such as this are usually between four to six days in length and between 40 to 60 students from around South Africa participate, according to Petri Smit, chairman of the Berg-en Toerklub (BTK). Captured above is the Drakensberg group from March 2022, where 60 students between the ages of 18 to 25 hiked over a period of five days. PHOTO: SOURCED/De Wet Denkema
Safety is key
Some of the safest areas for walking and hiking in Stellenbosch are Jonkershoek, Coetzenburg, Old Bethlehem and Mont Marie, according to Eon Hendrikse, co-director of Idas Valley Community Trails, in written correspondence with MatieMedia.
“This is because [these areas] have more resources available to keep the area safe, clean and maintained, because they are supported by SU and other stakeholders in the area,” stated Hendrikse. “The organisations, businesses and institutions that look after the spaces [must contribute] financially to ensure the safety of everyone there.”
Community members should take responsibility by “protecting their communities and natural resources”, added Hendrikse.
Idas Valley Community Trails is a non-profit organisation that aims to use the Idas Valley Nature Area “as a tool to bring people from different backgrounds together and connect our community to the surrounding wine farms and neighbouring mountains in the valley through guided hiking and cycling experiences”, according to Eon Hendrikse, co-director of Idas Valley Community Trails. Captured above is Hendrikse and fellow Idas Valley Community Trails participants. PHOTO: SOURCED/Charlotte Ashton, BBC TV presenter.
It’s good for you
Spending time outside is both mentally and physically beneficial for people, said Hendrikse.
A person can also become more in tune with their body through hiking, as they can realise their physical capabilities, according to Nina Blom, an SU Post Graduate Certificate in Education student who is a member of the BTK.
“I have been thrilled to have taken people on hikes where they believed that they were incapable of climbing to a certain point but then, with enough rest and motivation, [I could] show them they are capable of so much more than they think,” she stated.