Discovering the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail
Nestled in the heart of the Western Cape, the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail offered us an unforgettable adventure. Starting in the picturesque town of Greyton, this trail promised breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and a sense of serenity that we couldn’t find anywhere else. Here’s a recount of our experience hiking the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail and why it should be on every nature enthusiast’s bucket list.
A Glimpse of Greyton
Before setting off on the trail, we took some time to explore Greyton. Known for its charming streets, quaint cafes, and friendly locals, Greyton was the perfect starting point for my hiking adventure. We grabbed a bite at a local bakery and wandered through the streets, soaking in the town’s welcoming atmosphere which set a positive tone for the journey ahead.
Trail Overview
The Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail, often referred to as the Greyton to McGregor Trail, spans approximately 14 kilometers (about 8.7 miles) and typically takes about 6 to 8 hours to complete. The trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains, offering a moderate to challenging trek with a variety of terrains.
Key Highlights
- Stunning Scenery: From rugged mountain peaks to lush valleys, the trail offered an array of stunning landscapes. Each turn revealed a new, breathtaking view that made the effort worthwhile.
- Diverse Flora and Fauna: The area is rich in biodiversity. I came across a wide range of plant species, some of which are endemic to the region. The local wildlife, including various bird species, added to the trail’s charm.
- Waterfalls and Rock Pools: One of the highlights was the beautiful waterfalls and rock pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. These natural water features were especially inviting during the warm afternoon.
Preparing for the Hike
What We Brought
- Water: We made sure to carry enough water for the day, as there were limited places to refill along the trail.
- Snacks and Meals: We packed light, with our Hungry Hiker meals for lunch and energy-boosting snacks.
- Appropriate Clothing: Dressing in layers helped me accommodate the changing weather conditions. A hat and sunscreen were essential for sun protection and a good rain jacket as we experienced rain on the second day.
- Sturdy Footwear: Hiking boots or trail running shoes were crucial given the varied terrain.
- First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit came in handy for minor injuries.
- Maps: While the trail is generally well-marked, having alltrails app on hand was very convenient.
Best Time to Hike
The Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail is accessible year-round, but the best times to hike are during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) months. During these periods, the weather is mild, and the flora is often at its most vibrant. Each season will bring a different experience – best to watch the weather and rather not end up going in a rain spell…
The Trail Experience
Starting the Journey
We started in Greyton, where we followed the signs leading to the trailhead. The initial section of the trail offered a ascent on a jeep track, allowing us to ease into the hike while enjoying the surrounding beauty.
Into the Wilderness
As we progressed, the trail became more challenging, with steeper climbs and rocky paths, but yoou have more than enough time to take it easy and enjoy the scenery. We were rewarded with panoramic views of the Riviersonderend Mountains and the valley below. A great spot for breakfast – Breakfast Rock, where we took a well-deserved break to soak in the scenery and refuel on breakfast snacks.
We stopped at the Waterfall for our lunch break and a cool off as it was a stunner of a warm day and spent about an hour just lazing around.
The last stretch of the hike takes you to your overnight accommodation – which is a further ascend deeper into the mountains with more breathtaking views and beautiful fynbos surrounds to enjoy.
We arrived at Klipstoor, our overnight accommodation at around 17h00, which gave us more than enough time to relax, laze around and prepare our evening meals. Its a perfect setting if you are a group of people between 7 – 10 with a lovely outside undercover braai area and a dorm sleep area, kitchen and bathroom. There are quite a variety of accommodation available from camping to houses. All depends what you feel like. I would still like to stay over at Eagle’s Nest in the summer – it’s built on a perch with a beautiful deck and swimming pool.
For dinner, we opted for our Hungry hiker curry selection for the evening and cooked the Butter Chicken, Korma Chicken, Chicken Thai Green Curry and Cape Malay Curry meals that we shared amongst each other to re-create a curry night out on the town. The night cooled down quickly, which made a curry night an absolute winner!
Completing the Loop
The next morning, with a splash of rain and heavy mist, we undertook the round trip and the return journey offered a new perspective on the landscapes we had already traversed. The weather cleared up and we stopped at the waterfall again for a quick bite and set off to complete the rest of the hike and arrived back in Greyton early afternoon as it was mostly a descend vs. the ascend of the previous day.
I can highly recommend this overnight trail, it is challenging on sections but a general lovely trail to meander along and enjoy the mountains, fresh-air and beautiful fynbos surrounds.
