The reserve comprises the imposing Jonkershoek mountains and portions of the upper Jonkershoek valley. The lower reaches of the valley are a well-known wineproducing area.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is 9 800 ha in extent and functions as a mountain catchment area, providing water for Stellenbosch and surrounds. Its rugged terrain is ideal for hiking, while Assegaaibosch, at 204 ha, is much smaller and is suitable for shorter walks and picnics.
Visitors may choose to explore one or both reserves on a single occasion, as they are in easy reach of each other. The reserves are approximately 9 km from Stellenbosch, and may be reached by following the Jonkershoek valley road.
The natural vegetation of the Jonkershoek area is mainly mountain fynbos. More than 1 100 plant species are known to occur, of which a number are rare and/or endemic to the area. Distinctive species are Protea repens, Pneriifolia, mountain cypress, as well as various ericas and restios. Several relic forest communities occur in narrow, moist kloofs where they are relatively sheltered from fire.
Opening times:
1 April - 31 October: 07:30 - 18:00
1 November - 31 March: 07:30 - 19:00
