Info-Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail

Accommodation Japie and Sandra Oosthuizen

Onverwacht Flora and Eagle's Nest Accommodation

Landline:023 625 1667

Japie cell: 0828941462

Sandra cell: 0725144209

Boesmanskloof Trail

This 14km trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Robertson Karoo region, and links the towns of McGregor in the north and Greyton in the South.

It passes through the Riviersonderend Conservation Area, which is a declared mountain catchment area comprised of State land and private property.

The trail may be hiked in one day, from either McGregor or Greyton, but a popular option is a 2-day there and back route. If you opt for the 1-way hike, It is important to arrange for transport. It starts just outside Greyton, while it starts approximately 14km south of McGregor at Die Galg. No overnight camping is allowed on the trail, but There is a municipal campsite in Greyton

The Boesmanskloof trail leads through spectacular Riviersonderend Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls(The popular Oakes Falls) and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. There is a great diversity of plant species with many different Protea and Erica and the stream cone bush and wild almond growing along the watercourses. Animals found in the area include the Duiker, Grey Rhebuck, Klipspringer, Baboon, Dassie, Spotted Genet and, rarely, Leopards. Birdlife includes the Black and Booted Eagle, Cape Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird and others.

Physically the trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness as it continuously ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof. This is winter Rainfall area (generally cold and wet) and the summer months are extremely warm and dry. Water may be required during the Summer months.

The Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend mountain range. It is in the Robertson Karoo region of the south-western Cape. The trail links the small towns of McGregor in the north to Greyton in the south. It has become one of the most popular Trails in the Western Cape, Especially as the beautiful colonial-style town of Greyton lies at the one end.

The trial may be hiked within one day. It can be started from either McGregor or Greyton. While the trail lies just outside Greyton, it only commences 14 km to the south of McGregor at Die Galg.Hikers may often choose to walk the trail there and back (a total of 28 Km) and overnight in either of the two towns. Another delightful option is to Begin the trail at McGregor and walk to Greyton.No overnight camping is allowed on the trail. Because the trail requires between 4 - 5 hours to complete, there is plenty of time for swimming and enjoying the views.

See directions from Cape Town to Greyton. Alternatively from Cape Town follow the N1 to Worcester (about 100 km), turn fromThe N1 to Robertson (About 55 km) and from there to McGregor (about 25 km)

The main attractions along the route are the spectacular mountain scenery; large rock pools waterfalls and Lovely Cape Wildflowers. Highlights include Views of the majestic Riviersonderend Mountains, with their steep gorges and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. Water is Abundant in large rock pools.There is a great diversity of plant species - many different Protea and Erica species occur here. The stream cone bush and Wild almond grow along the Watercourses. Animals found in the area include the duiker, Grey roebuck, klipspringer, baboon, dassie and spotted genet. Leopard is very Rare. Among the birds, species Like the Black and booted eagle, Cape Sugarbird, malachite sunbird and other are found the hike is extremely popular among Tourists and City dwellers. It Are a total get-away and only one and a half-hours drive from Cape Town. Just being in Greyton and McGregor itself is a walkInto another world. The route is well marked, so you shouldn’t get lost.It’s popular on a hot summer’s day, so if you want to avoid the crowds, try the smaller chain of pools further downstream.Oakes’ fall is the main attraction on the Boesmanskloof Trail, and below it is one of the finest rock pools in the CapeThe rock pools, fynbos and views make the Boesmanskloof Trail in The Overberg a popular day hike. You could also stay over in a cottage and walk back the next day.

Distance: 14? Km one way.Time: +- 6 to 8 hours Best time of year: The trail is open all year round, but the best times to go are spring and autumn, when the temperature is Mild. Permit contact: Cape Nature reservations 021 659 3500; bookings@cape nature.co.za

Accommodation contact:

Japie and Sandra Oosthuizen

Onverwacht Flora and Eagle's Nest Accommodation

Landline: 023 625 1667

Japie cell: 0828941462

Sandra cell: 0725144209

THE ROAD TO NOWHERE

In 1862 the village was officially proclaimed and the land divided into 2.5 hectare plots which were sold by public auction To 19 farmers and smallholdersWho were told that the road from Cape Town would most probably pass through the village. This never happened, and neither did The planned road over theMountains through the Boesmanskloof Pass to Greyton - the road goes through the village and then.............. just stops

Lepidopterists' Society of Africa

This report covers a survey conducted by
A.Coetzer & B.Coetzer covering
McGregor, Western Cape
Report Date: 15 April 2009



Courtesy of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa
This report generated by Lepidops V4.04
Survey location: Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail
Survey Dates: 15 and 17 December 1998 & 9 December 2008

General Comments:
A total of 11 species was observed over the 3 field days. In 1998 the weather
was miserable and on two separate days we got only one Dark Opal (Chrysorites
nigricans) and a Monkey blue (Lepidochrysops methymna). Last December we
were more lucky with 9 species, including the rare Stephen's Skolly (Thestor
stepheni) and very large numbers of the Star blue (Lepidochrysops asteris) lower
down the mountain.
 A.Coetzer & B.Coetzer