SELF-GUIDED HIKES
The Vineyards & Olive Groves:
Guests can meander through our vineyards and olive groves to experience the farming activities more closely or to just inhale the surrounding beauty without much effort. Our farmworkers will eagerly share their stories and prove to be an entertaining source of information for guest’s wishing to know more about our agricultural activities.
The Peerboom Dam Trail:
Is an undemanding self-guided 40 to 60 minute hike, taking you along a mountain ridge with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You will meander through unspoiled fynbos, and “in season” guests will view masses of wildflowers and numerous flowering protea species. This route is ideal for Guests with small children. No maps are necessary on this circular well marked route.
The Ridge Trail:
Is an extension of Peerboom Dam Trail and is a somewhat challenging 2.5-4 hour hike, taking you along a mountain ridge with breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains. You will meander through unspoiled fynbos, and “in season” guests will view masses of wild flowers and numerous flowering protea species.
The Droë Kloof Trail:
Is a challenging, 3 – 4 hour hike taking you over a series of mountain ridges where the floras of the Karoo, Renosterveld and high mountain vegetation come together. The trail crosses a wild unspoiled part of Orange Grove Farm and has numerous fantastic vantage points offering.
The Forest Trail:
Is a shortened version of Droë Kloof Trail and will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
GUIDED HIKES (Not available June to Sept)
The Smits Kloof Trail:
Is a slightly challenging workout for walkers as it involves some minor rock climbing and scrambling. This hike takes Guests up to two wonderful rock pools. Guests are invited to take a swim in the exquisite crystal clear mountain waters, surrounded by towering rock formations. You return via the awesome Knypkloof Falls.
If you are lucky you may even spot our resident breeding pair of Verreaux’s Eagles (Black Eagles) who have made the towering cliffs of Babbedasberg their home. Your Guide will point out the Breede River Redfin, a highly endangered fish species which now only exists in the upper reaches of the Vink River.
The entire hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours depending on how much time you wish to spend at the rock pools.
The Rooikrans Kloof Trail:
Takes you through, Naald-se-Oog, a narrow opening in the gorge along a crystal clear mountain stream which you traverse several times.
Here at the foot of the Langeberg you will be surrounded by towering red mountain cliffs and magnificent flora. Walking through the forest of Rooi Els, Cape Holly and Yellow Wood trees,
Rooikrans Falls suddenly and unexpectedly comes into view. Guests are invited to take a swim in the crystal clear waters at the base of the waterfall surrounded by the natural splendour of the forest.
This valley is also home to the elusive Cape Mountain Leopard and your guide will point out the numerous scratch marks on trees which leopards use to mark their territory.
The entire trail takes 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you wish to spend at Rooikrans Falls.
