Boosmansbos Wilderness Hiking Trails, Heidelberg
The Boosmansbos Wilderness of 14 000ha of pristine fynbos, in the Langeberg Mountains, incorporates the Grootvaderbos Nature Reserve with its 250ha indigenous kloof forest. In 2004 the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve was proclaimed a World Heritage Site, its forest home to 35 forest tree species that include the stinkwood, yellowwood, red alder and ironwood. There are over 200 bird species recorded, many endemics, and the birder has an excellent opportunity for tracking forest birds. Wildlife that you may encounter includes grey rhebuck, klipspringer, grysbok, baboons, mongoose and genet.
There are magnificent hiking trails to be enjoyed from the well-known Bushbuck Trail, that winds through dense vegetation, to the two-day Boosmansbos hike. This 27km trail starts and ends at the Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve Office and follows an old jeep track up Loerklip and back down Saagkuilkloof. Along this trail you will find striking and endemic fynbos plant species, especially near Loerklip and enjoy stupendous views.
For a longer and more fascinating alternative to the Saagkuilkloof path described, try the Grootberg-Horingberg path, probably one of the most scenically dramatic in the Cape mountains. Approximately 30 km long, it ascends from Helderfontein hut on the north-facing slope of Grootberg, traverses the mountains in a southerly direction, affording views of rich kloof forests below, and descends the south-facing slope of Horingberg in a series of zig-zags. Not often used, the path is indistinct and steep in places. Hikers should be prepared to sleep in the open.
Other trail options are 14km, 13km or 12km – be sure to take the short hike to the gorge through which the Duivenhoks River runs.
The lack of infrastructure and remoteness of the wilderness, make Boosmansbos Wilderness popular with hikers – huts provide only basic shelter and no toilet facilities and hikers can also choose to sleep in the open. Hikers need to be well-equipped for all weather and must carry an accurate map. Maps are available from the office.
The total number of persons per day in the wilderness area is restricted to 12. Importantly, these walks must be booked in advance. National callers: (021) 483 0190: International callers: 0027 861 227 362 8873: Reservations Website.
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