The Limietberg Nature Reserve, Cape Winelands
The fynbos rich Limietberg Nature Reserve, which stretches from the Voëlvlei dam in the north to Franschhoek in the south, covers 117000ha of rugged, mountainous terrain, through which the Breede and Berg Rivers flow.
Steep kloofs, clear streams, waterfalls and gorgeous rock pools, only an hour from Cape Town, make Limietberg a popular destination for hikers, campers and those just wanting to enjoy a picnic and swim in nature.
The northern section, accessed from the Bainskloof Pass Road, is 30km from Paarl and 14km from Wellington. The flora includes some of the most exquisite species of wild flowers that bloom at certain times of the year and on the fauna front, you could spot dassie, baboon, klipspringer and the occasional leopard. The endemic birds that attract the twitcher, include the Cape sugarbird and protea canary and the black eagle and other raptors also are to be seen. Three endemic and increasingly threatened fish species occur in the Berg and Breede river systems. Trout (an exotic species) were introduced prior to the establishment of the reserve, and occur in most of the rivers and streams.
There are a number of hiking trails in the mountains. Some of the most popular are the Elands River Hike, the Krom River Hike, the 2 day Limietberg Trail and the Miaspoort Trail. Hikers are encouraged to come prepared as rescue operations are virtually impossible, should you get caught in any of the often unpredictable conditions.
A number of interesting historical features may be seen while hiking in the reserve. These include Bushman paintings, a disused manganese mine, the original toll road from Franschhoek to Villiersdorp known as Catspad, and a cross erected by Italian prisoners of war. In the Bainskloof Pass, graves can be seen of convicts who helped to build the road, while there was an old prison at the Tweede Tol campsite.
Part of the park is a day picnic site that can accommodate up to 120 people. The numbers are strictly limited for day visitors, so you must arrive very early during the busy periods, over weekends and in the school holidays.
The Tweede Tol campsite-cum-caravan park of 26, mostly shady sites, is in the Bainskloof Pass (R301). Six of these campsites offer privacy to visitors, as they each have their own ablution, cooking area, and braai area. There is a maximum of six people per campsite.There are no electric points available; the generator powered lights at the ablution block are switched off at 22h00. Please note there is no shop on site and bookings must be made in advance. Braai wood is for sale at the gate.
If you are camping at Tweede Tol, you have access to short enjoyable hikes with stunning views, a river with a series of rock pools. The first rock pool and waterfall is beautiful and if you are brave, you can jump from a cliff into the pool (about four to five metres). There is second pool with a waterfall and some jumping spots as well.
All camping bookings must be made through Cape Nature. Reservations: National callers: (021) 483 0190: International callers: 0027 861 227 362 8873: Website Email
Gate Times: 07h00-18h00 (Week Days): 07h00 – 20h00 (Peak Season & Public Holidays):
Directions: From Cape Town: Take the Klapmuts/ Wellington turn-off on N1. Turn left and drive for 20km until you get into Wellington. At the third set of traffic lights, turn left into Piet Retief Street and then right at the next set of traffic lights into Church Street. This will lead you into Bainskloof Pass towards Worcester. Tweede Tol will be on your left, approximately 16km from Bainskloof Pass” signboard, outside Wellington. Drive cautiously as the road through the pass is narrow and potential dangerous.
Read our article on the southern section of Limietberg Nature Reserve, accessed from Stellenbosch, and better known as Jonkershoek or Assegaaibosch.
| More info on the town of Wellington | More info on the Cape Winelands |
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