Limietberg has various walks and hikes, taking you through mountain trails with stunning views, clear pools, and historic sites and monuments. Download a comprehensive map of the hiking trails at Limietberg.

Limietberg has a variety of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the reserve’s pristine beauty. Please note that these trails are only for the use of campers, not picnickers. Do not deviate from footpaths or take shortcuts through the veld, as this damages the vegetation and causes erosion.

Help us protect nature

No pets/no firearms/no fires except in designated areas/no collecting of firewood/no littering – use the bins provided/no music, rowdiness or hooliganism.

Permits

Permits are available at R50 per adult and R30 per child. Permits may be purchased at the reserve office or bookings can be made through CapeNature Central Reservations.

Trail preparation

• Wear comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.
• Do not hike alone.
• Carry enough food and water with you.
• Make sure you know what the weather conditions are before you depart.
• Take a warm jacket/raincoat in winter.
• Make sure you have a relevant map of the area.
• Take a field medical kit with you for emergencies.
• Obey all signage.
• Stay in a group and on the trails.

Easy to use trail maps for these hiking trails created by Forge can be downloaded here.

Bobbejaans River Trail 

Trail distance: 8km

Estimated time: 6 hours

This scenic trail starts at the Bainskloof Corner Lodge parking area, near De Nek. It winds across the Bobbejaans River, a tributary of the Witte River. After about 3.5km, you can plunge into the river’s inviting mountain pools (remember to bring your costume). The final steep ascent leads you to a stunning three-tiered waterfall. This trail is particularly beautiful in summer when the colourful disas and giant proteas are in bloom. The Witte River is difficult to cross in winter after heavy rainfall.

Happy Valley Trail

Trail distance: 9km

Estimated time: 6 hours

This easy walk is ideal for families and beginners. It starts in Bainskloof at Eerste Tol, leading up a jeep track past the ruins of an old house and a monument commemorating the 1895 Witte River disaster. Remember to bring your costume so you can take a break and enjoy the many beautiful rock pools along the way. The secluded Junction Pools, where two rivers meet, is at the end of the route. Return on the same path. Rivers may be full in winter.

Krom River Trail

Trail distance: 7km

Estimated time: 5 hours

This easy, popular trail starts in Du Toitskloof, immediately to the left after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel. Permit holders can park in a parking area about 700m after the tunnel, on the left side of the road. Please do not leave any valuables in cars.

The trail winds back towards the tunnel. A sign beneath the two bridges shows you where to go. The trail crosses the Krom and Molenaars rivers. After crossing Krom River, the vegetation becomes dense at the top end of the kloof. The path to the Krom River waterfall is about 2.5km. The last section of this path is surrounded by indigenous riverine forest.

After the first waterfall, hikers will come to the second, truly spectacular, waterfall and large plunge pool (remember to bring your costume). Climbing between the first and second waterfalls can be tricky – we suggest that hikers carry a rope. This may be inaccessible in winter after heavy rains, when the river is difficult and dangerous to cross.

Eland River Trail

Trail distance: 7km

Estimated time: 5 hours

This easy-to-moderate trail is an ideal winter's day hike. It starts in Du Toitskloof, immediately to the left after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel. Permit holders can park at a fenced parking area about 700m after the tunnel, on the left side of the road.

The trail heads back towards the tunnel. A sign beneath the two bridges will show you where to go. From there, it is about 3.5km (two hours) to the boundary of the conservation area. The start of the hike is quite difficult, as the path has been cut out against a very steep slope. But it’s worth the effort – after this section the route winds along the beautiful river, with some high areas offering panoramic views of the valley.

As the trail leads towards Fisherman's Cave, the vegetation becomes quite dense. From this overhang, the path follows the river for another 0.5km to the boundary, before ending abruptly against steep cliffs. Please note that hikers should not go further than this point as they will be trespassing on private land. Angling is allowed with the appropriate freshwater permit.

Rockhopper Trail

Trail distance: 8km

Estimated time: 6 hours

This moderate-to-difficult trail in Bainskloof is for the fun-loving and adventurous hiker. The trail involves rock hopping, swimming and finding your own way down a boulder-strewn riverbed. Although most of the water obstacles can be avoided, hikers will have to wade through a pool near Tweede Tol.

The trail starts at Eerste Tol in the Bainskloof Pass. It follows the Witte River and ends at the Tweede Tol picnic site, where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch! It is a linear trail, so hikers will need a car at the start and another at the finish. The route is not open when the river is too full. Hazards include volatile weather, slippery rocks, wind and ticks.

Guests must obtain a gate code from the booking office and confirm their booking for the specific trail at least 48 hours prior to the hike. Permits are also sold at the McBain’s Lodge, a walking distance from the trail entrance.