Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail – Greyton to McGregor
Also known as the Greyton-McGregor Trail, this route is one of the best loved trails in the region. It passes deep and inviting swimming pools, is long enough to make it a perfect day trip and while it has challenging sections, is not too arduous for any level of hiker.
- Time: +/- 5 HOURS
- Distance: 12.5km
- Highest Point: 680m
- Lowest Point: 240m
- Level: Challenging
A permit is required to do the Boesmanskloof Trail – this is obtainable from the Greyton Tourism Office. Refer to the Cape Nature Reserve website for more information on permits and safety regulations.
Please read the pamphlet you got with your permit carefully, the hike will take you about 5 – 7 hours depending on your fitness and the speed you want to walk. It is advisable to start before 07:00 to get the long ascent to the Viewing Point (650m altitude, Greyton is at 220m) over with when it is still cool.
Please take water with you! There are some fresh water sources en route but these are not too frequent and can be dry at certain times of the year.
Don’t hike alone, hiking with friends is always more fun and safe.
Let someone know where you are going and which trail you will be following.
Only follow trails that are clearly marked.
Wear a hat and sunscreen.
Sadly, dogs are not allowed into the Greyton Nature Reserve.
The start of the Boesmanskloof trail when hiking from Greyton can be reached by walking down Nerina Street toward the river and continuing along this sand path. It will curve toward the left past a small out-building. You will come to the river via a path that leads off to the right through a clearing in the bush. This follows an overhead pipe across the river. Cross the river here. On the other side (if you have crossed in the correct place) you will see the signs of the Nature Reserve in front of you. From here follow the clearly defined vehicle track, winding to the left and up around the mountain (this is the road that you see from Greyton village).
The first major beacon you reach is Breakfast Rock. Take the opportunity to enjoy your breakfast and the view from this spot as it is the last place you can clearly see the town of Greyton.
After not too long a distance you will come to the official entrance of the Cape Nature Riviersonderend Nature Reserve and Mountain Catchment Area and at this point you will be leaving the Greyton Nature Reserve. Here you descend into a valley and walk at this level for much of the way.
About half way through the hike you will come to wondrous rock pools fed by waterfalls. It is highly recommended that you take dip.
Approximately 13 km into the hike, the path will ascend sharply toward a rock house on the crest of the mountain. A few hundred meters before reaching this building the path forks. The right hand fork descends back into the valley whereas the left hand one takes you up to the building. DO NOT take the right hand fork. Continue with the left hand fork.
If you did end up taking the fork leading to the right then you can be collected at the Die Galg / Onverwacht Cottages. This adds approximately 2km to the hiking trail and while it does take you into a spectacular river valley, it finishes with an almost vertical 800m climb to the cottages which are situation on the crest of the ridge. If you have the strength and enough drinking water, it is well worth trekking the additional bit.
If you are not staying the night it is advisable that you arrange to be collected from Die Galg because McGregor is still some 23km away.
For emergencies or extra information about the Cape Nature Reserves contact +27 021 483 0000 or info@capenature.co.za.