At 1589m Victoria Peak is the highest summit in the Jonkershoek area. It is visible beyond the valley from Stellenbosch and is often – as it is today – covered in a white blanket of snow. The route as shown in this Google Earth track winds up the eastern edge of the Jonkershoek valley to Bergriviersnek (Berg River Saddle) and then continues easily up to the Dwarsberg plateau before one has to tackle the final 300 or so metres to the summit. From there the 360 degree panorama is simply stunning – see the photos below.
The summer fires have scorched almost all the peaks, but the expanses of green shoots promise a spring show second to none in a matter of weeks. The rains have been good and the spongy vlei on the Dwarsberg plateau, reputed to be the site of highest rainfall in the country, is saturated. The rain meter there gives the highest annual readings – but could it have something to do with the hikers’ “tradition” of topping it up from water bottles?
If the track doesn’t appear in the window above or you don’t want to install the plugin in your browser, then download the Google Earth Jonkershoek file and view it in Google Earth (download Google Earth)
Hi, Not sure that this is true:), but thanks for a post.
Pett
According to the reserve manager, the highest rainfall in SA is actually measured at Bergriviersnek – 3700 mm pa. Also, the Cape Leopard Trust is about to start monitoring leopards in these mountains using camera traps. Apparently each cat requires a range of 4000 ha. Would love to see one!
Hi, I am interested in hiking up to the twins from the jonkershoek valley. Wouldyou have by any chance a google earth route
Thanks
Unfortunately not yet. I will ask around amongst Mountain Club fellow-members. I suggest that you also try http://sites.google.com/site/mountainmeanderswiki/Home/introduction/introduction-to-the-cape-mountains.
Is camping permissible while hiking in the Jonkershoek mountains?
Only with special permission of the reserve manager. He will grant permission to mountain club groups for example.