Trailinfo | Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail

The Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Robertson Karoo region of the south-western Cape. The trail links the small towns of McGregor in the north and Greyton in the south. It passes through the Riviersonderend conservation Area, which is a declared mountain catchment area comprised of state land and private property. The conservation area and the trail are managed by Cape nature Conservation from the Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve near Robertson.

The summer months are extremely warm and dry, while winters are generally cold and wet. The vegetation in the area is typical mountain fynbos with a rich diversity of plant species. Many different protea and erica species occur here, notably the extremely rare Erica galgebergensis and Erica parvulisepala. More than 50 species of grass-like restios are found in these mountains. Mammals found in the area include common duiker, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, baboon and dassie. Caracal and small spotted genet are fairly common, leopard occur but are less likely to be encountered. Birds include malachite sunbird and Cape sugarbird which are attracted by the bast tracts of sugarbush and common pincushion. Black and booted eagle, jackal buzzard and other raptors may also be seen.

The trail is approximately 14 km and may be hiked within one day. It may commence from either McGregor or Greyton. Hikers should note that the trail lies just outside Greyton, while it starts approximately 14 km to the south of McGregor at Die Galg, and transport should be organised accordingly. A popular option is to walk an "out and back" route (a total of 28 km) and overnight in either of the two towns where ample private accommodation is available. Private overnight facilities are also available at Die Galg. A series of waterfalls and pools known as the Oakes Falls provides swimming and a cool resting place for weary hikers.