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The greater Groot Winterhoek conservation area comprises 30 608 ha, of which 19 200 ha was declared a wilderness area in 1985. The conservation area is particularly important for the conservation of mountain fynbos and wildlife, as a source of clean water to the Cape metropole and the west coast, and for outdoor recreation.

The landscape is rugged and mountainous, with altitudes of 1 000 to 2 077 m above sea-level. The rock formations consists mainly of Table Mountain sandstone. This sandstone weathers easily, and exceptional rock forms which have been shaped by the elements are a special feature of Groot Winterhoek.

Accommodation

A three-bedroomed house, bordering on the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, gives an opportunity to relax in this unspoilted area. It is equipped with a stove, fridge, microwave, beds and other facilities.

History

Various Bushman paintings indicate that San and Khoi peoples were once present here. Perdevlei, De Tronk, Louws Legplek, Driebosch en Kliphuis were among the first farms, and some were registered as early as 1875. The early farmers in this area used pack animals to transport their produce and supplies to and from Porterville and Saron. The tracks are still visible above Driebosch and Weltevrede.

In 1909 a group of Portuguese speaking herders known as the Makatese, stayed at De Tronk. They all died, apparently of flu, and their stone graves can be seen at De Tronk and near the present-day office complex.

Climate

As the name Groot Winterhoek suggests, winters are cold and wet, while summers are moderate. The average annual rainfall is 1 450 mm and the heaviest rains are between April and September. Winter nights are very cold, with temperatures below freezing, and heavy frost. It snows frequently. The weather at Groot Winterhoek is unpredictable, and hikers should always be prepared for sudden cold and mist.

Vegetation

Mountain fynbos is the predominant vegetation. Various rare, threatened and endemic species occur here. The threatened Sorocephalus scabridus, a member of the protea family, grows at Kliphuisvlakte. A large variety of red disas flower in abundance along the streams near the reserve office in January and February. Many erica species occur and flower virtually throughout the year. The ericas are particularly beautiful in the summer and the veld resembles a colourful patchwork.

Animals

Klipspringers, grey rhebok and grysbok are abundant and easily seen. Leopard, Caracal, wild cat, mongoose, genet and other predators are found here, but are seldom seen. About 100 bird species, including the endemic Cape rockjumper and numerous raptors like black eagle, goshawk and jackal buzzard, occur here. Tortoises are absent and snakes scarce, because of the high altitudes and cold winters, although sandsnakes and boomslang are occasionally spotted. A few rare lizard species occur, most notably the southern rock lizard, Australolacerta australis.

Rock Art

Various examples of rock art, believed to be between 300 and 6 000 years old, can be found in the area. Rock paintings illustrate the religious and social life of the Bushman or San, whose ancestors have lived in southern Africa for more than 100 000 years. All rock art is protected by the National Monuments Act, and it is an offence to damage rock art.

Recreation

Groot Winterhoek offers unsurpassed opportunities for outdoor recreation. Various day and overnight hikes of differing lengths and with wonderful swimming pools traverse the area. Parts of the greater conservation area like Sneeugatrivier and the mountain peaks are a true wilderness.

• As it is a wilderness area, hikers are not compelled to stay on the routes, and may explore the rock formations and caves along the trails.
• In keeping with the wilderness atmosphere, and to lessen the environmental impact, the area is divided into two user-zones: Kliphuis and Perdevlei in the east, and De Tronk and Die Hel in the south.
• There are primitive shelters at Perdevlei and simple huts at De Tronk. Hikers may use these, or choose to overnight anywhere in the veld. Overnight sites cannot be booked.
• Open fires are not allowed because of the high risk of veld fires.
• The only site where fires may be made is at the overnight huts at De Tronk. Limited firewood is supplied. Firewood may not be collected in the veld.
• The trails do not have route markers, but small cairns show directions where trails lead over plate rock.
• No toilet facilities are provided, except at De Tronk. Hikers are requested to carry a small spade for this purpose. Please do not use soap or shampoo in the rivers and streams.
• Hikers must leave their vehicles at the parking area at the office complex.
• Weapons and pets are not allowed.
• Permits must be carried at all times.
• Reservations can be made telephonically, and up to 3 months in advance. It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment!

Hiking Routes

Hiking times are calculated for the average hiker with a rucksack.

This easy route leads from the parking area along the Kliphuis River to the low-water bridge. It then follows the Jeep track to De Tronk. Water is plentiful and it is not necessary to carry water. There are numerous swimming pools and beautiful patches of ericas on route. In the winter, the Groot Kliphuis River is difficult and dangerous to cross.

This route is fairly easy, but water is not available for the first 11 km, until Weltevrede. Hikers should rather not walk back from De Tronk as this is very tiring, particularly without water. The vegetation along the way is very attractive, with tolbos (Leucadendron salignum), Brunia nodiflora, and various erica species including Erica inflata and Erica mammosa. Exceptionally large waboom trees (Protea nitida) occur here.

This route crosses the Kliphuis River and winds through interesting rock formations until reaching the Jeep track which leads to Kliphuis. From here the route follows the Jeep track through the rock formations to Groot Kliphuis. Water is plentiful in winter, but should be carried in the warmer months. The streams on route can be difficult to cross in winter.

This easy route follows the Kliphuis River for a short distance before swinging away in an easterly direction. The route winds through exceptional rock formations and later joins the trail from Kliphuis to Perdevlei. There is a wonderful swimming pool as the track enters the koppies. Many ericas and disas grow along this route. Water is plentiful along the trail. In winter the streams on the trail can be difficult to cross.

This route leads south from Kliphuis until the Klein Kliphuis River, where it joins the footpath from De Tronk to Perdevlei. One turns east (left) to reach Perdevlei, where there is a primitive stone hut. The Kliphuis River usually has water.

This route is fairly demanding, but offers a magnificent view over the area. Water is only available at the start and end of the trail. Protea magnifica and Protea recondita grow in profusion along the route.

This route follows the Klein Kliphuis River through a beautiful area and joins the Jeep track leading to De Tronk. There are many swimming pools along the route. De Tronk has 3 primitive overnight huts. Fires may only be made in the indoor fire-places, and not outside the huts.

Upon leaving the old farm, the path leads south under some oak trees and over a small footbridge towards Die Hel. The route is easy until just above the gorge and swimming pool. The descend into the gorge is very steep, difficult and dangerous. There is an overhang with rock art on the left of the footpath as it begins to drop very steeply. The pool is very deep and one of the largest in the Western Cape mountains.

• Only competent swimmers should attempt the pool.
• Hikers are not allowed to overnight at the pool or overhang.
• Fires are not permitted at the pool or overhang.
• The rock art in the overhang may not be damaged.
• The route and area around the pool is dangerous, particularly for children and elderly people.
• The caves around the pool are entered at own risk, as they may harbour diseases.

8 De Tronk to Die Hel (5 km, 1½ hours)