groot winterhoek

Near Porterville, the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness area, with its extraordinary rock formations and popular hiking routes, lies about 120 km north of Cape Town. Situated in the Groot Winterhoek mountain range, 33 km beyond Porterville, visitors must take the Cardouw turn-off about 2 km north of Porterville, travel up the steep Dasklip Pass and follow the sign-boards to the office and parking area.

The conservation area comprises 30 608 ha, of which 19 200 ha was declared a wilderness area in 1985 and is particularly important for the conservation of mountain fynbos and wildlife, as well 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 which weathers easily, so that exceptional rock forms are shaped by the elements. These are a special feature of Groot Winterhoek.

San and Khoi peoples were once present here, and various Bushman paintings are to be found . 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 near the present-day office complex.

As the name Groot Winterhoek suggests, winters are cold and wet, while summers are moderate. The average annual rainfall is 1 450 mm and 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please note the following:

• 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 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 in advance. It is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment!