We spent the afternoon in windy and cool Jonkershoek Nature Reserve with the goal of visiting two waterfalls on the Tweede Waterval trail. Much of Jonkershoek is a valley covered in fynbos between two mountain ranges.
We parked at the trail head and walked for about 45 minutes eastward until we reached the turn-off for Eerste Waterval (First Waterfall). We saw many flowers, including these purple beauties. Thursday’s rains increased the flow of Eerste Waterval substantially compared to my 2014 hike in the reserve, and it was clearly visible from the trail. At the base of the falls, a rock overhang formed an open cave. The water was clear and red/rust-colored, probably due to iron in the water. Below the cave, both Mark and Catherine enjoyed scrambling across the outflowing river and climbing back up.
As we walked to Tweede Waterval (Second Waterfall), we crossed the creek fed by Eerste Waterval. Our attempt to reach Tweede Waterval was thwarted by a flooded trail, so we turned back. At several points, we stopped to take photos of Catherine and Mark and a family selfie. We headed home (westward) into the late afternoon sun.
Although we saw only one of the two waterfalls, we had a great time in a stunning natural amphitheater. Stellenbosch and the Western Cape are beautiful.
—Matt
