Go Kloofing
This one is only for the adventurous! The kloofing route from Die Hel to De Hoek is a one-way affair down the river, combining hiking, leaping off high cliffs into deep pools and swimming through mountain streams.
Die Hel is a deep, dark pool at the head of the 24 Rivers gorge; overshadowed by rugged cliffs, it is fed by a sparkling 5-metre waterfall. Remember to obtain permission from the landowner at De Hoek to leave a car there.
Go Climb
The lofty Groot Winterhoek peak, the second highest peak in the Western Cape, stands tall at 2,077 metres. It’s a strenuous climb to the top, but a true prize for any serious visiting trekker. You’ll need an early start if you want to knock this one off in a day, as there is no clear route to the summit.Go Sightseeing
The area hides various examples of rock art believed to be between 300 and 6,000 years old, about 100 bird species, and a few rare lizard species like the southern rock lizard. Rare examples of mountain fynbos abound, with Erica's, proteas and the famous red disas growing abundantly.
Look for rock art in the overhang on your left as you scramble down the gorge to Die Hel and keep your eyes peeled for the endemic Cape Rockjumper and numerous raptors like Verreaux’s Eagle, Goshawk and Jackal Buzzard.
Go Hike
You can tramp for days without seeing any signs of human intervention. Perdevlei Hut is approximately 19 kilometres from the parking area, while the tramp down to De Tronk traces the Groot Kliphuis River for just on 13 kilometres.
Die Hel, the Winterhoek’s legendary pièce de résistance is located a further 4 kilometres along a steep scramble into the head of 24 Rivers ravine and is a moderate to difficult walk. Beautiful rambles along the mountain streams will suit less gregarious hikers, so there certainly is something for everyone.
The Groot Winterhoek Mountains stretch north, towering above the villages of Gouda, Saron and Porterville, rising up to 2,000 metres above s...