McGregor has a great deal for the nature-lover. The village is situated some 245m above sea level, in a bowl surrounded
by rolling hills and lofty mountains. Tributaries of the Breede River, flowing from the Riviersondereind
Mountains, pass near the village. In the summer these are fairly dry, but in winter they flow freely.
Good places to start are McGregor's own Krans Nature Reserve and, for a terrific view over the village, the Kleinberg Trail. Also well worth a visit is the nearby Vrolijikheid Nature Research Station.
Safety. The area experiences high temperatures during summer, so please avoid the heat where possible, wear a sun hat, and take plenty of water. In the unlikely event of a snake bite, stay calm, try and identify the snake responsible for the bite and rush the victim to the nearest available medical facility. For advice on all cases of envenomation call the Tygerberg Poison Information Centre 021 931 6129 or the Poison Advice Line 0800 333 444.
The Kleinberg Trail
This is an easy, 2hr walk up Badge Hill - you can spot the hill from the village as it is carries the McGregor crest. To get there you leave McGregor by the old Robertson dirt road, pass the brick works, and the sign posted trail starts on the right. No need to drive to the start of the trail; walking out from the village is half the fun!
The Krans Nature Reserve
Situated just outside the village, this is
being developed with the co-operation of the local municipality.
Funds have been given by the Rowland and Leta Hill Trust under
the auspices of WWF South Africa. The McGregor Heritage Society
is presently much involved in this task.
The reserve is part of the meent, or commonage, of McGregor,
and used to be available to all villagers for grazing livestock.
Long ago, it was used as a dump. Old bottles, blue glass and
other treasures from this time are still found. But centuries
before
Vrolijkheid, situated about 5 Km from McGregor on the Robertson road, is mainly concerned with the breeding
of small game, dealing with problem animals and preservation of flora
and fauna. They are also maintain and control of
hiking trails and bird hides in the area.
Tariffs apply from 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006. All permits include
the reserve entrance fee, with a self-issued permit for the trails beng
obtainable at the reserve entrance. Trails may be closed at certain
times of the year depending on the weather conditions. Limited
accommodation for visitors and environmental education groups may be
booked at Vrolijkheid.
Extremely high temperatures may be experienced from November to March,
and during this period hikers should set out early in the morning to
avoid walking during the heat of the day. A sun hat is essential. No
pets, fire arms, picking of flowers or collection of seeds allowed.
For brochures, enquiries and reservations
The Manager Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Private Bag X614 Robertson 6705
This is a circular, 19 km trail through the
Elandsberg mountains, offering scenic views of the Langeberg and
Riviersonderend mountains. You are bound to see springbok grazing in the
succulent karoo vegetation, and you are advised to start your outing
with a visit to the information centre at the entrance for more info on
the reserve and its vegetation.
It is fairly strenuous, with the path rough underfoot, and
requires 8 hours of walking. Sturdy hiking boots are essential. No water is available on the route, and
hikers should carry a sufficient supply (2 litres per person).
Heron Trail
This is an easy, 3km hike through succulent karoo vegetation, which
takes you to two shimmering dams. Each has a wonderful little bird hide,
well hidden in the reedy surrounds, and a few hours spent in either, of
an early morning or evening, should produce a few birding surprises. A
total of 175 bird species that have been recorded at Vrolikjheid.
Vrolijkheid MTB
This pleasant circular route of 8 km (±1 hour) meanders through a
section of the reserve. Please stay on the marked route. Rate: R60 pp
(includes reserve entrance).
Boesmanskloof Trail
This 14km trail winds through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the
Robertson Karoo region, and links the 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 trail may be hiked in one day, from either McGregor or Greyton, but
a popular option is a 2-day there and back route. If you opt for the
1-way hike, it is important to arrange for transport. It starts just
outside Greyton, while it starts approximately 14km south of McGregor at
Die Galg. Ample private accommodation is available in both towns, with
private overnight facilities also available at Die Galg. No overnight
camping is allowed on the trail, but there is a municipal campsite in
Greyton.
The Boesmanskloof trail leads through spectacular Riviersonderend
Mountains with steep gorges, large rock pools, waterfalls (the Oakes
Falls) and lovely Cape wildflowers. At either end lie the lush Greyton
and Mcgregor valleys. There is a great diversity of plant species with
many different Protea and Erica, and the stream conebush and wild almond
growing along the watercourses. Animals found in the area include the
Duiker, Grey Rhebuck, Klipspringer, Baboon, Dassie, Spotted Genet and,
rarely, Leopards. Birdlife includes the Black and Booted Eagle, Cape
Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird and others.
Physically the trail requires a reasonable degree of fitness as it
continuously ascends, descends and contours the slopes of Boesmanskloof.
This is winter rainfall area (generally cold and wet) and the summer
months are extremely warm and dry. Water may be required during the
summer months.
Dassieshoek Nature Reserve
Located near Robertson, Dassieshoek has some spectacular mountain walks. Should you just wish to enjoy the wild
environment without a hike, there is a large braai nearby the car
park. The reserve is open on
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun, from 08:00 - 18:00.
For more information, call 023 615 8000, or contact Robertson Tourism on 023 626 4437.
Dassieshoek Trail
This is a 38km, 2-day trail through the foot hills of Langeberg Mountain. It takes you through mountain fynbos and gorges with great swimming. It is rated moderate.
Waterfall Hike
This is an easy walk to rock pools in a secluded gorge, surrounded by ferns and indigenous trees. Great to commune with nature, chill out or swim!
Arrangieskop Trail
Another 2-day trail, this time 20km to the top of Langeberg Mountains. There are spectacular views over Robertson Valley and Koo Valley, with an over-night stop in a comfortable hut; complete with hot showers and a fire! Rated for experienced hikers
Robertson Walkabout
There are two walks around town, mostly passing by interesting building
styles, like the Victorian villa built during the Ostrich feather boom
and other historical buildings. Booklets are available from Robertson Tourism, 023 626 3681/ 023 626 4437
Fish Eagle Trail
A 8.5km 3hr, trail on the Van Loveren Wine Estate, climbs up the Rooikrans, and has with breathtaking views over Robertson valley, vineyards and mountains. It is rated easy-moderate and costs R20.00 per person. Book on 023-615 1505.
Gecko Trail
A
21km, 6-9Hr trail which starts at Nuy Valley or Simonskloof. Accommodation is available at either end of the trail. A permit is required. Call 023 614 1895
Genadendal Hiking Trail
This is a two-day circular route of 25km. It begins and ends in Genadendal at
the historic Moravian Mission Church, which dates back to 1738, and leads
through private property and the conservation area on both sides of the
Riviersonderend mountain range. It provides panoramic views of the Overberg as
well as the Worcester-Robertson Karoo. Overnight facilities are available
at the church for hikers who prefer to stay the night before starting on the
route.
The first day leads past two pools at Groot and Klein Koffiegat, and ends at the
farm Die Hoek on the north side of the mountain. Overnight accommodation,
including braai facilities, is available here. The second day returns to
Genadendal. The trail is fairly strenuous, and hikers should be fit and
well-equipped. In summer it can be extremely hot and it is advisable to carry
water. Winters are cold and wet and hikers should adhere to weather warnings as
the trail can be dangerous in extreme conditions.
The tariff is R60 for adults, R45 for children/scholars. There is a
maximum of 24 hikers per day, with a maximum of 14 per group. Separate
bookings are required for the trail and for overnight accommodation. For
more information and bookings, call Cape Nature on 028 425 5020.
