The area around the Robertson Wine Valley offers some of the Western Cape’s most breathtaking mountain trails, perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. With rugged landscapes, abundant fynbos, and awe-inspiring views, the region is a haven for outdoor adventurers. From leisurely walks to challenging multi-day treks, these trails showcase the beauty of the Riviersonderend Mountains, including highlights like Oakes Falls and panoramic viewpoints. Whether you’re looking to explore scenic paths or test your endurance on more strenuous MTB routes, the trails around the Robertson Wine Valley promise unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, 15 km south of Robertson, offers an exceptional blend of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure. With its striking Robertson Karoo vegetation and bright orange botterblom daisies in spring, the reserve is a prime destination for hiking and MTB enthusiasts.
Hiking trails range from short walks to strenuous multi-day routes. The Rooikat Trail, a challenging 19 km circular route, ascends the Elandsberg Mountains, revealing panoramic views of the Langeberg and Riviersonderend ranges. For MTB enthusiasts, an 8km scenic trail weaves through the reserve’s unique Karoo vegetation. The trail is best enjoyed in the early morning to avoid the midday heat, ensuring a comfortable ride through the reserve’s rugged terrain.
The reserve also features shorter hikes like the 3km Heron Trail, which leads to bird hides at two dams, and the 1km Braille Trail, designed for visually impaired visitors. Both trails highlight the reserve’s diverse birdlife, including African and pale chanting goshawks.
Vrolijkheid’s extreme summer temperatures and arid environment underscore the need for preparation, with hikers and bikers encouraged to set out early. Whether navigating its challenging trails or cycling its scenic paths, the reserve offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty and adventure of the Little Karoo.

Flying Feet
Flying Feet offers bicycle rentals to explore Montagu at your own pace. Their unique, hand-painted Dutch-style bicycles, crafted by local artists, provide a nostalgic and creative way to experience the town. E-bikes are also available for longer explorations, though they are best suited for paved routes. For adventurers, mountain bike rentals cater to Montagu’s gravel roads and single-track trails, ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging terrain. Helmets, maps, and route suggestions are included for a safe and tailored ride.
For hiking enthusiasts, Montagu offers a variety of trails to suit different fitness levels. The Bloupunt Hiking Trail challenges seasoned hikers with a 16km route that climbs to 1,266 meters, rewarding them with panoramic views of the Langeberge and surrounding valleys. The Cogmanskloof Trail offers a less demanding yet equally rewarding 12km route with diverse vegetation and sweeping vistas. Early morning hikes during spring or autumn are particularly popular, allowing visitors to enjoy cooler weather and blooming wildflowers.
The Montagu Magic package is a 4-day adventure designed for hiking enthusiasts, featuring guided walks through the Klein Karoo’s striking landscapes. Highlights include the Kogmanskloof Contour Hike, offering panoramic views of Montagu and the Langeberg mountains, and the “Back Roads” hike through diverse biomes and farmlands. Luxurious accommodation, farm-to-table meals, local wine tastings, and additional excursions round out the experience, making it ideal for those seeking a blend of active exploration and Karoo hospitality.
Whether exploring Montagu by bike or on foot, Flying Feet provides an authentic and immersive way to connect with the town’s beauty and charm.

Arangieskop Hiking Trail
Arangieskop is a challenging 2-day hike in the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve near Robertson. Known as the “Kilimanjaro of the Cape”, it features a relentless ascent on the first day and a steep descent on the second. Despite its difficulty, the trail’s highlights include stunning panoramic views and an exceptional overnight hut.
The hike spans 21km, with 9.5km covered on the first day. The trail winds up steep rocky terrain, offering shaded swim spots and views of Robertson and the Koo Valley from the saddle of the hill. The Arangieskop Hut is equipped with hot showers, a cosy fireplace, and a social braai area, providing a very rewarding end to the day.
The second day involves a short climb to the summit before descending a steep ravine, where hiking poles are highly recommended. The descent route includes shaded rest stops and natural pools but becomes hot later in the day. Hikers should be prepared for uneven terrain, exposed sections, and potential encounters with bees.
Arangieskop is best suited for fit hikers with a sense of adventure and proper gear. Visit between March and April for the most favorable weather. Dogs are not permitted on this trail.
Permit required: Click for permit info

Van Loveren
Van Loveren Family Vineyards is a standout destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Robertson Valley, offering an array of hiking and MTB opportunities alongside its renowned wines and lush gardens. Established in 1937 by the Retief family, the estate is steeped in heritage and natural beauty.
The 7.5km Fish Eagle biodiversity hiking trail is a highlight, showcasing diverse flora, remnants of five unique vegetation types, and sweeping views of the Robertson Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. The trail meanders through vineyards, crosses the Breede River, and includes a short ascent to the Rooikrans for panoramic vistas. Bird watchers will enjoy the chance to spot the resident African fish eagles, along with over 100 other species along the route. The trail is well-marked and takes approximately three hours to complete, making it an excellent option for a morning or afternoon excursion.
For mountain bikers, Van Loveren offers three trails ranging from 12km to 23km. These routes cater to all skill levels, from easy family rides through scenic vineyards to more challenging intermediate tracks. Riders can start and finish at the tasting room, with permits available in advance for early access. The estate also hosts the annual JAVA MTB event, drawing cyclists to experience thrilling routes through vineyards, across the Breede River, and along the Elandsberg Mountain.

Boesmanskloof Trail
The Boesmanskloof Trail is a 28km hiking route connecting the towns of McGregor and Greyton through the Riviersonderend Mountains in the Robertson Karoo region. Known for its breathtaking scenery, the trail features rugged gorges, waterfalls, and large rock pools, with highlights like Oakes Falls offering excellent swimming opportunities. Along the route, hikers can enjoy diverse fynbos vegetation, including proteas and rare ericas, as well as wildlife such as duikers, baboons, klipspringers, and a variety of bird species like Cape sugarbirds and black eagles.
The trail can be hiked as a 14km one-way route or a 28km out-and-back trek, with starting points at Die Galg, 14km south of McGregor, or a jeep track outside Greyton. Most hikers opt to overnight in McGregor or Greyton, where ample private accommodation is available. Private facilities are also offered at Die Galg.
This moderately strenuous trail requires good fitness and preparation. Summer temperatures can be extreme, while winters are cold and wet. Hiker numbers are limited to 50 per day and camping, fires, and dogs are prohibited to protect the conservation area’s flora and fauna.
Permit required: Click for permit info

Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve
A little further out of the valley, but well worth a visit, is Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve. Located in Montagu’s Klein Karoo region, it is a 4,300-hectare expanse offering a wealth of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. Its rugged terrain includes peaks towering 400 meters higher than Table Mountain and valleys with trails suitable for various skill levels. Cyclists can explore exclusive routes mapped throughout the reserve, encountering breathtaking views of the Koo Valley, Anysberg, and beyond, as well as sightings of wildlife like Cape Mountain Zebras and antelope species.
The reserve’s hiking trails lead visitors to natural rock pools, picnic spots, and panoramic summits, with highlights including the Zebra Trail. This path features serene pools and streams, making it an ideal choice for a scenic and immersive trek. For more adventurous hikers, summiting the Waboom Mountains reveals vistas extending toward Montagu and Touws River.
With its diverse terrain and dedicated trail maps, Drie Kuilen Nature Reserve caters to both the most seasoned or casual mountain bikers and hikers. Its focus on conservation and untouched natural beauty ensures a rewarding experience for those seeking outdoor exploration amidst the distinctive landscapes of the Western Cape.