GUIDED HIKES

On Sunday 3 October hikers can explore two private nature reserves in the Bottelary Hills Conservancy on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof wine estates.  Situated on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, this area boasts three remarkable types of vegetation, including two renosterveld species that are critically endangered.  Both hikes offer breath-taking panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Table Bay and False Bay.   The historic homestead on Mooiplaas dates back to 1833 and Koopmanskloof has a rich winemaking history going back more than 200 years.

Both guided hikes will start at 08:30 and be limited to 20 guests at Koopmanskloof and 35 guests at Mooiplaas.  The price of R220 includes a wine tasting and bottle of estate wine.   Bookings on www.entryninja.com

MOOIPLAAS:  Tielman Roos, viticulturist and chairman of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy (BHRC), will lead the 5.6km hike through this 70 hectare private reserve and share interesting insights on the unique fauna and flora of the area.  The hike should take about three hours after which Tielman will host a wine tasting.  Linger a little longer in the beautiful garden and enjoy a cheese platter for two (R160) or a gourmet picnic for two (R385).  Picnics must be booked in advance. 

KOOPMANSKLOOF: Koopmanskloof is synonymous with great wines, but should perhaps be better known for its contribution to conservation. The late Stevie Smit (fondly referred to by locals as Oom Stevie and remembered for his enthusiasm for life and nature) was the driving force behind the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy. The 6.3km hiking trail on Koopmanskloof runs through a 98 hectare private nature reserve. "Koopman" is the Dutch word for trader and "Kloof" is a ravine, thus the direct translation is "Trader's Ravine".