GUIDED HIKES

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Bottelary Hills on two guided hikes on Mooiplaas and Koopmanskloof wine estates on 15 and 16 October respectively.  Both hikes run through conservation areas on the slopes of the Bottelary Hills in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and 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 hikes will start at 08:30 (registration at 08h00) and be limited to 20 guests at Koopmanskloof and 35 guests at Mooiplaas.  The price of R200 includes a wine tasting and bottle of estate wine.   Children younger than 18 years can join for R50.  

MOOIPLAAS (Saturday, 15 October):  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 (R175) or a gourmet picnic for two (R430).  Picnics must be booked in advance at [email protected] 

KOOPMANSKLOOF (Sunday, 16 October): 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 in 1992. The 5km hiking trail on Koopmanskloof runs through a 98-hectare private nature reserve and will take you 476 meters above sea level with uninterrupted view. "Koopman" is the Dutch word for trader and "Kloof" is a ravine, thus the direct translation is "Trader's Ravine".  Enjoy a tasting in the private cellar.