Boland Trail – The Sphinx Route

The Boland Trail is situated in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, close to Grabouw in the Western Cape. Being less than 90km away from Cape Town makes this trail ideal for a weekend getaway. There used to be a 3-day option to Boesmanskloof Hut, but this seems to have been discontinued.

Trail map of the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve.

Day 1

I had forgotten how beautiful the Boland Trail is. The last time I hiked it was in 2009, so the details had all but faded from memory. It winds through the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom and treats one to stunning views of the surrounding areas.

Hiking through colourful fynbos on the Boland Trail.

As we set off on day one, the cool morning air hung over the mountain in a thick mist that created a silent, dreamlike atmosphere.

Morning mist settling over the Boland mountains.

And then, like a dream, the mist started burning away and we got a sense of where we were as we looked down on Grabouw and the surrounding dams.

Clear skies revealing the Grabouw valley and surrounding dams.

The first day is 12km long, moderately difficult and takes approximately 4 hours to reach the hut. There’s lots of time to take photos, enjoy the views and just sit still and soak up the peace of the mountains.

Gentle gradients and open mountain views make the Boland Trail ideal for all abilities.

Once the Landdroskop Hut comes into sight it taunts you for another 2km as you have to walk around a valley to get to it.

Landdroskop Hut nestled in the Hottentots Holland mountains.

Landdroskop is a spacious stone building with a fireplace in the middle that heats up the entire place. Great for colder nights. It sleeps 30 people in total, but the rooms can be booked separately for smaller groups. There is another hut called Shamrock about 100m from Landdroskop hut with a wooden deck and an outdoor braai area. It was not available on the weekend we were there, but it looked like a perfect spot for sun-downers.

We were treated to an amazing sunset and an equally beautiful morning.

Fiery sunset from Landdroskop Hut.

Soft morning light over the Hottentots Holland peaks.

Day 2

It is possible to walk back the same way you came, but we chose to take the jeep track which takes less than 2 hours to walk back to your car.

The return route follows a scenic jeep track back to the trailhead.

Conclusion

This 2-day version of the Boland Trail is totally doable for hikers of all abilities and quite suitable as an overnight family hike. This area has a bit of a reputation for unpredictable weather, so be prepared for any weather, no matter what the forecast says, by always bringing a warm layer, a beanie and a waterproof jacket.

Fitness level: Moderate
Experience needed: Minimal
Difficulty: Moderately challenging at stages, but mostly gentle gradients on good paths.
Duration: 2 days

How To Book

Bookings are made through Cape Nature:
Tel: +27 21 483 0190
Email: reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve Brochure and Map