Due to Doolhof’s magical location, mountain biking events often make their way through the property. It is the perfect location for a multi-day mountain biking training camp. Explore the routes that have been traversed during the world-famous Cape Epic mountain bike race. Wellington has amazing mountain bike trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders. Wild Boar trails start from Val Du Charron Estate. Routes can be viewed and a permit purchased on their website. You can link to many of the routes from Doolhof.

The Limietberg Nature Reserve offers various hiking trails through fynbos rich areas dotted with clear rock pools giving hikers the opportunity to cool down. The reserve is only 10 minutes’ drive from Doolhof.

Arrange hiking permit via phone on 021 483 0190.

Here are a few of our suggestions!

1. Rock Hopper (walk up- or downstream)

Find your own way up or down the boulder-strewn riverbed of the Witte River. Start from the Bainskloof Lodge parking area, climb down to the river, and follow it downstream to Tweede Tol. The trail alternates between rock hopping, walking, and swimming through to the last pool at Tweede Tol.

Distance: 7.5km

Duration: 5 hours

2. Murasie (there and back)

An easy stroll up to the ruins of Hugo’s Rest, a house seemingly surrounded by ill fortune. The trail starts at the Bainskloof Lodge parking area. About 150 metres from the parking area. Then, you climb over a fence using a wooden stile. Follow a jeep track past a memorial. Walk a little further and take your next turn to the right to find the haunted ruin. This route is ideal for large groups, with some good swimming pools along the way.

Distance: 7km

Duration: 3 hours

3. Happy Valley (there and back)

This route follows a section of the Limietberg Trail and ends at Junction Pool. The trail is limited to 12 people per day. Starting at the Bainskloof Lodge parking area, follow the gravel road for about 150 metres, then climb over a fence using the wooden stile. Follow the jeep track parallel to the Witte River which has some spine-tingling pools. Junction Pool is one of the most popular pools in the Boland Mountains. Look out for a furrow, Die Witrivier se Grip, that was built by farmers in 1856 to divert water from the Witte River to the Berg River Valley.

Distance: 10km

Duration: 6 hours

4. Bobbejaansrivier (there and back)

The trail starts at the Bainskloof Lodge parking area. It winds along the Bobbejaansriver, a tributary of the Witte River. You cross the Witte River for an easy walk along a contour above the river. After about 3.5km, there is a turn-off to inviting pools in the river. The final 750 metres ascends steeply to the three-tiered waterfall. This trail is very popular in summer when disas and giant proteas are in bloom. The Witte River is difficult to cross in winter.

Distance: 9km

Duration: 5 hours

AfriCamps at Doolhof is nestled at the end of Bovlei Road and offers an authentic Winelands experience. Taste wines on award-winning wine estates such as Doolhof, Dunstone, Val du Charron, Welvanpas or Bosman, many of which offer country-style lunches and snacks. Some of the estates are within walking distance of Doolhof, but you can also enjoy a bike ride between wine farms. Try world class organic brandy, Grappa, port wine and Cabernet Sauvignon from Upland Organic Wine and Brandy Estate, or take a distillery tour at James Sedgwick Distillery where grain and malt whiskies are distilled.

Val du Charron Wine: +27 (0)21 873 1256

Dunstone Wines: +27 (0)21 873 6770

Welvanpas Family Farm: +27(0)21 864 1239

Bosman Family Vineyards: +27(0)21 873 3170

Upland Organic Estate: +27 (0)82 731 4774

James Sedgwick Distillery: +27 (0)72 415 3440

Spot species such as the bontebok (found exclusively in the Cape), eland, zebra, wildebeest, springbuck, duiker, grysbok, grey rhebok and many other indigenous species on an hour and a half guided game drive. Your guide has extensive knowledge of the area and its biodiversity.

Book half-guided game drive via phone on +27 (0)82 576 9657.

This astonishing pass was built around 1849 by Andrew Geddes Bain and traverses through the eastern part of the estate. The pass is home to some of the most amazing hiking routes and rock pools. In the mid-nineteenth century, a good connection route from the region around Wellington to the inland of South Africa was needed. Today the 26km Bainskloof Pass is recognised as a national monument and makes for a beautiful drive with stunning views over the Boland.