Krom River Trail: A Hiking Adventure with Waterfalls + Swims

The pristine 102 000-hectare Limietberg Nature Reserve is tucked in the Du Toitskloof Mountains of the Winelands, offering fynbos-covered slopes and dramatic kloofs. Here, the 7km Krom River Trail leads to not one but two waterfalls, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and through a fairytale-like indigenous forest.

The trail zigzags back and forth along two rivers (which you can dip in) before it reaches the waterfalls. The first waterfall has a beautiful pool and is a good spot to stop for a picnic. The second, bigger waterfall is even more spectacular, but requires a 10-metre climb up the cliff face using a chain ladder.

Your courage will be rewarded with a deep, translucent rock pool that’s clear enough to snorkel in, and the exhilaration of leaping off the rocks into the ice-cold water.

It’s a relatively flat trail, but rocky and with some scrambling. It’s doable with children, although younger ones might eventually need a piggyback. If you want maximum sunshine at the waterfalls, leave early in the morning.

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Starting point Follow the Krom River signs – once through the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel, take the first road on your left (about 700m after the tunnel) to the parking lot. Note that this is also the starting point for the Elandsrivier Trail.
Duration Around 5 hours (there and back)
Cost CapeNature permit: R55 (adults); R35 (children)
Opening times Daily, 8am – 6pm
Dog-friendly? No
Safety notes Check the weather report before setting out. Do not hike alone. Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and take water and food with you. There have been reports of litter at the site, so take a refuse bag with you and don’t leave anything behind.
Good to know Only 24 permits are issued per day. There are other hiking trails in Limietberg, but some are currently closed due to roadworks on Bainskloof Pass. You’ll need to bring some cash for the Huguenot tunnel toll fee.
Distance from CT 2 hours
Contact 087 087 8250; reservation.alert@capenature.co.za (permit bookings)
021 871 1535 (Limietberg Office)
021 937 0300 (Mountain Rescue)
Where Limietberg is just outside Paarl/Wellington. To access the hike, drive on the N1 heading to Worcester.

Important note Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, tourists and locals alike are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen.
We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.

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