The beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve which includes the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve lies in the Jonkershoek Valley just above Stellenbosch.

The Jonkershoek mountains, with their high peaks and deep kloofs, form part of the larger Boland mountain range. The Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers have their various sources high in these mountains, although only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek valley. The lower reaches of the valley are a well-known wine-producing area.In total, the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is 9 800 hectares of mountain catchment area that provides a rugged terrain for hikers, whilst Assegaaibosch, which is included in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, is more popular with those with a picnic and light stroll in mind, or something slightly less taxing than attempting the peaks of Jonkershoek. The two nature reserves combined provide 10 000 hectares of fynbos, proteas and over 1 100 plant species - this is natural pristine diversity at its best, and a wonderful place to find fynbos endemics.

Mammals include leopard, honey badger, baboon, klipspringer, mongoose, and numerous smaller animals like mice, shrews and rats, but most are shy and seldom seen. Large raptors such as black eagle, the occasional fish eagle and spotted eagle owl occur, while kingfishers and typical fynbos birds - the sugarbird, orangebreasted sunbird and protea seed-eater - are more abundant. On warm days rock agama lizards can be seen basking on rocks. Berg adder, puff adder, boomslang and Cape cobra are fairly common and hikers should be alert!