
Duiwelsbos Waterfall
A 2km hike through lush indigenous forest to a beautiful waterfall and swimming pool in Marloth Nature Reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, pleasant temps

Duiwelsbos Waterfall
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, pleasant temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2km hike through lush indigenous forest to a beautiful waterfall and swimming pool in Marloth Nature Reserve.
"Gorgeous though, and well worth it! Easy it is not, but rewarding."

🎯 Navigate to Marloth Reserve
Search 'Marloth Nature Reserve' on GPS, not 'Duiwelsbos Hike,' to find the entrance easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steeper and more challenging than 'easy' suggests. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duiwelsbos Waterfall
Marloth Nature Reserve
A stunning cascade at the end of a 2km indigenous forest trail. Perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic photo op.

Indigenous Forest Trail
Marloth Nature Reserve
Wander through lush, ancient trees on a well-marked path. The sounds of nature and the vibrant greenery create a serene atmosphere.

Scenic River Crossings
Marloth Nature Reserve
The trail features several river crossings, adding to the adventure and offering beautiful views along the way.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Challenging but Rewarding Hike
Navigating to the Trailhead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navigate to Marloth Reserve
Search 'Marloth Nature Reserve' on GPS, not 'Duiwelsbos Hike,' to find the entrance easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steeper and more challenging than 'easy' suggests. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
The drive to the trailhead can be bumpy. While manageable in smaller cars, a higher vehicle helps. :car:
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay R50 per person to enter Marloth Nature Reserve. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navigate to Marloth Reserve
Search 'Marloth Nature Reserve' on GPS, not 'Duiwelsbos Hike,' to find the entrance easily. :world_map:
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
The trail is steeper and more challenging than 'easy' suggests. Good grip is essential! :athletic_shoe:
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Recommended
The drive to the trailhead can be bumpy. While manageable in smaller cars, a higher vehicle helps. :car:
💰 Entrance Fee
Expect to pay R50 per person to enter Marloth Nature Reserve. :moneybag:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and energized on this rewarding hike. :water_wave:
📸 Capture the Beauty
The indigenous forest and waterfall offer stunning photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful indigenous forest and the rewarding Duiwelsbos Waterfall, often describing it as a serene and picturesque spot. However, many caution that the 'easy' trail rating is misleading, as it presents a challenging hike with steep sections and uneven terrain, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the bumpy drive to the trailhead.
"I have no idea why this route is marked 'easy', unless you're a mountain goat. Beautiful, yes, well-marked and maintained, certainly, worth it, absolutely, but easy it is not. The saving grace is that it is short! The ride to the start is good, though we bottomed out a few times. Definitely not great for low-cars! Gorgeous route though, and lovely waterfall."
Luschka van Onselen
"Nice hike through the Forrest, easy enough with few steep climbs.
The start of the trail was challenging to find: Google maps is not helpful if you look for Duiwelsbos Hike. Instead search: Marloth Nature reserve. It will take you to the entrance of the reserve. You will pay 50 ZAR per person and then follow the directions to the parking lot of Duiwelsbos Hike.
It’s a challenging and bumpy drive and a high-clearance car is useful but not a must. We managed with a little VW Vivo 😊"
Laura Liebisch
"Very nice place to hike, especially during autumn 🍂."
Jacinta Bibi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Duiwelsbos Waterfall, you'll need to drive to Marloth Nature Reserve near Swellendam. Many visitors recommend searching for 'Marloth Nature Reserve' on your GPS rather than the hike itself, as Google Maps can be unreliable for the trailhead. The drive to the reserve entrance is generally good, but the road to the Duiwelsbos Hike parking lot can be challenging and bumpy, with some suggesting a high-clearance vehicle is useful, though not strictly necessary as smaller cars have managed.
The drive to the Duiwelsbos Waterfall trailhead is described as challenging and bumpy by several visitors. While a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for comfort and ease, some travelers have successfully navigated it in smaller cars like a VW Vivo, albeit with caution.
Once you've entered Marloth Nature Reserve and paid the entrance fee, follow the signs for the Duiwelsbos Hike parking lot. The trails within the reserve are generally well-marked, making it easier to find your way to the waterfall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Marloth Nature Reserve, where Duiwelsbos Waterfall is located, is R50 per person. This fee grants you access to the reserve and its hiking trails.
There is no indication that advance booking is required for Duiwelsbos Waterfall. Visitors typically pay the entrance fee upon arrival at Marloth Nature Reserve.
Specific opening hours for Marloth Nature Reserve are not widely published, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours for hiking. It's advisable to check with local tourism information if you plan a very early or late visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Despite some descriptions, many hikers find the Duiwelsbos Waterfall trail to be more challenging than 'easy.' It involves steep climbs and uneven terrain, requiring good balance and leg strength. It's a rewarding hike, but not for the faint of heart.
The Duiwelsbos Waterfall hike is approximately 2km one way. While the distance is short, the challenging terrain means it can take about an hour to an hour and a half to reach the waterfall, depending on your pace and stops for photos. The return journey is typically quicker.
Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are highly recommended due to the steep and uneven nature of the trail. Comfortable clothing suitable for hiking is also advised.
Yes, the waterfall culminates in a pool that is often described as beautiful and suitable for a refreshing dip, especially after the hike.
While the hike is short, its challenging nature might make it difficult for very young children or those with limited mobility. Families with older children who are accustomed to hiking may find it enjoyable.
📸 📸 Photography
The Duiwelsbos Waterfall itself is a prime subject, especially when flowing well. The surrounding indigenous forest offers opportunities for capturing lush greenery and dappled sunlight. Don't forget to photograph the scenic river crossings and the unique flora along the trail.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for photography, especially within the forest canopy. Midday sun can be harsh, but can also highlight the waterfall's spray.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Adventurous Kids
👟 Hikers Seeking a Short, Rewarding Trek
🚗 Travelers with Standard Vehicles
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Duiwelsbos Waterfall Trail Experience
The effort is rewarded at the end with the sight of the Duiwelsbos Waterfall, which cascades into a beautiful pool. This pool is often described as a perfect spot for a refreshing swim, offering a welcome respite after the hike. The natural beauty of the forest, combined with the sound of the waterfall, creates a serene and immersive experience for nature lovers. It's a popular choice for those seeking a relatively short but impactful outdoor adventure in the Swellendam region.
Navigating to Marloth Nature Reserve
Upon arrival at the reserve, an entrance fee of R50 per person is payable. From the entrance, follow the signs directing you towards the Duiwelsbos Hike parking area. The road leading to the trailhead can be quite challenging, with numerous bumps and uneven surfaces. While a high-clearance vehicle is beneficial for a smoother journey, it's not an absolute necessity, as some visitors have managed with standard passenger cars, albeit with careful driving. This initial drive sets the tone for the adventurous experience that awaits.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit