TAKING TO THE CROWN JEWEL OF JONKERSHOEK WITH THE FUJIFILM X-H1
With my Fujifilm X-H1 and favourite primes in hand, a few friends and I decided to bite the long awaited bullet and crown jewel of the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve – the Panorama Circuit. It’s been on my list for far too long now and after many failed attempts of either getting lost or rained out, we were determined to successfully complete the route.
The scenic trail starts with a steep incline to a contour path just below the Banhoek peaks. Leading to the Bergrivernek, which presents jaw-dropping views of Assegaaiboschkloof. The route then continues to wind across the picturesque Dwarsberg plateau, with streams embraced by disas and king proteas, to Kurktrekkernek. From Kurktrekkernek, the path descends very steeply past the Tweede Waterval, before levelling out at the Eerste Waterval and back to the starting point.
After being battered, bruised and yet again getting lost, we finally managed to see the most beautiful light at the end of the tunnel, as this route deemed everything and more than it once promised. One thing is for certain, after being armed with Fujifilm’s top performing X series mirrorless camera and its 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, I knew my memories from today would be in the safest of hands.
I leave you now only with moments captured whilst trailblazing and the challenge to set out and conquer this must-see yourself!
Gear Used:
• Fujifilm X-H1
• Lenses: 16mm F/2.8 & 35mm F/2
Route Details:
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 17.1km Circular Route
Duration: 7-8 Hours (incl. tons of photo stops and lunch break at the waterfalls)
Elevation Gain: Approx. 900m
Technical Rating: Well laid out trail with steep ascents and descents. Be extra careful when coming down Tweede Waterval (very steep with lots of loose rocks)
