Twaalfuurkop, or Twelve o'clock peak, is one of the seven Clock Peaks towering over Swellendam. According to the locals the peaks have the ability to tell the time by the shadows they cast, ranging from seven to one o'clock, hence their names. Direct trails can be found to two of them, the Tienuurkop and Twaalfuurkop trails.
The trails are well signed and you should have no problem following it all the way to the top. Parking is available either at the Marloth office or at the trailhead. Be careful in wet or cold conditions though as a few scrambles awaits along the way as well as a chain and the rocks can be slippery when wet or covered in ice. Allow about 8 hours for the full hike and please take enough water, especially in the summer months. The cache can be found lower down on the Swellendam side of the peak in a crack under a big boulder. It is not the one in the silver metal box on top of the trig beacon! Please make sure it is well hidden when done.
For the more fit there's also the option of doing a traverse across Ten, Eleven and Twelve o'clock peaks. Ascend via the Tienuurkop trail and follow the ridge past Elfuurkop towards Twaalfuurkop and return via the Plaat. A map of this route can be obtained along with your permit.
The reserve is open from sunrise to sunset and permits can be bought at the gate between 07h00 and 16h00. Outside of these hours you can get yourself a self-issuing permit from the main office located at the back. Just remember to please sign out once you've returned and pay the conservation fee to the gate guard. The cost is R40pp or free for WildCard holders.
