MARK HAWTHORNE OF SANPARKS SHARES HIS BEST HIKES
There are so many hiking trails in the Table Mountain National Park – many of which can be subdivided into various routes – that you’re spoiled for choice. For those who choose to forgo the mountain guide, try these walks for panoramic views of Cape Town.
Shipwreck Trail
Start at Olifantsbos Bay, Cape of Good Hope. Go through the gate at Cape Point and follow the signs. You’ll see military bunkers that were observation posts during World War II, eland and bontebok, bird life (sugarbirds, sunbirds, gulls, plovers, raptors) and the Thomas Tucker shipwreck. This walk takes about four hours and is known to be very safe – your only threat is resident baboons.
Chapman’s Peak
Start at Noordhoek beach parking lot. Follow the footpath from the beach on the outskirts of Monkey Valley. You’ll need to apply for a permit from Tokai Forest Arboretum, 021 712 7471; it’s free but may take a day or two.
The Silvermine Circuit Hike
This is a circular route along a gravel path starting at the Silvermine Reservoir (entrance on Ou Kaapse Weg). It is safe, the views are spectacular and there’s lovely fynbos along the way. At different stages you can see Fish Hoek, Noordhoek, Hout Bay and the Hottentots Holland mountains.
Elephant’s Eye Cave
Accessible from Silvermine Reservoir or from the Tokai Forest Arboretum, turn left off Tokai Road on to an unmarked gravel road and follow the signs. From Silvermine, if you go left to take the circular route, the detour to Elephant’s Eye Cave will take an extra hour (four hours in total). The route from Tokai forest is marked. From the top you’ll be able to see the Constantia vineyards, the Hottentots Holland mountains and False Bay all the way to Hangklip.
Kalk Bay Peak via Spes Bona Forest or Echo Valley
Starting on Boyes Drive with a path marked by a Silvermine Reserve signpost (opposite the Kalk Bay Harbour entrance), it takes three to four hours to complete the circular route.
For a more comprehensive guide to the Cape’s mountains I recommend the following books:
BEST WALKS IN THE CAPE PENINSULA
Mike Lundy, Struik, R92
TABLE MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
Fiona McIntosh, Struik, R143
TABLE MOUNTAIN CLASSICS
Tony Lourens, Blue Mountain Graphics, R97
FIND A MOUNTAIN GUIDE
Venture Forth International
www.ventureforth.co.za
086 110 6548, 082 770 7876
Table Mountain Walks
www.tablemountainwalks.co.za
Contact Margaret Curran 021 715 6136
Table Mountain Explorations
Contact Riaan Vorster 021 438 6073
The Mountain Club of South Africa
Guides who can be booked for hikes in the Peninsula:
Richard Behne 082 494 9635
Oliver Dolby 083 255 3466
Chris Goodwin 083 651 1106
Tony Lourens 082 550 6819
Walther Meyer 082 770 7876
Etienne Pietersen 083 363 9603
Ross Suter 082 437 5145
Hike Cape Town
www.hikecapetown.co.za
Contact Barry on 021 434 0517 or 083 953 3056
Organised guided hikes around the Peninsula, taking in the likes of Skeleton Gorge, the Amphitheatre, Cecilia Waterfall, Tranquillity Cracks, Kaptein’s Peak, Valley of the Red Gods, Platteklip for sunrise, Devil’s Peak, Suikerbossie Circuit, Red Hill, Elephant’s Eye, India Venster, Disa Gorge and Lion’s Head.
Dirtopia
www.dirtopia.co.za
Trail Centre on Delvera Farm, R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch. 021 884 4752
Dirtopia offers full-moon hikes every month. The marked Vineyard Trail is about 10 km, starting from the Trail Centre on Delvera farm and taking you through a Renosterveld conservancy and Yellowwood forest to the top of Klapmutskop. Cost R25 (picnic available for R80), sleepover at the Trail Lodge possible
Take a Hike
www.take-a-hike.co.za
021 557 7520
Guided hikes on weekends and public holidays to: Cape Point: Shipwreck and Sirkelsvlei Trail (R100) Hout Bay: Manganese Mine and Blackburn Ravine Trail (R80) Table Mountain: Constantia Corner Trail (R80).
SAFETY TIPS
The old adage ‘safety in numbers’ is a rule of thumb for hikers. It is advisable to walk in groups of at least three or four. I always tell hikers to practise common sense: pack the bare minimum (warm clothing and sufficient water). Do not take expensive binoculars and cameras and rather leave wallets at home. One cellphone per group is advisable in case of an emergency. Many first-time visitors to Cape Town don’t realise that climbing a mountain is not for the faint-hearted – always wear proper hiking shoes, not slip slops! Generally the hikes accessible from the City Bowl (Lion’s Head, Platteklip Gorge) experience more muggings, but the more remote hikes carry their own safety risks because emergency services tend to be further away.
Save Mountain Rescue’s number on your phone: 021 948 9900