No hiking adventure is ever the same twice. There’s always a new path to discover, a fun fact to learn and a glorious sight to feast your eyes upon. From the majestic waterfalls and the peaceful sounds of the streams, to the mossy rocks and trees – your little slice of paradise awaits.
The rainfall might just make this an epic adventure, so here are three guided hikes to get excited about this weekend:
Forest to Falls, Newlands
Newlands Forest boasts several glistening streams while the forest canopy provides shade for an abundance of breathtaking trails that are worth exploring.
Situated in a conservancy area on the eastern slopes of the iconic Table Mountain, Newlands Forest lies at a natural transition zone between endangered Granite Fynbos and an indigenous forest.
The trek will follow the old woodcutters trail as you ascend the mountain slop for 2km before taking a short rest at the Newlands Picnic Table. The journey will then continue to reach the star of the show – the glorious waterfall, ensuring a memorable experience.
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Date: Sunday, October 24 2021
Time: 7am – 10am
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 7.4km
Difficulty level: entry-level distance, but to get to the contour path, you’ll have to hike gradually uphill for the first 2km.
What’s included: qualified and experienced guide, first aider, safety in numbers aspect, a warm beverage.
Event ticket cost: R175 – visit https://trailfitsa.co.za/product/forest-to-falls/ to book.
Email [email protected] or contact Yvette 060 325 1585 for any enquiries.
Skeleton Gorge to Ash Valley, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
This hiking adventure is not for the faint-hearted, but the views of the majestic waterfall and dams on Table Mountain are oh so worth it! This journey will follow a circular route that begins by hiking through the forest, followed by a pit stop at Skeleton Gorge Waterfall before ascending the trail to the top.
When you reach the top, you’ll pass some of the dams starting at the Hely Hutchinson Reservoir which opens up to a “beach-like” appearance while the way back will follow the peaceful Ash Valley route, offering some stunning views of the Southern Suburbs.
This is a strenuous hike and safety is the main priority. Guides will do their best to minimise risks and ensure everyone completes the event safely.
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Date: Sunday, October 24 2021
Time: 7am – 1pm
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: roughly 12km
Difficulty level: intermediate – it involves hiking for a long distance and includes steep sections as well as climbing wooden ladders. Endurance will be required but the journey will follow a comfortable pace.
What’s included: qualified and experienced guide, first aider, safety in numbers aspect, a warm beverage.
Event ticket cost: R250 – visit https://trailfitsa.co.za/product/skeletongorge-to-ashvalley/ to book.
Email [email protected] or contact 073 902 9985 for any enquires.
Chapman’s Peak Sunset Hike, Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak must be one of my favourite spots in Cape Town writes Cape {town} Etc’s Micayla Vellai. Each time a new memory goes into my secret box, and the sunset is never seen with the same eyes twice.
This hidden sunset gem is a Southerly extension of Constantia Berg, and has very little traffic in comparison to other common sunset spots, allowing for a more intimate experience.
You can expect spectacular views of Hout Bay Harbour and Sentinel Peak in the distance as the hike starts, and when reaching the top, a breathtaking revelation of 360 views is sure to ensue – if the weather permits.
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Date: Sunday, October 24 2021
Time: 4:30pm – 8pm
Duration: ± 3-4 hours (7kms up and down)
Difficulty: intermediate with steep sections, but not too hard if you have uphill hiking experience.
What is included: experienced and qualified hiking guide, wilderness first responder, safety in numbers, choice of hot beverage and light snacks.
Event ticket cost: R250 – visit https://trailfitsa.co.za/product/chapmans-peak-sunset/ to book.
Email [email protected] or contact Yvette 0603251585 for any enquiries.
Also read:
Everything you need to know about the Cape of Good Hope overnight hiking trail
Picture: Unsplash