FAQs

As easy or as challenging as you like! It’s good old fashioned mountain hiking so there’s always some uphill though there are great hiking trails that are almost completely flat. All hikes use well established, well-trodden single track paths and jeep tracks although some of the more challenging hikes involve little-used paths and boulder scrambles.

Between 2 and 4 hours depending on fitness levels and routes. Can take the cable car down as well should you not wish to hike back down.

Table Mountain half day hikes are between 3 and 5 hours; Table Mountain full day hikes are about 5 to 8 hours. The same applies to hikes outside Cape Town. This includes breaks but not the time traveling to and from the hike.

Clients would need to meet me at the starting point of the hike but I can offer a transfer service from your accommodation in Cape Town to the hike and back if required. A fuel surcharge of R4 per km will be levied for transport. Larger groups will need to arrange their own transport.
I can provide transport for group sizes of 1-3 for hikes in the Cape Peninsula, Winelands and the Whale Coast areas as well, again a standard fuel charge of R4 per km will apply and larger groups of 4 or more wanting to hike in these areas will need to arrange their own transport.

You will need to bring your own food for the hike. For all early morning hikes tea, coffee & biscuits will be provided.

A few items are non-negotiable – a light rain jacket/wind breaker, a sun hat, sun block, warm top plus appropriate footwear. Trail running/sports shoes are fine for a half-day or even a full-day hike but boots are better for multi-day hikes and more strenuous day hikes. The rest is up to you though of course you’ll need a water bottle or hydration bladder and to bring your own back pack. To carry all your essentials.

Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate generally means good weather but its famous ‘4 seasons in 1 day’ tag is certainly well-earned here. Hikers are at the mercy of seasonal weather systems though certain routes are more sheltered than others and a change of itinerary may be offered. Winter (June – August) has the wettest and coldest weather; summer (December – March) has the hottest, driest and windiest. The months of September, October and November as well as April and May offer mostly dry, warm and wind-free hiking conditions.

You’ll enjoy incredible views of mountain ranges, oceans and blue skies at nearly every turn on the path depending on the hike you choose you may even experience the sight and sounds of waterfalls. When hiking Table Mountain you will most likely see baboons, dassies (rock rabbit) and if your lucky the occasional Himalayan Tahr.
From a distance, the Cape Mountains appear barren but a closer look reveals an astonishing variety of flowering plants like orchids, irises, geraniums, heathers and proteas with something in bloom all through the year. Many trails include patches of beautiful indigenous forest while hikes away from the Cape Peninsula allow you to access some incredible wilderness areas. Wildlife is hard to spot but there is enough out there to add to the experience. Birds, reptiles and insects are the most commonly seen on these mountains. Some hikes especially in the Cape Point Area, you will most certainly come across baboons, bontebok (Antelope) and ostrich whilst hikes further a field in Banhoek, Stellenbosch you will see wildlife such as Eland and Oryx. I also offer my professional photography services to make your trip even that more memorable. Who doesn’t like a good photo!

Yes you do – this can be arranged by simply contacting me directly via the bookings email.

Hiking in mountains always involves an element of risk, these are the most relevant ones which we face in the Cape Mountains but your safety is my number 1 priority.

• Weather – The weather here can change dramatically and suddenly at any time of the year so having the following items of clothing in your pack, a light rain jacket, a sun hat, sun block and a warm top are essential.
• Security – There have been occasional muggings on the lower slopes of Table Mountain in areas close to the city and tourists do get targeted during season so caution is advised, Keep your valuables such as mobile phones, cameras and jewellery out of sight until higher up the trail.
• The terrain – There are steep slopes, rough paths and boulder scrambles on some of the routes. No technical climbing is involved but you’ll need a head for heights on certain trails.
• Snakes – The Cape Mountains are home to over 20 species of snake but they are uncommon, shy and rarely seen, especially in winter.
• Bees – Please tell me if you have an allergic reaction to bee stings as there are places on the mountain where wild bees have hives.

All registered guides are required by law to hold a valid level 3 First Aid Certificate. As a qualified and certified Wilderness First Responder I always carry a comprehensive First Aid kit on all my hikes and my clients are requested to advise me of any pre-existing medical conditions before we hike.

I always carry a Garmin handheld GPS unit with built in SOS in Reach technology and a mobile-phone with all the relevant emergency services numbers.
The Western Cape mountains are also very well served by an excellent WSAR (Wilderness Search & Rescue Organisation).

: Safety is important! A guide keeps you on the right trail and away from potential problems.
: A Guide will be able to recommend a trail relevant to your needs and fitness levels.
: A Guide is trained and equipped to deal with any problems and emergencies.
: A Guide will know where to walk and to avoid the worst of bad or very hot
weather.
: A Guide can carry your spare food, clothing and any other personal items.
: A Guide can show you secret locations and scenery that you wouldn’t normally
experience if you are unfamiliar with the area and trails.