Moderate | Trail Trekkers

Uitkyk Trail, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

Paul — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 15:19:15 +0000

An amazing trail with great views over the Franschhoek Valley . The trail itself is exceptionally well maintained and lovely to walk along. The views from the Uitkyk lookout point are breathtaking and worth every step. Pack lots of snacks as it’s a great picnic spot! Steep ups & downs in various sections. Beautiful varieties of proteas with many streams flowing through.

Krom River Waterfall, Paarl

Paul — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:59:17 +0000

Relatively flat trail with one or two small scrambles and a few river crossings. Well trodden path, very easy to follow. Out and back route so great to do with kids as you can turn around when they get tired. Pack a lunch to enjoy at the waterfalls. If you are feeling a bit adventurous you can hike onto the bigger 2nd Waterfall but caution is advised as you will need to climb a chain section and this can be very slippery especially during the winter months.

Chapmans Peak, TMNP

Paul — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 14:12:11 +0000

This is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Cape Peninsula with beautiful fynbos and magnificent 360° views to experience the Peninsula in all its glory! Look out for the proteas and ericas and indigenous trees. You may even spot a black eagle or a fish eagle. Chapmans Peak is the mountain peak around which the famous scenic road, Chapman’s Peak Drive is built. It was named after a certain John Chapman, a British sailor sent ashore to check for fresh water in what is now Hout Bay.

Elephants Eye, TMNP

Paul — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:31:51 +0000

Beautiful walk with amazing views over False Bay, with little to no shade but the cave at the end makes the trip worth it. Not too difficult except for the last stretch up to the cave. Great for kids and dogs. On the weekends it is rather busy, but definitely a family favourite. You can cool off at the dam back down at the bottom on warmer days. A permit is required for this hike.

Cecilia Forest, TMNP

Paul — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:31:26 +0000

Beautiful, shady and protected hike through indigenous forest. Can get very busy on the weekends in particular.
Cecilia Forest is host to a number of beautiful paths weaving in between the leafy trees and trickling streams. This particular trail takes you directly to the waterfall, which is situated slightly higher. up the stream. This path is easy to follow but can be slippery in places after the rain.

Lions Head, Table Mountain National Park

Paul — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 11:31:09 +0000

Great hike in the city. It is a bucket list must-do for Cape Town. Well marked and amazing 360 degree views of the Atlantic Seaboard, City Bowl, Table Mountain and even the West Coast. Some sections are quite exposed and there are ladders and staples to assist. There is one climbing section with staples and chains, this can be bypassed to the left if too difficult. This hike is popular on nights with a full moon (with headlamps) as well as at sunrise. The Cape Floral Kingdom of Table Mountain National Park is one of the richest floral regions in the world. Over 70% of the flowers are endemic to Table Mountain. For this reason United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) awarded Table Mountain Heritage Status for being a natural site that is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. The mountain was also chosen as one of the new seven world wonders. Table Mountain is thought to be one of the oldest mountains in the world. The rocks of the mountain are approximately 600-million years old. It is the only natural site on the planet to have a constellation of stars named after it. The constellation is called “Mensa”, which means ‘table’ in Latin.

Baileys Kloof via Mimetes Valley, St James Peak & Muizenberg Window, TMNP

Paul — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:25:15 +0000

The section up Bailey’s Kloof is a bit steep but other than that the trail is very manageable for hikers of all levels of fitness and experience. You’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views over Muizenberg as you hike up Bailey’s Kloof. As you walk through the Mimetes Valley the path will be lined with the mimetes fimbriifolius, a tree pagoda that is indigenous to the area. You can also take a short detour to Nellie’s Pool and watch the frogs ribbeting in the natural pool. Then explore the cave before heading up to St James Peak for truly stunning views of False Bay.

Echo Valley Via Spes Bona Forest, TMNP

Paul — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:21:39 +0000

A beautifully scenic trail, with a bit of a hike to get to the milk-wood forest but from there pretty easy to the Amphitheater. The trail is well maintained, but the boardwalks can be very slippery after the rain.

Constantia Nek to De Villiers Dam via the Jeep Track, TMNP

Paul — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:12:38 +0000

Very straightforward hike that gets you up Table Mountain simply and efficiently on a clearly marked path. Great views over Constantia to False Bay plus really interesting rock formations, fynbos as well as Devilliers Dam at the top. A great trail for a quick way up to Table Mountain or what is known as the ‘back table’. Beautiful views with plenty of picnic spots. This is a moderate hike, quite busy during the weekend which is nice if you want to hike alone.

Elands River Trail, Paarl

Paul — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:51:21 +0000

Beautiful hike! Two small ladders to navigate but nothing too tricky. Path is generally loose small stones but a few rocky outcrops to safely scramble across, but might be a problem for people with vertigo or height sensitivity. The open-air cave at the end of the trail and the stunning rock pool is a lovely shaded spot to have lunch and a well deserved swim in the refreshing water. (If hiking in summer, suggest you start as early as possible, the heat intensifies around 12/1pm and it can get pretty hot).