Take a Hike on the Cape Point Route....

When you see someone putting on big boots, you can be sure adventure is about to happen,’ Winnie the Pooh once said. He was a pretty smart bear. He would have liked the Cape Point Route.

With two coastlines sweeping the edges of a national park, the Cape Point Route is a hiker’s paradise with adventure at every turn. The range of trails takes you through a botanical treasure trove of unspoilt views. Set out on coastal walks, beach strolls, wetland wanderings, boulder scrambles, river rambles, bumpy mountains, lofty peaks and even steep cliffside ascents. You’re sure to get maximum returns for minimum effort – even on one of the short hikes.

The Cape Point Route has hiking options to suit all tastes and fitness levels. For an easy start to the day, try an early morning stroll on the vast white expanse of Noordhoek Beach – and pop into Noordhoek Farm Village for breakfast afterwards. If you’re feeling bold, why not pack a sleeping bag and spend a night at one of the Table Mountain National Park tented camps? Set off during daytime on the Hoerikwaggo Trail – comprising the Cape of Good Hope trail, the Silvermine trail and the Orange Kloof Trail. Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoisan word for ‘mountain in the sea’ which is just what you’ll experience while rambling along.

If Table Mountain seems too much of a challenge, there are loads of other trails to tackle. A favourite is the Chapman’s Peak hike, as you get to drive along the famous marine road before ascending the peak. At the top, you’ll be met by dramatic views of Hout Bay and gaze out across the peninsula and False Bay.

Silvermine Nature Reserve has great views and a range of hikes across a fascinating landscape of rock formations and fynbos. Walk beside the Silvermine river before heading upwards to Noordhoek peak – undoubtedly one of the best lookout points in the peninsula. From here, you can do the Silvermine circuit.

On the False Bay coastline, you can’t beat the walk to Tartarus Cave. It starts on Boyes Drive and offers a bit of everything. There’s a cave, a kloof, an indigenous milkwood forest, an incredible array of flowers and panoramic views of False Bay and its colourful beach houses in St James. The whales will soon be in the bay – and this is a great spot to watch them frolic about.

There are many more hikes on the Cape Point Route – each offering its own unique views and challenges. There are excellent mountain guides and books available in local bookstores, but feel free to call the Cape Point Route for ideas, suggestions or advice on hiking and where to eat or stay while you’re in the area.

Regardless of which route you choose, be sure to hike safely. Take enough water with you, remember your sunscreen and pack your rain gear as Cape Town is known to have four seasons in one day. And of course, follow the age-old hiking tradition – take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.
Now go and put on those big boots and set off on your adventure.

For more information:
Tel: 021 782 9356
Email: info@capepointroute.co.za
Website: www.capepointroute.co.za