Cape Town is known for many things, all of them good. It’s a place where nature and civilization coexist hand in hand, and of the finest achievements of the city is the spinal mountain chain down the peninsula where Mother Nature flaunts all her glory- from her floral kingdom to rough cliffs, waterfalls, forests, caves, beaches and indigenous wildlife.
Hiking on the Cape Point Route is a pastime that has inspired many writers, painters, architects and craftsmen. Many more people love being close to nature but are reluctant hikers, yet with over 550 walks of varying length and complexity on the Table Mountain Chain, appreciating the scenery on foot is an activity that is accessible, uncomplicated and enjoyable.
The Hoerikwaggo Trail, introduced by Table Mountain National Park has opened 4 sections of the planned six-day, five-night Table Mountain to Cape Point Hiking Trail Project. Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoi-san word for "mountain in the sea" and one of the goals is to connect all kinds of people to the mountain.
One of the joys of the hike is that you are not really roughing it. It may be a self-catered hike, but your food and gear is portered to the overnight camp with a fully equipped kitchen. That means eating in style after a day’s tramping – and did I mention the much appreciated hot shower? All the camps have been built to preserve or rehabilitate the environment in keeping with the trail philosophy of "touching the earth lightly" and reduce our human impact.
Each camp has a different theme to showcase its location, and each one is so appealing you may not want to leave. Slangkop in Kommetjie is the newest camp with funky domed tents to reflect the milkwood thickets. Silvermine camp reveals the mountain fynbos and at Orangekloof camp there is the soothing charm of a forest setting. Each camp has its own special touch, be it the whale vertebra light fixtures at Slangkop or the climbing wall at Silvermine. Each one has an open fire pit and there is something completely magical about sitting under a starry sky around a blazing fire.
The American nauturalist John Muir once said "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." Hitting the trail is where the discovery begins. The scenery is jaw dropping and you’ll wish more than once that you had a huge wide angle lens. When you are too distracted by the view, your guides will bring your focus back to a detail- be it a sandstone rock formation, a bright pink blossom on the heathery shrubs or a friendly dassie sunning himself on a rock. You’ll smell the rich aroma of the fynbos, you’re likely to see the spikes of the King Protea and you’ll hear the gentle hum of the city at work beneath you. It is a rare occurrence to meet other hikers so it will come as a physical shock to arrive at the Cableway station or at Cape Point, amidst tour groups taking an obligatory travel snapshot. You’ll be entitled to an element of pity for those that have missed so much of the beauty found in your feet.
Whether you are a mountain enthusiast or a reluctant but ‘wanna-be’ hiker- this trail has the spirit of the mountain and the sea.
To book the trail, the accommodation or for ideas on other hikes and activity suggestions in the Cape Peninsula contact 021 782 9356 or visit www.capepointroute.co.za
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment