Hike your way to summer.
Cape Town offers some of the most picturesque hiking trails available. Not only are they beautiful and the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors, but there is also a trail to match anyone and everyone's fitness level. Spring offers the perfect weather to get out on the trails because the weather is mild, flora is blooming and the fauna are also out and about, so you might have some incredible sightings. Below are a few hikes that you can enjoy throughout the spring all the way to summer.
1. Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip happens to be on many people's bucket list and for good reason. This hike is on the face of Table Mountain, meaning it faces the city and grants the hiker with some spectacular views of the city. The trail despite its popularity is not super easy. Dress appropriately and pack enough water and snacks - to sustain you along the way. It is a solid 3km upward walk, stop and enjoy this incredible view. Once completed you can use the cableway down if hiking back down may seem too daunting.
2. Lions Head
No hike list would be complete without giving Lions Head a mention. By far the Cape's most popular hike - it has gained its popularity with its relatively easy spiral up and shorter distance of a mere 2km. It is also important to note that just before the peak of Lions Head there is a short stint of physical clambering. One can fit Lions Head in as a quick morning hike and still enjoy the rest of your day without being too tired afterwards.
3. Orange Kloof
Hidden behind Table Mountain and above Hout Bay is the extra special hiking trail of Orange Kloof. Unlike many other hikes, this one is hidden and restricted and for this reason requires a permit. Along this beautiful hike one will walk past waterfalls, river pools and through the majestic forest on the south side of Table Mountain. This trail is +- 8km long and will be a full day's hike. Because of the length of the hike, it will be advised to pack plenty of water and snacks to sustain you throughout the day. This hike is family friendly and a wonderful way to spend time with your older children. The beginning of the hike starts at Constantia Neck, and you will make your way to Rhodes Drive.
4. Meerendal Hiking Trail
Meerendal has family friendly hiking trails. There are three options to choose from depending on your fitness level. The options include a 5km, 7km, and 9km hike. All three trails are through the beautiful Meerendal vineyards and offer spectacular views. The farm allows hikers to enjoy these trails for just R30 a visit between sunrise and 18:30 in summer months which will be from 1 September - 30 April. It is important to note that the farm is cashless.
5. Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Tygerberg Nature Reserve is another Norther Suburbs family favourite. It's central location, makes taking these hikes midweek super easy. There is a total of 13 various trails to choose from and combine. Should one want to hike a bit further on a day, it is easy to interconnect the paths that have been set out. Each trail offers a different view of the Cape. These views include but are not limited to Table Mountain, Robben Island and on a good clear day the False Bay Coastline. Tygerberg Nature Reserve also offers a wheelchair friendly trail which is conveniently located close to the picnic area. The reserve is open from 07:30 - 18:00 daily. Entry fee is set at R20 for adults and R10 for children younger than 18 years old.
6. Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve
Similar to that of Tygerberg Nature Reserves hikes, the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve has something on offer for everyone. From a 1.4km meander which is perfect for solitude birding all the way to a 11.4km loop hike. The 11.4km loop is generally more suited for someone with a moderate fitness level and some experience. It offers a picturesque landscape filled with the most beautiful fynbos on display. This trail takes an average of 3 hours and 24 minutes to complete. It is very important to remember that Paarl Mountain is quite exposed to the elements so packing plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat is important.
Hiking your way around Cape Town and its surrounds is one of the most interactive ways to experience what the Cape area has to offer its inhabitants and what a better way to build up to the summer months that lie ahead.
