Wild Cape Hikes

04/09/2024

Was great to be a part of this Thanks to all the friends and followers for joining and helping with the planting, learning and caring.

02/09/2024

I had the pleasure of joining for a trail assessment at the weekend and boy what a trail it is.

Following a river through pristine forest, past trees with leopard sign, waterfalls everywhere, fun technical sections, forests of sweet buchu, and then a tough steep section at the end with an epic view across false bay as a reward at the top. That’s hard to beat.

This hike alone is reason to sign up and join the MCSA!

I can’t wait to go back. Thanks for the invite!

28/08/2024

Spring is arriving this weekend, although the footage of snow on Table Mountain might say otherwise 🤣

We have three awesome group adventures scheduled for September!

14th: Lions Head and Table Mountain via India Venster - If scrambling, ladders, chains, good views and two peaks sounds like your kind of day out in the mountains then this is for you!

15th: The Hoerikwaggo Trail in the mystical Orange Kloof - For this adventure in the mystical Kloof we will be tracing the original Hoerikwaggo trail. Water levels permitting we will visit the Hells Gates waterfall

28th: Wood Buttress - Probably my favourite B grade scramble on Table Mountain! A great introduction to scrambling for hikers that want to start to explore more of the mountains. You will need to be comfortable with exposure to heights and able to use your hands to move up and over obstacles.

If you’re keen to join any of these adventures, or have any questions about send me a DM.

26/08/2024

Cederberg Grand Traverse Scouting mission ✅

The last piece of the puzzle got solved this weekend. It was wet and wild but a great adventure as always.

Thanks to .za and the one that’s too cool for Instagram for joining.

In 8 weeks we will hike from the Northern point of the Cederberg at the Cape Nature Kliphuis campsite through to the southern point at

The rules are:

🔴 We have to summit 6 peaks:
Groot Krakadouw, Sneeukop, Tafelberg, Sneeuberg, Luna peak & Gideons Kop.

🔴 We have to complete the route self supported.

🔴 We have to complete the route in one push, and within 10 days.

I can’t wait, but I do hope the weather is a little better 🫣

18/08/2024

Had a great day in Silvermine assisting with a group team building hike.

The fynbos in Silvermine never disappoints, but today was a treat with so many of my favorite ‘Witch Orchid’ Disperis Capensis on display.

In a week or two, this place will be an explosion of colour as the proteas erupt!

11/08/2024

This weekends trip to the didn’t quite go according to plan.

Swollen rivers, detours, mud and rutted roads, all added up. I pivoted from plan to plan, I think we got to plan H in the end 🤣

Luckily I had an awesome group! Some had to leave early rather than risk getting stuck but with the rest that took a chance we still managed to get some adventuring in.

Thanks as always to Dawie and Lizette for making a last minute plan and organizing us some cottage to keep us warm and dry and for the wine to keep spirits high.

I’m back there soon for the last recce for our attempt at the Cederberg Grand Traverse 💪 in 10 weeks… watch this space.

04/08/2024

It was great to be back in again today.

Thanks to a great group for trusting the weather forecast! We were blessed with great weather for exploring the forest.

We have another guided hike in Orange Kloof on the 15th of September. Get in touch if you want to join the adventure.

30/07/2024

I thought it was about time I posted some pictures and 5 days in the guiding a family for provided me with plenty!

Spring, summer, autumn or winter, the Cederberg is a mesmerizing place, with endless views, and endless adventures.

In winter the wild is takes on a different feeling, the colours of the landscape change, more muted, more subtle, and when the mountains are dusted with snow the white a little extra magic is added.

I’ve only just got home and I’m already exited to be heading back there in ten days….

Thanks as always to and for hosting us and keeping us warm.

17/07/2024

I had a magical hike earlier this week for

We were blessed with perfect weather for the hike, we followed the pipe track with waterfalls everywhere along to Corridor Ravine, and then followed the Apostles trail stopping in at Tranquillity Cracks for coffee (don’t leave home without your ) and along to Kasteelspoort via the dams.

We made a stop at the diving board for an extra special detour….. a surprise proposal!

Congrats to & 💍

27/06/2024

The NEW Duiker 34L

At sub 700g and custom made to fit your unique YOU, this super light pack is perfect for day hikes, ultralight fast pack missions, and even days at the crag getting in a bit of rock climbing.

With lots of options for features, materials, colours and fit. This could be the best lightweight pack in South Africa, and it’s made in South Africa 💪🇿🇦

Give me a shout or contact to get your pack built for you, and save 10%!

24/06/2024

Please donate to Sustainable Ceder and contribute to this amazing cause in the Cederberg Conservancy

Only R150 per tree!

HELP PLANT A CEDER TREE
Join us in our mission to preserve the Clanwilliam Cedar tree, a species facing extinction, through our Sustainable Cedar initiative. By planting a Clanwilliam Cedar tree, you're not only contributing to local job creation but also investing in the future of our environment and promoting ecotourism.

The planting of Cedar trees is a vital local job-creation effort, typically undertaken from May to August each year. It's crucial to plant during the wet and cold months to allow the trees to establish themselves before the onset of summer heat.

https://sustainableceder.org/plant-a-tree

20/06/2024

We have yet another stunner of a hike coming up!

Come and join us on in Pringle Bay on the 29th of June to hike the Voorberg Route!

This trail is a hidden gem, perhaps only known to locals, and offers spectacular views of Betty’s Bays and Pringle Bay.

This hike is approx. 16 kms with 1000m of ascent and descent. I would classify this as a difficult hike due to length and elevation gain.

The price for this hike is R600 per person with a qualified and registered Mountain guide.

19/06/2024

We had an awesome adventure with .za in the Banhoek conservancy on Monday, great trails, incredible kloofs, and stunning vistas.

WOW! Was heard many times echoing in the kloof

We will 100% be organising a re-do soon and possibly adding another two more routes there for Spring.

Comment Adventure to join our WhatsApp broadcast group to be the first to see our scheduled hikes.

17/06/2024

Come and join us on the 23rd of June for one of our easier but still stunning day hikes.

Saaltjie in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

Starting out at Jonkershoek main gate we take the trail up to the saddle where we enjoy a mid-morning brekkie stop at the sunken table and soak in the views of the Jonkershoek Valley to the south and the Banhoek Valley to the north.

I would classify this as a moderate hike.

The price for this hike is R600 per person including permits, and a qualified and registered Mountain guide.

DM or WhatsApp to book your spot.

14/06/2024

Please have a read, this is important.

Wolfberg Arch is a hotspot for illegal fires and littering (and many other popular spots) Don’t let people do it.

Litter also includes: banana peel, egg shells, apple cores. If it doesn’t grow there don’t leave it there.

14/06/2024

We have a couple of spaces available for our overnight hike to the Wolfberg Arch on the 6th of July!

Overnighting by the Arch is special, doing it in winter, and hiking the cracks, possibly with snow will be even more wild!

We will also be aiming to get some night photography of the Arch, so pack your tripods!

This hike is approx. 20kms with 1000m of ascent. I would classify this as a moderate hike as we will be hiking over a couple of days – but we will be wild camping so you MUST have the necessary gear.

The price for this hike is R1900 per person including all required permits, and a qualified and registered Mountain guide.

09/06/2024

Come join us on the 17th of June and explore the mysterious Duiwelskloof, hidden deep within the Drakenstein mountains.

Hike below the towering Devil’s Tooth with sheer cliffs that lay on either side of you, while meandering through beautiful forest with a tranquil cascading stream.

Higher up the kloof there is a lot of boulder hopping, which is an understatement - these are gigantic boulders!

This hike is approx. 16-20kms with 1000m of ascent and descent. I would classify this as a difficult hike.

The price for this hike is R600 per person including a qualified and registered Mountain guide.

Get in touch to book your spot!

03/06/2024

I will be guiding a small group on a stunning route on Table Mountain on the 15th of June - Blind Gulley

With stunning views throughout, this fun route looks impossible from below, sneaking beneath the Apostles all the way to Echo Valley.

The scrambling is moderate but the route is fairly steep with some exposure in places, but if you have hiked Lions Head or India Venster then this one won’t be a problem.

The price for this hike is R600 per person including a qualified and registered Mountain guide, all safety equipment and coaching. Group size is limited to 5.

DM or WhatsApp me to secure your spot.

30/05/2024

Please support this initiative and help to keep the Cederberg all Ceder-y 😁

Sustainable Ceder Cederberg Conservancy

The Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia Cedarbergensis) is found only in the Ceder… Dawie Burger needs your support for Re-establishment of the Clanwilliam Cedar

29/05/2024

With 40+ night’s planned in the mountains this winter, I felt it was time to trade up from my reliable, but heavy, Ice breaker, to something warmer, lighter and more featured.

Enter the Riff 15

This -2’c/-8’c down sleeping bag packs down to about 2/3rd the size of the Icebreaker, weighs in at only 1190g, and is filled with super lofty 800FP hydrophobic RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified down!

I’m now even more excited for the many warm winter nights to come!

26/05/2024

Join us on the 1st of June for a Jonkershoek favourite!

The Swartboskloof Trail, which weaves through a picturesque valley to a classic scenic lunch spot which overlooks the Helderberg Basin and False Bay.

The price for this hike is R600 per person including permits, and a qualified and registered Mountain guide .za

Get in touch to book your spot!

23/05/2024

Top tips for hiking ✅

You never know everything when it comes to the wilderness. I have learned lessons from both Man and Mother Nature in all my years of wandering the wild. I am still learning, and that passion keeps me writing. These are our 10 best hiking practices for those tackling the outdoors on foot.1. Wear Comf...

21/05/2024

Last week I joined as a second guide for the Whale Trail with a great group 🇿🇦🇬🇧

And what a trail it is!

Epic ridge lines for the first two days, and then three days of beautiful coastline with stunning sections of deserted beaches and intricate coastal paths filled with amazing rock formations.

We saw 100’s of cape vultures, fish eagles, seals, dolphins and yup whales 🐳

A moderate graded hike, with mostly good terrain and paths, and with a 15km day being the longest it is a great introduction to multi day hiking.

If you are keen to experience the Whale Trail; stress free, guided and fully catered, get in touch with

20/05/2024

In a few weeks we will be leading another group into the magical Orange Kloof.

This time we will be following part of the original Hoerikwaggo trail from Constantia Nek into the forest. There will be no scrambling but we will spend plenty of time immersed in the stunning forest.

The cost is R500 per person, which includes permits and a qualified and registered mountain guide!

If you’re keen to join, send me DM or get in touch via WhatsApp.

14/05/2024

More fun times in the Cederberg, this time exploring some of the scenic day hikes, and touring from the central area around to the north.

It’s always a pleasure sharing these areas and experiences.

A guide tour for

12/05/2024

Have you explored the rock art of the Cederberg?

With over 2500 paintings in the region, I explored some of the sites that are easier to access and find with clients this week for

Painted by the San people, the paintings are between 200 and 5000 years old, a lot of the meaning behind the art has been lost.

Sitting under a rock shelter, surrounded by paintings, looking out over the veld, sharing the view with the San is pretty special.

06/05/2024

.za and I were in the Cederberg for the Keeping It Wild weekend organised by and so we figured it would be rude to not go have a little play in the mountains before the event kicked off.

Zak hadn’t been up Tafelberg before so we did a quick little peak bag. Tafelberg is such a fun peak, a decent amount of vertical gain, views that get bigger and better the higher you get, and a fun little scramble section just before the summit.

A fun adventure to warm up the weekend!

01/05/2024

Amazing efforts from the firefighters and rangers.

Please stay out of the mountain until SANParks - Table Mountain National Park say it’s safe.

MEDIA RELEASE
🔥Skeleton Gorge Fire Update 🔥 1 May 2024

The Skeleton Gorge fire in Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), caused by a lightning strike due to inclement weather conditions on Saturday, April 27, 2024, has burnt approximately 220 hectares of veld. Overnight flare-ups have been reported behind Newlands and Kirstenbosch. Light rain this morning has helped contain the fire's spread on the Back Table, but isolated hot spots, as well as falling trees and rockfalls, remain a concern at this stage.

Therefore, hiking trails between Constantia Nek and Newlands, Maclears Beacon, Back Table, Platteklip Gorge, as well as trails leading to the Back Table between Camps Bay, Hout Bay and Orangekloof, remain closed.

The priority remains the safety of residents, hikers, and firefighters, therefore we encourage users to refrain from accessing these areas. TMNP fire management will assess trail conditions in Constantia Nek and Newlands later in the day to determine potential reopening.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has sixty (60) firefighters from NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, and Working on Fire are actively engaged in various areas along the fireline throughtout the day extending into the evening for overnight monitoring.

SANParks extends gratitude to the members of the public and various organizations for sponsoring a number of beverages, hot meals, energy bars, and more for our firefighters.

Updates will be provided as the situation develops. Cooperation from the community is appreciated during this challenging time.

In case of emergencies or sightings of new fires, please contact 086 110 6417 or the Newlands Dispatch at 021 689 7438.

Ends

Issued by:
South African National Parks (SANParks)

01/05/2024

With Sustainable Ceder – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

01/05/2024

With Cederberg Conservancy – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉