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Golden Eagle Travel & Tours, 11 Station Road, Mowbray, Cape Town (2025)

21/04/2025

Clarence Drive/R44:
Magnificent coastal dr.
Gordon’s Bay to Rooi-Els
Named after: businessman G. Jack Clarence
Length: 21km
Curves: 77
Chappies’ rival.
Construction: 1940-1944
Labourers: Italian POWs (WWII).
Panoramic views: turquoise waters of the False Bay & dramatic scenery of Hottentots Hollands mountains rich in fynbos flowers & unique fauna; popular destination for tourists & locals: cyclists, photography, sunset watching, surfers, anglers & whale watchers.
Come & appreciate the beauty & thrill of this route.

21/04/2025

Klipgat Cave (Stone Hole):
De Kelders (The Cellars/Caverns); in Gansbaai (Bay of Geese), Overberg/Walker Bay. Excavations: 1969; 2000 yr-old pottery, stone & bone artifacts + the remains of shellfish, fish & other animals the Khoikhoi bushman had discarded.
These caverns were formed mill. of yrs ago through erosive action of underwater aquifers. Then opened up along the coastal cliffs by rising sea levels & pounding waves, forming huge caves; later became home to Middle Stone Age people & eventually Later Stone Age people known as the Khoikhoi. Klipgat Cave was named after a remarkable window-like opening that yields spectacular views over the bay (shown here).

21/01/2025

“INDIA VENSTER” HIKING TRAIL.

The name of the trail originated from two words, “India” and “Venster”. The latter is an Afrikaans word meaning “Window”. The trail features a rock-gap caused by a chockstone; this gap displays a view that is shaped like India continental when you look through it.

India Venster is possibly the most exciting and beautiful hike of Table Mountain. It gives you a sense of true adventure and a feeling of accomplishment. This is the trail that explains what really Table Mountain is. With its spectacular views, natural beauty and lots of fun, India Venster offers to hikers and climbers a memorable experience they will never forget. However, this is not the recommended choice for the unfit, unprepared or inexperienced hikers as it includes plenty of steep rock scrambling, chains and difficult sections.

Why is India Venster the Best Table Mountain Hike?
• India Venster offers a sense of adventure and a bit of challenge.
• The route is less busy and quieter. It offers panoramic views, incredible rock formations and an amazing flora dominated by unique fynbos.
• The trail boasts sweeping vistas of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay and the Robben Island.
• The iconic ‘Venster’—a rock formation with its gap—is a photo-worthy a highlight; you can even snap a picture of the cable car passing by the “window.”

Can one Hike India Venster Alone?
It is highly recommended to hike with a partner or group due to the technical scrambles unless you are an experienced hiker.

Which one is Better: Skeleton Gorge, Platteklip Gorge or India Venster?
Starting at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Skeleton Gorge is a more gradual, forested route, perfect for nature lovers who enjoy indigenous forests, water falls, shades and a less technical climbing. India Venster is more challenging, with steep rock scrambles and exposed sections. It’s more technical and not for beginner or inexperienced hikers. If you’re looking for a scenic but less intense hike, Skeleton Gorge is better. For thrill-seekers after a more adventurous ascent, India Venster is the trail for you. Platteklip Gorge on the other hand, is a steep, large stair-like route. It is by far the most popular, and busiest Table Mountain hike It is not very technical, and if you have fear of heights, or for being close to edges and want to hike the Front Table, then this hike may suit you best.

Safety Tips for The India Venster Hike:

1. Be Prepared for Rapid Weather Changes
Table Mountain is notorious for its unexpected weather changes. The strong South-Easter wind, extreme temperatures, and sudden cloud cover can make conditions on the trail dangerous. Even on a sunny day, the weather can flip in an instant. Always be prepared by packing a light jacket or windbreaker and snacks in case you end up on the mountain longer than you expected and in colder conditions.

2. Stick to the Trail
India Venster is a confusing route with multiple opportunities to get lost. It’s marked yellow footprints, but it’s easy to miss these in the more technical sections or in case of a thick fog.
Deviating from the trail can lead to dangerous terrain or getting stranded. Please stay on the demarcated route.

3. Hike with a Partner or Group
Hike with a friend. The technical nature of the trail, combined with the potential for sudden weather changes, means that having someone with you can be life-saving in case of an emergency.

4. Wear The Right Gear
Proper hiking gear is a must on this trail. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip to navigate the scrambles and rocky sections. Sun protection -like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses- will keep you safe from the sun’s strong rays. Please carry at least 2 litres of water -there are no water sources along the way- and snacks to boost your energy along the way.

5. Avoid descending via India Venster
Descending India Venster is not recommended due to its steepness and technical scrambles. The trail is much harder to navigate going down. It is recommended to hike back down via Platteklip Gorge, a safer, more straightforward route. Otherwise, you can catch the cable car down.

6. Avoid Hiking in Poor Weather
Attempting the India Venster hike in bad weather can be extremely dangerous. Wet or windy conditions make the scrambles slippery and hard to navigate. Please avoid this trail when there is rain or strong winds in the forecast.

12/01/2025

ROBBERG NATURE RESERVE (Garden Route) Hike:

The Robberg is a Nature Reserve since 1980 and a World Heritage Site since 1999. It is situated 8km south of Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. The peninsula has been a Protected Marine Area since 2000, and protects 12.9 km of coastline and 1.8 km out into the ocean. It is an important conservation area due to its birdlife and fish. It is managed by the Cape Nature, a government entity responsible for 112 nature reserves, of which 106 are terrestrial & 6 marine protected areas in the WC province of SA.

The name “Robberg” is Dutch and means “Seal Mountain” referring to the large number of Cape Fur seals that breed and grow in the area for centuries.

The Dutch renamed the peninsula to Robberg in the 17th C. The Portuguese explorers discovered Robberg in the 15th C. and named it “Cabo Talhado” i.e. "Sharp Cape"/Cap Sculpté, Pointu. Bartolomeu Dias chartered the bay in 1487.

Before Europeans, the area was inhabited by indigenous Khoekhoe. Archeological evidence (such as the remains of sheep & cattle found on the top layers of the caves together with the pottery shards) found in Matjes River Cave & Nelson Bay Cave provide information about Khoikhoi farmers who occupied the caves during the Middle Ages for well over 100 000 years.

HIKING:

The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available ranging from easy to moderate. For hikers who are used to trails like Platteklip (Table Mountain) or Lion’s Head, this is an easy hike/walk. There are some gentle inclines during the hike though! Kids will most likely enjoy walking in the sand dunes.

There are 4 trail options to hike at Robberg Nature Reserve. All share the same starting point & routes are clearly marked:

- The Cap Circuit:
A 3.23 mi loop trail with an elevation gain of 837 ft and a max elevation of 489 ft.
The trail will take you over the cliffside and then down to the ocean (if you want).
You don’t see the seals on this route, but the views are great still. The average time to complete this trail is about 1 hour.

- Witsand/Robberg Beach Circuit:
A 5.1 km trail with an elevation gain of 112 m. Average time to do the hike is about 2 hours. The trail is easy to do and passes over different terrain.

- The Point Circuit:
A 7.7 km trail with an elevation gain of 297 m. This trail is considered the best place to hike in Robberg Nature Reserve. The Point Circuit hike breaks off from the Witsand circuit at the sand dunes. The hike goes along the north ridge to the Point and then back along the southern shoreline. The average time is about 3 hours. We took several breaks and descended down to the caves & spent some time swimming and playing with the dunes & checking out the Seagulls nests; so the hike took us 4.5 hours. We started overlooking the magnificent beaches of Robberg 5, The Dunes & Keurboomstrand! There one can easily spot multitudes of Cape Fur Seals, Dolphins & number of angler boats.

- Inqua Trail:
A 9 km hike with an elevation gain of 489 m. This trail is considered moderately difficult and includes some coastal rock scrambling and a short, steep chimney climb. The average time to complete the hike is 4 hours.

*Rock formations:
The Robberg Peninsula has a unique rock formation and some of the oldest and youngest rocks in the world are found in the area.
*Archeological discoveries: Nelson Bay Cave Matjes River Cave (nearby Keurboomstrand)
*Other interesting facts: Cape Seal lighthouse Athena Shipwreck (Greek fishing ship, sank in 1967, hit the Whale Rock, crew survived)

*Main activities:
- swimming
- ⁠picnicking
- ⁠sand boarding
- ⁠whale watching (Jun-Nov)
- ⁠dolphin watching
- ⁠birdwatching
- angling

*To remember: R65/pp: wise to bring cash as the card machine sometimes not working Bring enough water Swimming towel Jacket (winter/cold) The hike is safe Free & safe parking available No shark spotters available (if you choose to go swimming).

11/01/2025

TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK

The name Tsitsikamma comes from the Khoekhoe words tse-tsesa meaning "clear" and gami meaning "water”

The Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park in SA is 650 sq. km and includes an 80 km marine protected area:
The Tsitsikamma section stretches from the lagoon at Nature's Valley in the west to the mouth of the Groot River in the east.
Tsitsikamma NP is a multi-dimensional tourist destination with its dramatic coastal scenery of indigenous forest, delicate fynbos, reefs and rivers. This region forms the top section of the magnificent Garden Route National Park and is a hiking, camping and water sports paradise!
Highlights include: Bloukrans Bungee Jumping,
Storms River suspension bridge & Rest Camp, Nature’s Valley Rest Camp, the famous Otters & Dolphin hiking trails, Southern Right whale & Dolphin watching, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, swimming, zipline, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, sailing, ….
The park has many country lodges and hotels, restaurants and cafés.

This is the graceful place where one can experience the ultimate outdoors and enjoy an adventure filled vacation!!!

09/01/2025

SKELETON GORGE/SMUTS TRAIL TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKE

The Skeleton Gorge (also called “Smut’s Trail”) culminates at about 900 m -3,000 ft- with a distance of about 6.5 km (4.4 mi). . The average hiker can complete the trail in 4–6 hours. It all depends upon the hiker’s pace and how many breaks enjoyed.

The Skeleton Gorge hike is considered moderate-to-challenging and requires somehow a good level of fitness. The terrain includes a single rocky track, stone steps, and scrambling sections. The hike takes you through a shaded indigenous forest with boulders, running water and streams (winter). This indigenous Afro-temperate forest, dominated by ferns and lianas, resembles much equatorial forest in appearance. The hike starts at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and ends at the Upper Cable Station. However, experienced hikers extend the trail to The Devils Peak, MaClear Beacon (highest point of Table Mountain National Park) while others explore the nearby water reservoirs, museum and Diving Board. Some hikers prefer to take a cable car down after the hike.

The trail offers sensational views, superb landscapes, striking rock-formations, steep & dramatic terrains, diverse fynbos, ...a true sense of adventure.
Vegetation: Fynbos such as Proteas, Ericas, Restios, Geophytes
Geology: The mountain is composed largely of sandstone deposited 540 million years ago by large rivers and inland seas: light grey, pebbly sandstones; dark grey mudstones and lighter coloured sandstones and Cape Granite group.
Wildlife: Steenbok, Rooikat/Caracal, Dassie/Hyrax, Klipspringer, Agama

To remember:
- Weather check
- Daypack
- Enough water (at least 1L)
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hike in a group (at least 2 pax)

WATER RESERVOIRS:
- Woodhead Dam: The dam spanned the Disa Gorge along its middle stretches. Work began in 1893. Long lines of porters toiled up Kasteelspoort, a ravine on the Twelve Apostles that offered easy access, laden with building material. To assist in the task, a small open-skip, steam-driven cableway was strung up, its lower terminus in Camps Bay and its upper terminus 650 m higher on the northern edge of Postern Buttress. From there, mule-drawn trolleys -and later a small locomotive- conveyed material to the construction site about a km away. A hamlet sprung up on the summit, complete with its own bank, post office and shop. The dam wall, constructed from sandstone blocks quarried on the mountain, measured 252 m across and 44 m high, with a base thickness of 19 m tapering to 3 m at the top. But in 1898, only a year after its completion, it became apparent that the city’s water demand had outstripped supply again. A 2nd dam was needed.

- Hely-Hutchinson: A 2nd dam was promptly built upstream from the first, completed in 1904. Its masonry wall measured 528 m, while its water surface covered an area of 16 ha. During all this time, the Wynberg municipality had been labouring away at its own reservoirs on the mountain, three in total (Victoria, Alexandra and De Villiers), located further south on the Back Table, tapping a tributary of the Disa River.

07/01/2025

ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK (AENP):

The name “Addo” comes from the Khoekhoe word for "poison ravine" referring to the succulents that grow in the area.

The park is located in the region east of the Sunday's River and north of Qheberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), approximately 30 min drive (40km) from PE central via N2.

In the early centuries, great herds of wild animals roamed the Addo region, with Khoesan of the Iqua, Damasqua and Gonaqua clans living in the area. Besides, nomadic Xhosa tribes had kraals in the area, including Chief Cungwa of the Gqunukhwebe (near the Sundays River mouth & inland) and Chief Habana of the Dange (near the Wit River).

They all hunted the giant animals on a daily basis, but these were largely wiped out tragically in the 1700s by the smallpox epidemic.

In the late 1800s, farmers began to colonise the area around the park! The elephants catastrophically destroyed the farmers’ crops & a conflict arose between farmers and the animals! Consequently, the government ordered the shooting of the elephants. Between 1919 & 1920, 114 elephants were killed.

The AENP was established in 1931 to protect the then 11 surviving Addo elephants as the government later changed its course. Today, the park is home to +600 elephants, one of the densest elephant populations in Africa.

The park is 686,000 ha in size, including 164,000 ha of land and a 120,000 ha marine reserve.

It is also known for being home to Africa’s Big 7 including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, & buffalo) plus the Southern Right whales & Great White sharks. The park is also home to +400 bird species, including the Lilac-breasted Roller.

Additionally to the elephants, the park is also home to:
• Cape buffalo: +400
• Black rhinoceros: +48 endangered south-western black rhinoceroses
• Lions: 26 lions
• Leopards: + 10 Leopards
• ⁠Antelope: Red hartebeest, eland, kudu, & bushbuck
• ⁠Plain & Wild Zebra
- Carnivores: Cheetah, hyena, Warthog, & wild dog
- ⁠Chacma baboons, Vervet monkey, honey badger, …

The park also has a variety of rare and endemic plants, including succulent shrubs and geophytes.

Animal viewing: mornings (-10:00 am) & sunset times are normally the best!
Please refer to the attached MAP to see locations for best viewing (every site with a DAM). Lookouts offers great views of the park.
Loops: HARPOOR Dam & ROOI DAM were absolutely amazing!

Roads: are mostly gravel but in good conditions (summertime)! You can do a self drive or book a safari drive. Signs are well-marked and visible all the times. The map (given at the reception/gate) is of great use.

Accommodation includes Main Camp, Addo Rest Camps, Tents, Caravans, Cottages, Cabins, Huts, etc.

The park also has a curio shop, a restaurant & a gas station (certain hours).

Entrances:
1. Main Entrance Gate & Addo Reception (off R335 / R342 near Addo).

2. Matyholweni Gate & Reception (off N2 near Colchester) - PREFERRED

05/01/2025

(HALF COLLARED) KINGFISHER HIKING TRAIL:

Discover the 7.6-km out-and-back scenic trail in the heart of the Wilderness of the Garden Route! An Immense wall of green punctured only by a human sized opening welcomes walkers into this cathedral of mature indigenous forest.
The trail follows the course of the Touw River that hikers cross using a pontoon. The trail provides a unique experience of this exquisite ecosystem natural kingdom. Picnic spots are available, and stunning boardwalks will lead you to a charming waterfall where you can swim and relax enjoying birds melody!
The walk/hike is always shaded by a great variety of mature indigenous trees endemic to the Garden Route! Many are labelled including the Red crowberry, Cape beech, Cape Chestnut and White ironwood predominantly. There are many species of birds spotted including the rare Knysna Loerie! The Bushbuck are also known to make graceful appearances, stunning walkers with their beauty. The route start from Ebb and Flow Rest Camp; it is generally considered moderate and doesn’t require any level of fitness! For most of the way the walk is on a wooden deck and takes about 2h30’.
The Wilderness National Park is part of the Garden Route National Park. The latter encompasses the world renowned Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna areas, a variety of mountain catchments, indigenous forests and fynbos areas!

26/12/2024

Table Mountain National Park is recognized as one of the world's most remarkable attractions. It is SA's best-known iconic landmark. The flat-topped megalithic mountain stands tall at a staggering 1,086 m or 3,500 feet above the sea level, majestically towering over the City of Cape Town. One of the oldest mountains in the world -tabletop reportedly about 60 mil years old, compared to the Alps (32 million years) and the Himalayas (40 million years) with the age of the rock itself (540 million years)-. This gentle giant is a symbol of adventure and exploration. Table Mountain holds the prestigious title as one of the "World’s New7Wonders of Nature". There is no better way to acquaint yourself with the geology than hiking Table Mountain. Immersing yourself in the jumble of boulders and threading your way past cliffs, traversing ledges and rambling up rocky watercourses puts you in touch with the mountain. Different trails offer different scenery and terrain, but the rock formations always line the horizon and dot the landscape. Table Mountain bears many interesting facts amongst them the history of Cape Town; the history of Cape Town and its people is inextricably intertwined with the existence of Table Mountain. Starting from the Cape’s indigenous people – the Khoi pastoralists and the San hunter-gatherers – the area now occupied by Cape Town city center was known as “Camissa” i.e. ‘Place of Sweet Water’ from streams that flowed off Table Mountain. The Portuguese explorer Antonio de Saldanha climbed the Mountain in 1503 (the first European to do so) to get his bearings. He was delighted to find a strong stream flowing down the ravine, now known as Platteklip Gorge he had ascended. He named the Bay after himself "Aguada de Saldanha" i.e. "Watering Place of De Saldanha". It was the water running down Platteklip Gorge (the same trail shown here) that induced the Dutch to settle at the foot of the mountain in 1652; they built a trading outpost that grew to become the bustling metropolis of Cape Town (De Kaap), Mother City to South Africa. The city has the mountain to thank for its existence. Today, Table Mountain is famous for its trilling Aerial Cable Cars that attract millions of visitors from all over the world.
The most frequently explored hiking trails are: Platteklip Gorge India Venster Lion's Head Kloof Corner Kasleespoort Devils Peak Pipe Track Skeleton Gorge Constantia Neck

26/12/2024

CAPE TOWN ZIPLINE:
The Cape Town Zipline experience is one of the top adventure attractions in Cape Town. It takes place in spectacular mountains of Constantia within Table Mountain National Park in the heart of the remarkably scenic Silvermist Estate. With panoramic views of these green mountains, visitors will be amazed at this enchanting landscape of fauna and flora. This thrilling attraction offers visitors a chance to soar through the treetops, providing an unforgettable experience amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of Constantia. The tour itself consists of 7 cables totalling to +- 2.3 Km and lasts for 2 hours! The Highest Cable is 155 m from the canyon floor. The Silvermist estate is also known for its finest organic wines and exhilarating African drumming and dancing, a truly fascinating experience.
Don’t miss out🤷🏽‍♂️😁

15/10/2024

BUFFELSFONTEIN Game & Nature Reserve.

Situated in less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town central, in the heart of the spectacular West Coast National Park, Buffelsfontein Game & Nature Reserve is a 1600 ha family owned reserve, home to some of Africa's greats such as Lion, Buffalo, White Rhino and Giraffe. More of wildlife include Cheetahs, Zebra, Eland, Kudu, Oryx, Springbok, Duiker, as well as a host of birds including Ostrich . Join us for an unforgettable 4x4 game drive in a formidable South African scenery dominated by unique fynbos.

Additional facilities include a restaurant, accommodation, a conference venue, and a Wildlife Forensic Academy.

We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends! wedding venue

21/09/2024

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens:

The Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world.

It covers 528 ha, a protected area supporting natural forest and fynbos as well as a wide variety of indigenous birds, animals, reptiles, frogs and invertebrates.

Today, the Gardens are administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

The ‘Kirsten’ part of the name is believed to be the surname of J.F. Kirsten, the manager of the land in the 1700s. The ‘bosch’ part of the name is a Dutch word for 'forest' or ‘bush'.

According to local history, in 1660, by order of Jan van Riebeek (Cape Town founder & first commander of the Cape Colony of the Dutch East India Company (DEIC/VOC), a hedge of wild almond and brambles was planted to afford some protection to the perimeter of the Dutch colony against “Khoisan”, Cape’s indigenous people. Today the hedge still exist and is named “Van Riebeek's Hedge”, The area of the
botanical garden was used for the harvesting of timber during this period.

The area as a botanical garden has its origin in Henry Harold Pearson, a botanist from Cambridge University who came to the Cape Colony in 1903 as a professor and head of “Chair of Botany” at SACS.

The garden has several trails including:
- The Arboretum
- Enchanted Forest
- The Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway/The ‘Boomslang’ (meaning tree snake)
- The Protea Garden
- The Erica Garden
- The Cycad Amphitheatre
- The Dell
- Mathews Rockery
- Summer Concert Lawn.
- Smuts Hiking Trail

Join us and explore more of this incredible gem.

12/09/2024

BIG 5 ADVENTURE FROM CAPE TOWN: AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & SPA.

Situated in the heart of the Klein Karoo (“Klein” Dutch, meaning “Little” & “Karoo”, Khoisan meaning “Land of thirst/semi-arid”), Aquila name derived from the rare and endangered resident Black Eagle! It boasts a breathtakingly beautiful
10 000 ha Karoo conservancy (‡ 24 700 ac), a spectacular region with gigantic cliffs, desert-like landscapes, crystal clear streams and fertile vineyards. The Private Game Reserve is located under 2 h drive from Cape City Centre, at approximately 177 Km via N1.
Visitors can enjoy a game drive experience amongst lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos as well as an enormous variety of safari wildlife. The reserve is set in the Cape's malaria-free famous fynbos, succulent Karoo and extremely rare Renosterveld vegetation that was once the favourite hunting grounds of the ancient Khoi/San hunter-gatherers. Aquila is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience: it is also an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights and service excellence. Aquila boasts a 4-star luxurious accommodation, a world class “Tranquila Spa”, an African curio shop, horse-back riding, quad biking, a conference & function venue, a children’s adventure facility, a relaxation swimming pool, and much more. Join us and explore this hidden gem.

24/08/2024

HIKING A MAJESTIC WONDER OF NATURE: TABLE MOUNTAIN

PLATTERKLIP (Flat Stone) GORGE Hiking Trail:

- Location: Cape Town (South Africa)
- ⁠Starting point: About 1 mile from the Cable Car Lower Station towards the Devil’s Peak (15min drive from Cape Town Central)
- ⁠Length: 2.5 miles (4.02 km) out-and-back
- ⁠Average duration: 3h:45
- ⁠Difficulty: Challenging
- ⁠Highest elevation (Maclear Beacon): 1086 m above the sea level
- ⁠Safety: Safe
- ⁠Advantages: easiest, most popular, recommended, magnificent views, spectacular rock formations, flowers, plant life, birdlife, wildlife like Rock Hyrax/Dassie, agama/lezards, ghost frog, klipspringer, snakes, …truly exciting.
- ⁠Free parking available

- ⁠What to bring:
+ enough water
+ hiking shoes
+ fitness outfit
+ Dress warmly (Winter)
+ Camera/Phone (pictures)
+ Sunglasses (Summer)
+ Mini backpack bag

Hiking Table Mountain is the best way to get in touch with the beauty, history & geology of this incredible mountain. Climbing boulders, threading your way past cliffs and rocky watercourses connects you with the beauty of nature.

Table Mountain formed about 260 million years ago -before the Himalayas and the Alps-, when South America scrunched Africa! It was part of a much larger mountain range; ice, heat, wind, erosion, Stone Age, reduced the mountain to its current shape of tabletop.

It was the water running down this Platterklip Gorge that led the Dutch (VOC) to settle at the foot of the mountain in 1652. They built a trading outpost that grew to become the bustling metropolis of Cape Town, Mother City to South Africa. Five streams rose on Table Mountain, draining down different sides of the mountain:
1. The first is the Varsche (Fresh) River, a confluence of three smaller streams on the front of the mountain: the Platterklip, the Silver and Capel Sluit. Cape Town owes its existence to the Varsche River.
2. The second stream, the Liesbeek, drains Table Mountain's luxuriant eastern slopes.
3. Third there are the Diep and Spaanschemat streams, both flowing southeast towards the False Bay.
4. Table Mountain's largest stream, the Disa, drains southwards into Orange Kloof before debouching in Hout Bay.

To the Cape's indigenous Khoe pastoralists and San hunter-gatherers, the area now occupied by Cape Town city centre was known as Camissa, Place of Sweet Water. Table Mountain was their home. The Koi and San tribes also hailed the mountain sacred because they believed that their god resided on the mountain.

When the Portuguese explorers arrived in the Cape in 1503, the bay at the foot of the mountain, present-day Table Bay, became known as Aguada de Saldanha, Watering Place of De Saldanha (Portuguese explorer).

The Dutchman Wouter Schouten, upon tasting the water on the mountain in 1665, stated the following about it: "We found it quite sweet and exceptionally pleasant in taste... Our heavenly liquid now tasted better than ordinarily does the most exquisite drink in the world.”

Join us and explore this unique “Gift of the Earth”.

Golden Eagle Travel & Tours

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