Lion’s Head – A Classic Cape Town Walk
The city of Cape Town is situated in a natural amphitheater, formed by three mountains that embrace it. Of course Table Mountain on its southern side is the best known. However it is the mountain on the western edge of the city that is the darling of Capetonians. This is the mountain known as “The Lion”. It has been known by this name since the days of the Dutch settlement, and got its name from its resemblance to a lion lying on its belly. The tallest rocky section represents the...
Cape Town Nature Reserves – Central and Southern Regions
We continue to keep you informed with the second part of our Cape Town Nature Reserves list. And just like before, some interesting information and pictures have been added. At Walk in Africa Hiking Trails, we like to be thorough and up to date with everything. If you want to check out the north and eastern regions, just click here. Cape Town Nature Reserves - Southern Region Rondevlei Nature Reserve The Rondevlei Nature Reserve is primarily a bird sanctuary, being home to about 230 species. It spans over 290 HA of land...
A List of Nature Reserves in Cape Town – East & Northern Regions
Cape Town is home to some of the most beautiful natures reserves in South Africa. From north to south, and from the central region to the east, many adventures are waiting. As a professional Cape Town hiking tour service, we pride ourselves in keeping people informed. Hence, we've compiled this list of nature reserves in Cape Town. In addition to the names of these reserves, there is some information on what makes the reserve special. We hope you find what you are looking for, and if you feel like experiencing...
Top Tips For Table Mountain Hikes
As amazing as climbing up Table Mountain can be, it shouldn't be taken too lightly. There are challenges involved you want to be prepared for. And in light of enjoying the trip to its fullest, we've put together some top tips for Table Mountain hikes. These include tips on what to bring along, the typical safety precautions. So get out your Table Mountain trail map and start making some notes. General Top Tips for Table Mountain Hikes Don't underestimate the challenging aspects Always assume that it's going to require some manner of...
The Silvermine Nature Reserve and Hike – Have an Adventure
If you visit the Silvermine Nature Reserve in the summer, you'll be greeted with amazing hiking trails and picnic areas. But if you opt for the winter months, a blanket of mist is going to decorate the green wilderness. Whatever time you choose to visit, a Silvermine hike is not something you'll quickly forget. The name of the reserve comes from the mining that took place during the 1600's. It was thought that the mountains contained silver, which is why shafts were sunk into the mountains. However, nobody found any silver...
Experience Elephant’s Eye Cape Town
The name for Elephant’s Eye in Cape Town was given based on the shape of the mountain side, which resembles the side of an elephant’s head. As you may have guessed, the eye section is the cave, which is the main destination of the hike. In terms of history, the cave used to belong to a Hottentot Chiefteness, who held great power according to the legend. Now, it’s one of the many beautiful hiking trails Table Mountain has to offer. What to Expect from the Elephant’s Eye Cape Town Hike There are two...
Skeleton Gorge Table Mountain Hike
There are more than 50 ways you can reach the top of Table Mountain. And as you might expect, each route holds a different magic. Some are more challenging, while others are more forgiving, making them more popular for friends, families and groups. The Skeleton Gorge Table Mountain hiking route falls more to the latter. However, there are some challenges involved and it’s best to find out what they are from your guide. Some of them are discussed later in the article, along with the scenery, the route and length...
Table Mountain – Platteklip Gorge Hike
Table Mountain is the majestic icon of Cape Town. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Mother City gets so much exposure, and it’s a magnet for people in search of memorable sights. Instead of taking the cable car, why don’t you scale that ever elusive mountain with a hiking route? More specifically, why not try a Platteklip Gorge hike with Walk in Africa? Some History and Interesting Facts Regarding the Platteklip Gorge Hike Once you set out on the Platteklip Gorge hike route you will be walking in the footsteps...
The very best job in the world
Recently I guided a fantastic walk up Table Mountain with a group of Swedes. It was great fun to be with them because they were energetic and enthusiastic. They all work in the wine industry in a wonderful country so I thought they had a pretty good work life. I was therefore a little taken aback when at our lunch-stop, someone said to me "Wow! You have the very best job in the world". And as the day wore-on and we were treated to the sight of the very first Disa uniflora...
An adventure with David Livingstone
This week I enjoyed a peach of a day with David Livingstone - Seriously! His family came along as well, and his wife's name is Debbie - not Mary Moffat. He hails from New York rather than Scotland and he is not exactly a protestant missionary. You see this is a contemporary David Livingstone but nonetheless he was exploring Africa and we hiked in the Table Mountain National Park on a fat juicy perfect day. [caption id="attachment_2477" align="aligncenter" width="300"] A peach of a day in paradise[/caption] We were fortunate enough to see two...