About Us

The Hiking Trails of South Africa are the Continent's Best Kept Secret. The mountains of the Western Cape are the most beautiful in all Africa. They support a unique flora and fauna found only in this region.

The Cape Fold Mountains extend throughout the southern tip of Africa and though fairly well explored by South Africans, they are still largely unknown to outsiders. Even visitors to the area rarely set foot in our mountains (preferring the fleshpots of Cape Town) even though they are extensively criss-crossed by a network of hiking trails, many of which are well known to local outdoor enthusiasts.

Though our mountains offer many severe mountaineering challenges, the trails followed by Cape Hiking do not require any climbing experience, only a good level of basic fitness. We indicate beforehand the standard and difficulty of each hike.

Cederberg

All walks can be comfortably done in a day. Our maximum group size is 8 and we usually have two guides with each group.

Franschhoek is our mountain base in South Africa. All our accomodation is within easy distance of numerous world renowned eateries in this small, cultured but relaxing village. From early Spring to late Autumn you can expect little or no rain; only fabulous blue skies and some of the finest unspoilt and little known (outside of South Africa) scenery on the Planet.

Our unique fynbos vegetation, massive sandstone rock faces, unique indigenous wildlife and ubiquitous vineyards combine to make this area a wonderful destination for healthy outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable, safe, but still challenging holiday destination.

Hiker on Table Mountain		Cape Fold Mountains

Looking down to Franschhoek Valley		Fynbos vegetation
Orange breasted sunbird		Near Clanwilliam

Only 50km east of Cape Town are the Winelands, an area of outstanding natural beauty; here mighty mountains, with names such as Groot Drakenstein (Great Dragonstone), Dutoitskop and Simonsberg, tower over a kaleidoscope of vineyards. In the heart of the Winelands is the ancient Huguenot village of Franschhoek, now a thriving wine-making community with wonderful eateries, including some of the best in the Continent. This is the base of Cape Hiking. From here we explore these rarely-trodden mountains by often unmapped trails, enjoying at close quarters the phenomenal scenery and exotic flora and fauna.

Your Guides

Binny Ridgway

Binny, was born and bred in the English Lake District, and developed a passion for “the great outdoors” at an early age. On leaving school she studied a B Eed in physical education, specializing in outoor recreation. On graduating, she spent 2 years travelling in Africa, before stumbling across Cape Town, and deciding to stay.

Having qualified as a white water river guide, Binny worked as a guide on the Orange and Doring rivers for several years. It was here that her passion for sharing her love of nature with others was realized. In 1995, Binny became Operations manager for one of the larger river companies in South Africa, and began to concentrate on guide training, as oppose to guiding herself. During this time, she spent much of her recreationl hours exploring Table Mountain, and the other mountains of the Western Cape. She also took the opportunity to study part time. Taking a National Diploma in Nature conservation, and then a BA in Environmental management.

In 2008, Binny decided to move back to tour guiding. Her passion for sharing a love of nature, having been fuelled by her studies. She has qualified as a Mountain Walking leader and began leading tours throughout the Western Cape. Most notable of these to date is the, 75km non stop walk from Cape Point, to Cape Town along the Table Mountain Chain. This hike was completed for charity. Binny led 12 fellow walkers on this trail.

Steve Ruddick

Steve Ruddick is another widely travelled Brit, now a South African resident. His extensive knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa covers Namibia, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Botswana. As well as hiking many of South Africa's trails, Steve has climbed all of Africa's Equatorial Snow Mountains, Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya and various peaks in the Ruwenzoris.