Where We Go

Hikers in Mont Rochelle MONT ROCHELLE
We offer several hikes, mostly Grades A&B, in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, above Franschhoek Village. The starting point for most trails is the top of Franschhoek Pass, at 700 metres, so often, quite high levels can be attained for relatively little effort. There are spectacular views of several dams (lakes), Theewaterskloof, Berg River and Wemmershoek. Various wild mammals are often seen eg Baboons, Klipspringer, Grey Rhebok, Red Hartebeeste, Eland and Bontebok.

Fernkloof KOGELBERG AND FERNKLOOF
Though separated by some 20 km, these two areas are similar in character. Both are Coastal Ranges and offer excellent coastal scenery and fine whale viewing, in season. Kogelberg is a World Heritage Site and both regions feature wonderful Coastal Fynbos. Most walks are graded A or B.

Jonkershoek Valley JONKERSHOEK
This beautiful valley, east of Stellenbosch, is surrounded by some of the best scenery in the Region. Walks vary from short hikes to idyllic waterfalls (Grade A) to full day ascents of high peaks, like Victoria Peak, 1589 m (Grade D).

Cape Point CAPE POINT
No visit to the Region is complete without a visit to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. There are several fine hikes, all Grades A or B, which avoid tourist concentrations and often permit close encounters with various wildlife, from lizards and tortoises to larger animals which live in the reserve, like Cape Mountain Zebra, Chachma Baboon, Ostrich and various antelope species. We usually visit the lovely Oliphantsbos beach on the Atlantic side, where the local baboon troupe uniquely feeds off seafood and there are many unusual birds like the rare African Oystercatcher and Sacred Ibis.

On Muizenberg Mountain
above False Bay MUIZENBERG AND ELSIE'S PEAKS
These beautiful, craggy, coastal mountains overlook False Bay. We usually choose a valley route to reach the summit Amphitheatre and return by another valley to our start point. The fynbos is excellent throughout the year. Watch out for sunbirds and sugarbirds. Looking down to the sea, pods of dolphins, Southern Right Whales and even Great White Sharks may be spotted at various times of the year.

McClears Beacon, Table Mountain TABLE MOUNTAIN
Table Mountain National Park is large, far bigger than the craggy aspect overlooking Cape Town Centre would suggest. We prefer to traverse the mountain, usually climbing a route from close to the Lower Cable Car Station and descending one of the gorges on the Newlands side of the mountain, finishing in the world renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens. There are many other fine routes in the Twelve Apostles and Silvermine areas, south of the summit plateau. Most climbs are quite long and there are many opportunities to try something more challenging. Grades go from B to D. Table Mountain is the world’s most ascended mountain. Most people use the Cable Car, but every year inexperienced tourists have to be rescued from the mountain, usually suffering from dehydration, after tackling one of the better known routes to the top. Be wary of trying anything on your own; weather conditions can change very quickly, particularly when the famous "Table Cloth " cloud formations sweep in from the sea. Our leaders know the mountain intimately and can take you on little used routes, well away from the sightseers. New visitors to Cape Town are invariably astonished that such wild, beautiful and unpolluted nature can exist so close to the centre of one of the world’s great cities.

Cederberg CEDERBERG
The Cederberg Wilderness Area begins some 200km north of Cape Town and is, justifiably, the favoured venue of local climbers and ramblers. The region is divided into three hiking areas, each of about 24,000 hectares and stretches for some 100km to the north and features many high peaks and exotic sandstone edifices. All visits necessitate an overnight stay. Our favourite venues are self catering cottages, by a riverside, adjacent to Africa’s highest vineyard. Many of our longer tours are in Cederberg. Ask for details.

Hottentotsholland Mountains HOTTENTOTSHOLLAND
This mountainous nature reserve is close to Franschhoek and has numerous peaks over 1500m high. An excellent multi-day hike, overnighting in self catering huts is also available. Wildlife is quite prolific, particularly on the lower slopes and several species of large antelope can be observed most times.

REST DAYS AND OTHER OPTIONS
We are conscious that our programme of walks may stretch many people. On our longer holidays you can use your rest days to sunbathe, explore the Village or go on an organised wine tour. Or you may wish to see big game at a local game reserve.

Remember Franschhoek is uniquely surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards and you should not forgo the opportunity to visit as many as you can find time for.

Some of you may want to revisit Cape Town and this can be easily arranged. Those of you who are more energetic may wish to spend a day Rock Climbing on Table Mountain with one of our Rock Climbing Guides.

This is an unforgettable experience, but you will need to be pretty fit and have a good head for heights. One of the most popular routes roughly follows the line of the Cable Car, so you can expect to be the centre of attention of tourists taking an easier (and much quicker) way up to the top.

Waterfalls, Mont Rochelle
Top of Platteklip Gorge,
Table Mountain
Silvermine, Cape Peninsula

Our Tours
We offer various tours, each offering a combination of visits to various mountain areas. These vary according to the time of year and the theme of the trip as a whole. Discuss your needs with us, we can arrange suitable excursions if required.