Tokai / Silvermine / Muizenberg / Kalkbay Area / Noordhoek
Tokai Arboretum (1884) Tokai Plantation - This walk starts from the Tokai Arboretum (1884), Tokai Plantation and is a shaded loop walk. The route takes us along up through Prinskasteel valley to just below the Tokai Fire Lookout. This will be our lunch spot, offering an opportunity to take in magnificent views. From here, we will follow the forest shaded upper track, as we explore the heart of Tokai Forest. A large amount of this walk is on a jeep track and mostly in the shade.
EXPLORE INTUITION THROUGH NATURE... since March 2004
Tokai Forest towards Elephant's Eye Cave - This walk starts from Tokai Forest and we walk up towards Elephant's Eye Cave. This will be our lunch spot, offering spectacular views. We will then make our way back past Prinz Kasteel Waterfall. This route is partly in the shade, as we make our way up through the forest.
The Amphitheatre via Echo Valley from Boyce Drive above Kalk bay - This walk starts from Boyes Drive, which is located directly above the Kalk Bay harbour entrance. The route will take us past delightful stopping points like Weary Willy’s and Hungry Harry’s. From here we will make our way through Echo Valley on the winding boardwalk path, which takes us past the magical Yellow & Milk Woods. This will be one of our tranquil resting spots. From here we will then walk on to the Amphitheatre. From here, we will see views of Sun Valley and Noordhoek beach. Our lunch spot will be on Ridge Peak, with views of Kalk Bay and towards Simon's Town. Our route then takes us back via Spes Bona Valley, which is a valley that descends into another indigenous forest, being mainly Yellow Woods. In Winter and especially this time of the year, this part of the route offers wonderful cascading waterfalls. The route will then take us on a gravel path that emerges again at Weary Willy’s. From here it is a short distance back to Boyes Drive.
Muizenberg Pecks Valley / Muizenberg Peak / Mimetes Valley - This walk starts from Boyes Drive, Muizenberg. We then make our way up Pecks Valley and on to Muizenberg Peak, where there are some spectacular views over Marina da Gama. Here we will take our lunch break before returning down Pecks valley and back to Boyes Drive. I have added extra time onto this walk to take in the scenery.
Silvermine Circuit and on to Elephant's Eye Cave - This walk is almost entirely along gravel roads, which makes for a fairly easy outing. The walks begins from the Silvermine reservoir and takes us on to the Noordhoek Fire Lookout, which offers scenic views of Noordhoek and Noordhoek Beaches. The route then takes us on to Elephant's Eye Cave. The lofty, gaping hole that forms this open cave is aptly named Elephant's Eye. It can be seen from the M3 when you look towards Constantiaberg. From this vantage point, an impressive view is offered of the Tokai Forests. We then return to Silvermine Reservoir via Steenberg Ridge, exploring some of this area. Did you know that the name Silvermine is a complete misnomer: although shafts were sunk in the area between 1675 & 1685, not one ounce of silver was ever discovered.
Silvermine Circuit and on to Noordhoek Peak and the Panorama Path - This walk takes us on the Silvermine Circuit and then on to Noordhoek Peak and the Panorama Path. Then heading toward the edge of Blackburn Ravine. This is one of our two longer stops of the day. Here we will relax and take in the scenery. The route then winds back to the Silvermine Resevoir and the parking area. This walk is almost entirely along gravel roads, which makes for a fairly easy outing. There are two glorious view points, one of these being from Noordhoek peak and the other overlooking Hout Bay. Did you know that the name Silvermine is a complete misnomer: although shafts were sunk in the area between 1675 & 1685, not one ounce of silver was ever discovered.
Silvermine Valley and on to waterfall - This walk starts from the Sunbird Environmental Centre (Silvermine Nature Reserve), which is located just at the bottom of Ou Kaapse Weg, once you take a left turn as if going to Sunvalley. From here we will walk up Silvermine River Valley to a small waterfall, which will be our lunch spot. Along the way we pass a number of old ruins. From the waterfall we will follow the jeep track which takes us to Nellie's Pool, and time permitting, we will visit Muizenburg Cave. The route then takes us back to our starting point. A large amount of this walk will be on a jeep track. The waterfall offers the perfect spot to take in the sounds of nature. Like so many of the waterfalls on Table Mountain, this one is only seen in it's full glory in Winter.
Silvermine Valley / Mimetes Grove / Steenberg Peak - This walk starts from Ou Kaapse Weg.
The starting point is Silvermine Gate 2. The entrance is on the left hand side if coming from Cape Town (note that you will pass another entrance to the right before reaching gate 2 on the left). The planned route will take us past Steenberg Peak, offering spectacular views North over Table Mountain and Constantiaberg. There is a plateau on top of Steenberg Peak, which offers some breath-taking views and will be our lunch spot. The initial route follows the jeep-track past an impressive waterfall and on to Maidens's Pool, passing through Mimetes Grove. This part of the walk is dominated by some large, old bushes of kreupelhout and Mimetes fimbriifolius, which, because of their thick, corky bark can survive fires. They are therefore very old, and when they flower in Spring, they provide a maginificent display of colour. The top of Steenberg has some amazingly shaped rocks, carved by the wind and the rain, that are not to be missed. The route then leads down the right of Wolfkop and back to the parking area.
Noordhoek beach towards Bokram Beach - This walk starts from the parking Area at Noordhoek beach taking us towards Bokram Beach. Along the way we pass the wreckage of the Kakapo, 26 May 1900. The Kakapo left Cape Town for Sydney on a misty night. Captain Nicolaysen saw Chapman's Peak and thought it was Cape Point. He turned sharply east, but instead of cruising into False Bay he 'parked' his boat on Noordhoek Beach. Captain Nicolaysen ploughed so deep into the dune that his crew could step out of the boat without getting their feet wet! The Kakapo shipwreck is one, of what must be very few, completely visible shipwrecks in the world. Just around the next corner is Bokram beach. We will most probably have lunch here. Further still is a tall lighthouse, marking a rocky outcrop known as Slangkoppunt. As it will be a beach walk, we will be walking barefeet most of the way, but do bring a pair of sandles, as, if time permits we will visit the lighthouse.
Hout Bay Area
Blackburn Ravine with views overlooking Hout Bay from Chapman's Peak - The meeting point is before the Toll Plaza. The route will take us on a gravel road which leads into the Blackburn Wooded Ravine. The route will then take us along past Flat Rock Ravine and towards Chapman's Nek. Our lunch spot will overlook Hout Bay from the Contour path. We head back on the same route.
Myburgh's Waterfall - On this walk we do the Suikerbossie contour walk, with a visit through an indigenous forest to the waterfall at Myburgh's Kloof. This will be our lunch spot. This waterfall is another one which only flows in Winter after the rains. We then head towards Hout Bay Nek and return via the Suikerbossie contour path. This walk offers some spectacular views over Hout Bay.
Table Mountain Area
Saddle Path up to Devil's Peak. Offering you 360 Degree views - On this walk we walk along the Saddle Path from Tafelberg Road up to Devil's Peak. In terms of gradient, the walk will be similar to walking up Lions Head. You will be rewarded with a heavenly 360 degree view not to be missed!! We will spend a full hour on the top taking in the views.
Saddle Path up to Pulpit Rock. With Spectacular views over Newlands Forest - On this walk we walk up to the Saddle between Devil's Peak and Maclear's Beacon on the Eastern side of Table Mountain. We will then walk along to the fire look-out point and to the ruin above Oppelskop. We will find ourselves on the peak that is in alignment with the three towers. The ruin of an old forestry look-out post and the koppie itself is a marvellous spot to take in the city views.
Saddle Path up to Lower Contour Path to Fire Look-out overlooking Camps Bay - This walk starts from the Saddle Path on Tafelberg Road and leads up to the Saddle Path between Devil's Peak and Maclear's Beacon. After a fairly easy, upward zigzagging walk on the Lower Contour Path, which runs parallel directly above Tafelberg Road (the road where the lower Cable Car is located), the route will take us on a level path past the Silverstream waterfall and then on to the Fire look-out overlooking Kloof Nek and Camps Bay. As we take in the breathtaking views, we will enjoy a lunch break here. The route will take us back the same way with alternative views.
Saddle Path up to Blockhouse Ridge and along to Twelve O'Clock Rock hole - This walk starts from the Saddle Path at Tafelberg Road and leads up to the Lower Contour Path. From here the route takes us left along past Oppelskop, Blockhouse Ridge and along to Twelve O'Clock Rock hole, which is clearly visible from the city - in alignment with the three towers. This will be our lunch spot. This route promises to offer spectacular views of the city, both on the way to the cave and on our return.
Start of Platteklip Gorge to the ruin above Oppelskop - This walk starts from the beginning of Platteklip Gorge and then leads along the Lower Contour Path towards the Saddle between Devil's Peak and Maclear's Beacon on the Eastern side of Table Mountain. We will then walk along to the fire look-out point and to the ruin above Oppelskop. We will find ourselves on the peak that is in alignment with the three towers. The ruin of a old forestry look-out post and the kop itself is a marvellous spot from which to take in the city views.
Pipe Track with views of the Twelve Apostles - On this walk, we walk along the Pipe track above Camps Bay. This is gentle walk with breath-taking views of both the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay, which inspires me every time I take this walk. It is known to be one of the oldest walking routes, with the pipe track being constructed in 1887 to lay the pipeline from the proposed reservoirs on Table Mountain to Kloof Nek. Work began in the same year on the Woodhead Tunnel to which the track leads.
Table Mountain's Big Five - This walk starts from Constantia Nek and winds gradually up through the forest plantation. From here the route takes us on the gravel road to the De Villiers dam (1907). This will be our first stop to take in views of the Natural forests of the unspoilt Orange Kloof, which is normally a restricted Area. The path takes us off to the left, past the Alexandra and Victoria resevoirs to the Twelve Apostles path overlooking Camps Bay. The gravel road then arrives at the Woodhead resevoir. Some inpressive views are offered as one looks down into the Disa Gorge. To the right with the Disa Gorge on our left, the Woodhead (1897) and Hely-Hutchinson (1904) dams can be seen. We will also visit the Water Works Museum, which holds a narrow-gauge railway engine and is a rare find of a musem, capturing the essence of life in Cape Town over 100 years ago. We will explore some of the wonders of the nature in the area.
Constantia Nek & up to The De Villers Dam (1907) with views over Orange Kloof - This walk starts from Constantia Nek on the jeep track and then leads up past Eagle's Nest look-out point over Orange Kloof. The route then winds up on a mostly Gravel or Concrete path until we reach the De Villiers Dam, which was built in 1907. This will be our lunch spot with views into the heart of the Natural forests of the unspoilt Orange Kloof, which is normally a restricted area. We will return via the well-defined Hoerikwaggo Hiking Trail.
Cecilia Plantation, towards Constantia Nek - This walk starts from Cecilia Plantation and then leads towards Constantia Nek and onto the Contour Path. From here the route will lead us to Spillhaus Ravine, which overlooks Kirstenbosch. This will be our lunch spot. We will then return via the contour path to the car park in Cecilia Plantation. This route will be mostly on the Jeep Track.
Silver Tree Trail from Kirstenbosch - This circular walk begins in Kirstenbosch and will give you an opportunity to take in both the beauty of Kirstenbosch and the scenic neighbouring forests. The route will take us past the Kirstenbosch Dam and on to Spilhaus Ravine in the Cecelia Forest, heading up Spilhaus Ravine. We then walk along to the Contour Path and head back along towards Kirstenbosch. After crossing Nursery Stream in a natural forest, the route joins the Contour Path. We walk first in fynbos and then in forest, crossing Skeleton and Window Gorge. This part of the trail is aptly named the Silver Tree Trail, as the silver trees are abundant. The route then takes us back to Kirstenbosch. We stop at the restaurant afterwards for tea or for an icy cool drink.
Rhodes Memorial along to King's block house (1796) - On this walk, we walk from Rhodes Memorial along to King's block house (1796). As we walk on to the Prince of Wales Blockhouse (1795), we will walk past the Antelope Paddocks, where a number of game species are found. You will be able to see Black Wildebeest, Mountain Zebra and the more exotic Fallow Deer for a bit of a "Safari" Experience. We will then head towards King's Blockhouse (1796), via Plumpudding hill with its views over the Antelope Paddocks. Time permitting, we will stop for tea and cake at Rhodes memorial restaurant afterwards.
Rhodes Memorial, along through the forest towards Groote Schuur Estate(1664) - On this walk we walk from Rhodes Memorial, along through the forest towards Groote Schuur Estate(1664) and then along up to the Contour Path. From here, we will follow the Contour Path, which is mostly in the shade, towards Second Waterfall Ravine. We stop for lunch here and to enjoy the tranquility of the sounds of the forest. We will return via the Contour Path and will stop for afternoon tea and cake at the Rhodes Memorial Restaurant. This walk is mostly in the shade.
Newlands Forest on the Woodcutters' Trail - This walk starts from the parking area at Newlands Forest Station where the Helipad is found. We will walk up through Newlands Forest on the Woodcutters' Trail. This is a circular route, keeping to the middle lower contour. This walk will be mostly in the shade.
Vlakkenberg - This walk starts from Constantia Nek and then we gradually make our way diagonally up the hillside towards Vlakkenberg and on towards Vlakkenberg Peak. Vlakkenberg Peak offers you a heavenly 360 degree view of Constantia, Tokai Plantation and Hout Bay through Baviaans Kloof. This will be our lunch spot. We will then make our way back through Vlakkenberg Neck, which has views over Eagle's Nest Peak and Cecilia Plantation. This route is part of the well-defined Hoerikwaggo Hiking Trail.
Van Riebeeck Park (Deer Park) circular route - This walk starts from Van Riebeeck Park and the forest plantation, more commonly known as "Deer Park" - as it is situated right at the top of Deer Park Drive in Vredehoek. It boasts a beautiful pine forest with Table Mountain as a backdrop, as well as a picturesque waterfall with a small pool below. The route will take us up via Tafelberg Road, offering some awesome views of the city. We will have our lunch break in Deer Park, near the waterfall.
Llandudno to Oude Schip - On this walk we walk from Llandudno to Oude Schip. The walk is a pleasant stroll along to Sandy Bay, with a bit of boardwalk over a marshy spot. We cross over Sandy Bay beach and manouevre our way across the boulders at the far end. At the Umbrella Tree Rock we will head up onto the path which is about 30m off the coast. The route will take us on to the isthmus which separates Oude Schip from the mainland at high tides. This section offers seascapes, shipwrecks and wild mountain views which will take your breath away.
Lion's Head - On this walk we walk up Lion's Head, offering you a breathtaking 360 degree view of Cape Town. The route will start at Kloof Nek and follows the path left of Signal Hill Road towards the cannons located near the Kramat. From here, we will go up past the large granite boulders facing Bantry Bay and then connecting with the path that leads up to the peak of Lion's Head. The route will bypass the chains en route to the top, where we will have our lunch break and take in the views.
Intuition Walks, Scenic trails & hiking routes used - Table Mountain Cape Town South Africa
