Hoerikwaggo Trails

The Table Mountain Trail will delight both culture vultures and nature lovers and includes many of Cape Town's major tourist attractions: a cultural trail through the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the City of Cape Town, a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting), the world famous Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and two nights accommodation in the Table Mountain National Park.

Table Mountain Trail itinerary

Day 1: Meet at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront at 08h30. From there the guides of Footsteps to Freedom will lead you, by boat and on foot, through the multifaceted tapestry of Cape Town's eclectic architecture, weaving the story of the City's cosmopolitan, often tragic, past.

The day ends at the beautifully restored Platteklip Wash Houses on the banks of the Camissa (sweet water) River on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Here you will meet the Hoerikwaggo Trail Guides - your hosts on days 2 and 3. After dinner - a mouth-watering Cape Malay meal, you can relax around the fire, watch a DVD, send an e-mail or simply chat to your fellow hikers.

Day 2: After an early rise and a sumptuous continental breakfast you will hike to the lower cable way station. From there, weather permitting, you will catch the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain.

From the upper cable station the trail winds through pristine fynbos to Maclear's Beacon for a picnic lunch. The Beacon is the highest point on the Cape Peninsula and was constructed in 1884 by the astronomer Thomas Maclear who initiated the first geodetic survey of the Cape. After lunch continue via the historic Smuts Track to the overnight accommodation at the restored Overseers Cottage which offers awesome night time views of the City and the mountain chain.

Tonight is the night for a traditional South African barbecue where our chef will spoil you with steaks, turned to perfection, and an assortment of salads and vegetables. The outdoor braai will only be lit on a low fire-risk day. Should the wind be too strong or the vegetation too dry the meal will be prepared in the kitchen.

Day 3; Today a morning hike will take you to the north western edges of the mountain. The route offers plenty of interesting and historic features and scenic trails. After lunch the guides will lead you down the magnificent, forested Nursery Ravine to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens where the trail ends.

Accommodation on the Table Mountain Trail

Night 1: Relax in the casual elegance of the restored Platteklip Wash Houses, where the Cape Malay servant women washed their master's cloths and kept the banned Quran alive with their vibrant oral tradition. A communal eating place and lounge - complete with a log fire - offer an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sound of night falling on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. On warm evenings a huge fire pit will set the scene for story telling and the forging of friendships.

Sleeping quarters consist of two, four-sleeper bedrooms and four, two-sleeper bedrooms. All beds are fitted with fresh linen and towels are provided.

There are ample, gas-heated hot water showers. The Kitchen is fully equipped kitchen where the caterers will prepare your meals. There is also a basic cash bar.

Night 2 accommodation:

The Overseers Cottage has been revamped into stylish and comfortable overnight facilities offering unsurpassed views of Cape Town on the one side and the total wilderness of the mountain chain on the other. You are guaranteed to wake up refreshed - literally on top of the world. It is a rare privilege to spend an evening in this special place.

Sleeping quarters consist of two, four-sleeper bedrooms and four, two-sleeper bedrooms. All beds are fitted with fresh linen and towels are provided.

Bathrooms

There are ample, gas-heated hot water showers.

The Kitchen is fully equipped kitchen where the caterers will prepare your meals.

The hike starts at Silvermine Dam - Silvermine is located within the Cape Floral Kingdom one of the most diverse of the six floral kingdoms in the world. The walk takes the hikers to the tented camp in Orange Kloof, a restricted area. The Afromontane forest and the scenery surrounding Orange Kloof compels you to relax and be at peace with yourself. The tented accommodation is located within the lush trees - the whole set up is re-invigorating.

The next day, hikers walk, via Disa Gorge towards the Arial Cable Way Station where they will be ferried down by the Cable Car.

We have four, two sleeper tents and one four sleeper tent.

Hikers must bring their own sleeping bags and pillows

Adjacent to the tents are showers with hot and cold water

The hike is self-catered with a kitchen where hikers can prepare their meals. The kitchen has a two-plate gas stove. Hikers must bring their own utensils.

Meet the guide at Silvermine Dam at 08h30

Transport back to Silvermine Dam is not included in the tariff

Permit fees to enter Orange Kloof and Disa Gorge are included in the actual price of the hike.

The Cable Car ticket down to lower Cable Way Station is included in the price, as are guide fees.

If you looking for a hiking Trail along the Garden Route, try the world famous Otter trail in the beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park.