Great Adventure Trips

South Africa

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7 Day Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo Trail (5 day option below)

A hiking adventure from Cape Town's famous landmark to Cape Point

Cape Town, Table Mountain, Hout Bay, Silvermine, Kommetjie, Simonstown, Cape Point

Day 1 (Saturday): Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. You have the remainder of the day at leisure to acclimatise or to explore the Mother City. Major attractions include Greenmarket Square, the Company Gardens, Robben Island and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Accommodation: Saasveld Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant)

Day 2 (Sunday): Cape Town - Orange Kloof Forest BLD
After an early breakfast you will be met by your local guides. We then take a short drive to the foot of Table Mountain and begin our adventure up Platteklip (flat stone) Gorge to the upper cable station (this trip can also be done by cable car which is included in the rate). From here, we make our way to Maclears Beacon, which is the highest point on Table Mountain. We then hike towards the coastal town of Hout Bay through the Eco Valley past picturesque dams and arrive at our destination in the late afternoon. We overnight in a picturesque, tented camp nestled in the ancient Afromontane forest of Orange Kloof. The camp was built using alien wood sourced from within the Park and embraces the philosophy of "touching the earth lightly". Relax in style and comfort, enjoy a hot shower, an open fire and the overwhelming silence of the restricted Orange Kloof forest.
Distance: 18.4 km (+/- 8 to 9 hours walk)
Accommodation: Orangekloof Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 3 (Monday): Orange Kloof Forest - Silvermine BLD
After a peaceful night at the Disa River, we head off after breakfast through abundant fauna and flora, that will sooth and charm your soul, to traverse the Constantiaberg and Vlakkeberg with maginificent views over the Cape Peninsula. We arrive at our camp in the afternoon to relax and enjoy our evening meal together. We spend the night at Sivermine Tented Camp, overlooking False Bay.
Distance: 17.5 km (+/- 7 to 8 hours walk)
Accommodation: Silvermine Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 4 (Tuesday): Silvermine - Kommetjie BLD
After a hearty breakfast we make our way up Chapmans Peak, which offers magnificent views from Table Mountain to Cape Point, down to Noordhoek beach. The remainder of the day is spent walking along the beach with the fresh smell of the ocean sharpening your senses. Be on the lookout for Oystercatchers, Otters, as well as whales and dolphins. We head all the way to Kommetjie, where we spend the night.
Distance: 18 km (+/- 8 to 9 hours walk)
Accommodation: Slangkop Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 5 (Wednesday): Kommetjie - Simonstown BL
From Kommetjie we make our way to the Old Wireless Station and hike up Slankop via Grootkop and eventually arrive at Signal School in the afternoon. Once we've rested a bit we make our way to the naval village of Simonstown, where we spend the night.
Distance: 15 km (+/- 4 to 5 hours walk)
Accommodation: The Lord Nelson Inn (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant)

Day 6 (Thursday): Simonstown - Cape Point - Cape Town B
After we have enjoyed our breakfast together, we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From the entrance gate of the reserve we hike along through fabulous fynbos landscapes all the way to Cape Point. We pass along picturesque beaches like Bordjiesdrif, Buffels bay and Rooikrans and we will also see the Da Gama Cross from a distance. At Cape Point our adventure comes to an end and we drive back to your hotel in Cape Town.
Distance: 17 km (+/- 6 to 7 hours hike)
Accommodation: Saasveld Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant)

Day 7 (Friday): Day of Departure B
Depending on your time of departure you will be collected and transferred to Cape Town Airport for your flight or to any accommodation within Cape Town City.

Tour Fare (2009): US$ 930.00 . Single Supplement: US$ 105.00

Group size Minimum: 4 Group Size Maximum: 12

Departure Dates 2009 Departs every Saturday from Cape Town

Included in the price
Accommodation, meals and entrance fees as per itinerary, tea/coffee with the meals, 4L of water per person per day, qualified local hiking guides, porters and transport, where necessary

Not included in the price
Flights and airport taxes, pre- and post-tour arrangements, all other drinks, items of personal nature, gratuities, travel insurance and visa fees

Meal Key - B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner

5 Day Option

Day 1 (Sunday): Cape Town - Orange Kloof Forest BLD
After an early breakfast you will be met by your local guides. We then take a short drive to the foot of Table Mountain and begin our adventure up Platteklip (flat stone) Gorge to the upper cable station (this trip can also be done by cable car which is included in the rate). From here, we make our way to Maclears Beacon, which is the highest point on Table Mountain. We then hike towards the coastal town of Hout Bay through the Eco Valley past picturesque dams and arrive at our destination in the late afternoon. We overnight in a picturesque, tented camp nestled in the ancient Afromontane forest of Orange Kloof. The camp was built using alien wood sourced from within the Park and embraces the philosophy of "touching the earth lightly". Relax in style and comfort, enjoy a hot shower, an open fire and the overwhelming silence of the restricted Orange Kloof forest.
Distance: 18.4 km (+/- 8 to 9 hours walk)
Accommodation: Orange Kloof Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 2 (Monday): Orange Kloof Forest - Silvermine BLD
After a peaceful night at the Disa River, we head off after breakfast through abundant fauna and flora, that will sooth and charm your soul, to traverse the Constantiaberg and Vlakkeberg with maginificent views over the Cape Peninsula. We arrive at our camp in the afternoon to relax and enjoy our evening meal together. We spend the night at Sivermine Tented Camp, overlooking False Bay.
Distance: 17.5 km (+/- 7 to 8 hours walk)
Accommodation: Silvermine Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 3 (Tuesday): Silvermine - Kommetjie BLD
After a hearty breakfast we make our way up Chapmans Peak, which offers magnificent views from Table Mountain to Cape Point, down to Noordhoek beach. The remainder of the day is spent walking along the beach with the fresh smell of the ocean sharpening your senses. Be on the lookout for Oystercatchers, Otters, as well as whales and dolphins. We head all the way to Kommetjie, where we spend the night.
Distance: 18 km (+/- 8 to 9 hours walk)
Accommodation: Slangkop Tented Camp (Tented Chalets with shared bathrooms)

Day 4 (Wednesday): Kommetjie - Simonstown BL
From Kommetjie we make our way to the Old Wireless Station and hike up Slankop via Grootkop and eventually arrive at Signal School in the afternoon. Once we've rested a bit we make our way to the naval village of Simonstown, where we spend the night.
Distance: 15 km (+/- 4 to 5 hours walk)
Accommodation: The Lord Nelson Inn (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms, bar & restaurant)

Day 5 (Thursday): Simonstown - Cape Point - Cape Town B
After we have enjoyed our breakfast together, we drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. From the entrance gate of the reserve we hike along through fabulous fynbos landscapes all the way to Cape Point. We pass along picturesque beaches like Bordjiesdrif, Buffels bay and Rooikrans and we will also see the Da Gama Cross from a distance. At Cape Point our adventure comes to an end and we drive back to Cape Town, where the tour ends at Saasveld Lodge.
Distance: 14 km (+/- 5 to 6 hours hike)

2009 Tour Fare : US$ 760.00, Single Supplement US$ 25.00

Group size Minimum: 4 Maximum: 12

Departure Dates 2009 Departs every Saturday from Cape Town

Pre and post tour accommodation and transfers can be arranged on request.
Saasveld Lodge, Standard Room = ZAR 325.00 per person sharing per night, ZAR 500.00 per single per night
Airport Transfers: ZAR 155.00 per person one-way (based on a min of 2 pax)

Transport
we use fully equipped Toyota Quantums or Landcruisers or appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, windows for game viewing and a music system. All luggage is carried on the vehicle or trailer roof racks to ensure maximum comfort inside the vehicle. An off-road trailer is fitted with a field kitchen
Accommodation
On Days 1, 5 and 6 you will be accommodated in standard hotels with double rooms and en-suite bathrooms. On Days 2, 3 and 4 you will be staying in tented chalets with shared ablution facilities.
Spending money
Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, and additional entertainment. The South African Rand is the official currency of South Africa. There are automatic teller machines (ATM's) available to draw money. Foreign exchange into the local currency is possible. International credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted.
Meals
All meals are organized and prepared by the guide. Meals are nutritious and filling, drawing on fresh local produce where possible. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
First Aid
Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit.
Luggage
Maximum baggage allowance: 20 kg.
Insurance
It is compulsory for all travelers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving home country.

We are able to supply sleeping bags during the tour if necessary. A fee of US$ 30 / Euro 25 will be charged.

Participation
The Hike from Table Mountain to Cape Point requires no participation
Visas
All visa requirements to visit South Africa must be organized prior to departure by clients.

Information on areas visited

South Africa
Situated on the tip of the African continent, South Africa has often been described as a world in one country. It has a wealth of natural beauty, pristine wilderness areas, warm and friendly people, cosmopolitan cities and excellent infrastructure - making South Africa a favourite safari destination.
Cape Town
Cape Town has traditionally been the gateway between Europe and Southern Africa and this is still evident in its atmosphere, its playful character, its people and even its architecture.
The 'Mother City' as its known locally has no shortage of attractions. It's a magnetic, multi-cultural city with an array of diverse offerings within a small, accessible area, surrounded by spectacular topography. Spectacular beaches, mountains (incredibly unique bio-diversity), hiking, water-sport, shopping centers, markets, theatres, museums, historical & cultural attractions, a first-rate waterfront, galleries, night-clubs, restaurants and an abundance of activities to suite all, are prolific in this world-class destination.
Although tastes vary, some of the more popular sights include the following:
Table Mountain
This 1086 m sandstone landmark dominates the city and has to be ascended! This is a fantastic way to gain a perspective on the city, with some breathtaking views of the peninsula, as well as an opportunity to experience the most concentrated, yet diverse, ecosystems in the world.
The mountain is home to more than 1450 species of plants, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world, such as the Silver Tree and the wild orchid Disa Uniflora. Table Mountain is classified as the smallest of the six floral kingdoms of the world. The 'flat' top of the mountain is approximately nearly 3 km in length and sees almost a million tourist & hikers per year.
Visitors to the top can choose the six-minute trip to the summit via the modern cable car, one of the safest in the world, or alternatively make use of one of the 350 recognized paths all over the mountain. The easiest and quickest of these is the popular Platteklip Gorge route, a path up a ravine clearly visible on the front face of Table Mountain. The summit boasts a modern restaurant, souvenir shop and postal service.
Robben Island
With 150 years of dark, incarceration history, including the 18-year imprisonment of its most famous prisoner, Nelson Mandela, the island is a certain place of interest. After the fall of apartheid, the island was eventually declared a national monument in 1996, formerly opened its doors to the public in 1997, and declared an UNESCO world heritage site in 1999.
The Robben Island experience begins at Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island, situated in the Clock Tower Precinct at the V&A Waterfront, where four ferries a day leave for the island. Each round trip is three and a half hours long and includes a visit to the maximum-security prison, a bus tour around the island and visits to the penguin boardwalk and museum shop. A number of antelopes can also be spotted on the island.
The Wine Routes
Constantia, a meager 20 minutes from the city centre, is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. Still today, five wine farms in this area produce world-class wines, recognized for their escalating quality.
Further from the city, a drive of approximately 45 minutes north from Cape Town brings you to a region where grand mountains from a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards and historic gabled Cape Dutch homesteads.
Almost 100 wine farms on four wine routes in this region alone boast not only a multitude of award winning wines, but also restaurants, wine tasting and activities. In the wine regions visitors can also experience a number of quaint villages & towns (especially Paarl, Stellenbosch & Franshoek), cheese shops, a crocodile farm, a cheetah rehabilitation centre, hikes and rivers activities.
The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
As one of the most successful developments in the history of Southern Africa, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a comprehensive shopping and recreational destination ranking amongst the best waterfronts in the world. It's Cape Town's most popular local attraction and has over a million visitors per year, 70% of which are Capetonian.
An array of shops, markets, restaurants, cinemas, a theatre, boat trips, helicopter trips, a brewery, hotels as well as a new residential development can all be found within walking distance and surrounded by a working harbor.
Additional attractions worth a visit are the Waterfront Craft Market & the Red Shed craft market, where visitors can watch artists & craftspeople produce as well as buy their wares. The Two Ocean Aquarium offers a constantly updated peak into indigenous Southern African fresh and seawater creatures. Next door to the aquarium the South African Maritime Museum has the largest collection of model ships in the Southern Hemisphere and some fascinating artifacts.
Table Mountain National Park
Situated at the south-western tip of Africa, the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) encompasses the incredibly scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the north to Cape Point in the south and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warmer waters of False Bay and has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks - majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. The Park is recognised globally for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora - with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats - is a truly remarkable natural, scenic, historical, cultural and recreational asset both locally and internationally. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist almost entirely within a metropolitan area - the thriving and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. A unique feature of the TMNP is that it is primarily an open access Park with only three points where conservation fees are payable, Cape of Good Hope, Boulders and Silvermine, the rest of the Park is open access and free for all to enjoy.