South Africa

This itinerary consists of moderately difficult hikes and bouldering. It is classed as an intermediate itinerary and will require exposure to heights, sun and long distance walking.

Day 1

Arrive in Cape Town

Set at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans and backed by the iconic Table Mountain, the bustling city of Cape Town presents an alluring combination of drawcards. Incredible powdery white beaches, highly acclaimed wine routes, and astonishingly beautiful mountain trails surround this cosmopolitan hub. A diverse metropolis with superb shops,  restaurants, extraordinary heritage monuments, a multitude of entertainment venues, and a chic waterfront harbour.

After picking you up from the airport we drive to your cozy accommodation in the city and check-in. The fun starts soon after where we will gather at Llandudno beach for a sundowner, a very South African experience. Llandudno beach will provide us with the perfect picture postcard backdrop with its white sandy beach where waves crash on the large granite boulders below. It is the perfect start to our South African adventure ahead. Heildronk!

Day 2

Walk on Table Mountain 

On your second day in Cape Town, we will have the chance to conquer the iconic Table Mountain.

Depending on our group and fitness we can take either of the routes below.

– India Venster – Which is arguably the best half-day route to the summit and involves scrambling and narrow ledges about 15% of the way. It is an intermediate hike and requires  a cool and decent head with no fear of heights. This route will take about 4 hours in total.

Or

– Kasteelspoort – just as brilliant, this path offers spectacular views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, Clifton Beaches and takes in a lot of Table Mountain as well as panoramic coastal views and plenty of nature for the wild at heart. This route is less visited and has minimal exposure to heights and sharp drops. It will take us 4-5 hours to complete this route.

Day 3

Cape Peninsula

Today we will get to know the real Cape Town. A full day trip seeing the penguins at Boulders beach, you will also drive through a small South peninsula town, stopping for shopping and snacks. We will go on a short hike at Cape point, visiting Dias beach and the southwestern tip of Africa. On the way back we will experience Chapmans peak drive, one of the best coastal drives on this part of the country and finish in Camps just in time for the addictive sundowners.

Day 4

Travel to Cederberg

We check out of our hotel and travel to Cederberg – a 3 hour drive from Cape Town. After checking-in we have the rest of the day to relax and take in the Cederberg wilderness.

Day 5

Wolfberg Cracks and Arch

If in Cederberg and you have to do one thing, this is it! Hike to Wolfberg Cracks. This is a 8 hour hike and will require moderate fitness. We will tackle various twists and turns in the rocky labyrinth, narrow corridors, stony steps and bouldering throughout the steep ascent of about 630 m to the top. Prepare to be awe-struck by the stunning rock formations and vistas of Cederberg Wilderness far below.

Make sure to bring good hiking shoes, ample water and sun protection

The Wolfberg Cracks, are two parallel vertical fissures extending for several hundred meters through the Wolfberg sandstone cliffs. It is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and majestic trails in the region. Part of the Cape Supergroup, these fissures along with Table Mountain are estimated to have formed at least 700 million years ago.

You are indeed taking a walk through one of Earth’s geological marvels, all the while also feeling like it’s an extra-terrestrial hike on a galaxy far far away!

Once we’ve squeezed our way to the top, it is a short walk to the famous Wolfberg Arch, a chance to stand beneath the 40-foot (12 m) arch way and take in the epic scenery (and many photos) of this wonderous landscape all around you.

After, a short break for snacks we make our way back with a chance to cool off at a local waterfall on the way.

 Day 6

Travel back to Cape Town from Cederberg

We will head back to Cape Town to our accommodation for the night. Today will be a rest and exploration day if you’d like to do some sight-seeing and souvenir hunting at local shops.

Day 7

Conquer Lion’s Head 

On our last day in South Africa, we take on another iconic work of nature that looms over Cape Town. Lion’s Head reaches an elevation of over 660 m in height offering 360-degree grand vistas all throughout the climb. We start our hike before dawn so that we can catch the sunrise from the summit (and avoid the heat as much as we can). Keeping our fingers crossed for clear skies and good weather, this hike will take about an hour and will reveal surreal views of Cape Town and the Atlantic in the horizon.

While the route is well marked, the trail will have a steep ascent and a rocky climb in some places. Make sure to have good shoes, sun protection and plenty of water and snacks.

As you take in this unforgettable moment where the sun seizes the day over the dizzying horizon, we wrap up our voyage to the most southern part of the African continent.