Orange Kloof

Orange Kloof lies on the southern side of Table Mountain and is a Restricted Access Area primarily protecting our Southern Afrotemporate Forest (Afromontane Forest) and threatened Peninsula Granite Fynbos. Amazing indigenous trees grow in the deep ravines including Real Yellowwoods, Cape Saffron, Hard Pear and Cape Holly. The fynbos is exquisite too and in season you’ll find anything from Red Disa orchids to King Proteas, the Constantia Heath to insectivorous Sundews to name just a few. I have led hundreds of excursions, taking thousands of feet into this protected area over a 16 year period, and with that I have a thorough knowledge of the history, flora and fauna – this area is my forte and I am your best choice as a guide to share Orange Kloof with you! 

You may have heard about Hell’s Gates waterfall, Disa Gorge or the Woodhead Tunnel…these are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of highlights and possibilities. 

Note: Orange Kloof requires obtaining a permit which is limited to 12 persons per day and as such needs to be booked well in advance. If you have already obtained a permit and are looking for a guide to enhance your experience then you can get hold of me to find out about the guiding possibilities (routes, rates, etc.). This is done in my professional guiding capacity, not as a volunteer.

Send me a whatsapp or email to find out more: +27 84 620 0424 / justinhawthorneblog@gmail.com 

Table Mountain

Hike up Table Mountain via one of the classic adventurous routes where few others walk. We’ll spend a full day on the mountain and catch the cableway down if operating. This one is for those nature lovers who want to experience the rich biodiversity of the Cape Floral Region and learn as they hike. We’ll track antelope, smell the magical scents of fynbos, admire pretty flowers, soak up the views and enjoy a great cup of tea or coffee along the side of one of Table Mountain’s many streams! Below are just a few ideas…

• India Venster 
• Grotto – Fountain – Cairn Traverse
• Kasteelspoort on the Twelve Apostles
• Tranquility Cracks
• Grootkop 
• Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine and Judas Peak
• Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine
• The Aqueduct 
• Hiddingh-Ascension via Ferny Gully
• Left Face B

Devil’s Peak

A peak that offers so much value. This is a tough day out, but the experience is memorable! Tough ascending with rocky scrambles, 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain along with a contour through lush indigenous forest. This is the best full day hike in Cape Town, and the great thing is it doesn’t see the crowds! 

We pass through pretty stands of shimmering endemic Silver Tree proteas, revisit 18th century history at the Kings Blockhouse and tip-toe across the Knife Edge on our way up Mowbray Ridge. A series of exciting rock scrambles lie between Minor Peak and Devil’s Peak summit which is covered in King Proteas and Devil’s Heaths. Elusive mountain dwelling creatures survive on the steep crags – the Himalayan Tahrs – and we often encounter them during a day on this mountain. 

 

Silvermine

I grew up within this section of the Table Mountain National Park and the mountains offer fantastic hiking opportunities with brilliant views, suitable for all ages and abilities! There are endless possibilities across this region be it hiking to Constantiaberg Peak, Chapman’s Peak, Spes Bona Forest or Muizenberg Peak. Adventurous can also include caves such as Boomslang Cave in the Kalk Bay Mountains where cave crickets and bats call home. In spring time (September – November) the mountain is most colorful with many fynbos species in bloom, however it’s always beautiful come summer or winter. It is my favourite area to take a closer look at the Fynbos biome and as such I have designed a brilliant botanical hike at Silvermine with amazing views and a mountain summit thrown in too!

Book HERE to hike Noordhoek Peak in Silvermine as part of a group on arguably the most rewarding half day hike in Cape Town.

Cape of Good Hope

There is so much beauty down at the Cape of Good Hope – and it deserves a full day of explorations! We’ll hike among large antelope, watch Chacma baboons foraging and listen to the sounds of the ocean crashing into the weather beaten cliffs. We’ll also walk about in the vicinity of the lighthouses, Diaz Beach and take in the incredible drama of Cape Point. You’ll enjoy a botanical walk to a mountain peak affording spectacular views, learn all about the wonderful diversity and beauty of the fynbos biome, spot wildlife including the little Klipspringer antelope and do some birding too. Lunch is a environmentally mindful picnic at the coast filled with artisinal breads and local produce together with delicious fynbos tea. The day too includes encountering the charismatic African Penguins at Boulders Penguin Colony, cruising over Chapman’s Peak Drive and visiting Kalk Bay. 

Book HERE to spend a day exploring the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Peninsula on a hiking and nature tour. 

To book a day out in nature with me, email justinhawthorneblog@gmail.com to chat about hiking options.