I am currently training for my big adventure of 2009: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They say the best preparation you can do is to climb, hike and trek, up and down as much as possible. There are so many stunning hiking trails all over the Cape Peninsula, but it is only now that I am training that I have started to become familiar with them as well as the tears of joy (and pain!) of hiking.
We are so fortunate to be surrounded by so many mountain ranges that have so many different hiking routes to follow. We have hiked along Olifantsbos in the Cape Point Nature reserve past the numerous shipwrecks. We hiked up to Elephant's Eye cave through the Tokai forest. Sun downers on Lion’s Head and an unexpected stay over in Suicide Gorge in Grabbow.
 |
Olifantsbos in the Cape Point Nature Reserve is not only a stunning hike, but also a beautiful, quiet beach to relax at.
If you explore a bit further you'll even come across a few shipwrecks and a whale bone on the beach.
|
It’s (now) armed with a fair amount of experience that I offer you some hiking advice.
- Know your gear: make sure your boots and packs are comfortable and appropriate.
- Expect the unexpected: weather changes can be very quick, sometimes you water source will not be there and sometimes your cellphone will not have reception.
- Always only travel as fast as your slowest hiker.
When you do venture out as an amateur or a seasoned hiker, there are a few important things to remember to take with you.
You don’t want to end up being unprepared as these poor hikers did.
My top 10 trekking tips are:
|
1. Always take enough water and / or ensure you have water purification tablets with you, if you know that you will be near a water source.
2. Take sun block and a wide-brimmed hat. It may be useful to add in some after-sun lotion.
3. The weather can change very quickly so ensure you have warm clothes, gloves, spare socks and a rainproof jacket / trousers
|
 |
4. A first aid kit is essential and should include plasters, bandages, painkillers, anti-inflammatory cream, immodium, an emergency blanket (space blanket),
5. Lighter or waterproof matches
6. Maps, compass, GPS if you can
7. Small torch & batteries
8. Whistle
9. Energy bars and powdered energy drink
10. Bin liners (for waterproofing your gear)
Hiking Club
If you are living in SA a good club to get in touch with if you want to start hiking is Cape Union Mart’s Cum Hike Club. Membership is only R100 for the first member and R50 for the second. You have access to all sorts of information and advice. You can go along on their organised hikes which are graded according to how physically tough the hike is as well as the height of the hike. Information on start times and the duration of the hike are also all included.
And as an added bonus you get 10% off anything you buy at Cape Union Mart.
Hiking is a great way to explore the Cape. The fauna and flora that you find along the way are just amazing and well worth it. Remember to take your camera along, the views are often spectacular!
The view from Elephant's Eye in Tokai, Cape Town
And if you’re climbing to the top of a mountain, getting there is difficult, but the summit makes it all worth it!
Please feel free to send us any tips you have or any hikes you can recommend we do.
(Images: Jolene Bertoldi. All rights reserved)
