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Photos of Table Mountain walks

Ralph — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:15:32 +0000

The Cape-based members of the Patagonia group are training for the trek through the Andes by taking regular walks in the Cape Peninsula’s Table Mountain National Park. Here are some photos from those walks along with some older ones…

Climbing Victoria Peak

Ralph — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 20:37:38 +0000

At 1589m Victoria Peak is the highest summit in the Jonkershoek area. It is visible beyond the valley from Stellenbosch and is often – as it is today – covered in a white blanket of snow. The route as shown in this Google Earth track winds up the eastern edge of the Jonkershoek valley to Bergriviersnek (Berg River Saddle) and then continues easily up to the Dwarsberg plateau before one has to tackle the final 300 or so metres to the summit. From there the 360 degree panorama is simply stunning – see the photos below.

The summer fires have scorched almost all the peaks, but the expanses of green shoots promise a spring show second to none in a matter of weeks. The rains have been good and the spongy vlei on the Dwarsberg plateau, reputed to be the site of highest rainfall in the country, is saturated. The rain meter there gives the highest annual readings – but could it have something to do with the hikers’ “tradition” of topping it up from water bottles?

If the track doesn’t appear in the window above or you don’t want to install the plugin in your browser, then download the Google Earth Jonkershoek file and view it in Google Earth (download Google Earth)

Hiking in Kogelberg

Ralph — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:06:08 +0000

The Kogelberg Biosphere and Nature Reserve is my playground. When we’re not kayaking here, we are hiking its many routes. Kogelberg is the jewel in the crown of the Cape’s floral kingdom protected areas that make up the World Heritage Site.

To quote Cape Nature’s brochure: “Kogelberg…represents perhaps the finest example of mountain fynbos in the Western Cape”. Approximately 1600 plant species of which about 150 are endemic, are found here. The reason for its near pristine condition has been its long isolation from development and agriculture, although in the last decades ribbon “development” of the coastline has boomed, resulting in the unsightly coastal towns that are common on our coast. A prime example of bad taste and low-density sprawl is perhaps Betty’s Bay, with Kleinmond a close second. One of the results has been the increased frequency of fires in the area mostly emanating from human settlements. Although the ecology is fire-driven, the fires are occurring at intervals that are too short and some species may disappear as a result.

Below are Google Earth tracks of some of the hiking routes in the reserve. With time I will add more.

If the track doesn’t appear in the window above or you don’t want to install the plugin in your browser, then download the Google Earth Kogelberg file and view it in Google Earth (download Google Earth)

Jonkershoek hiking

Ralph — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 14:19:47 +0000

Five k’s from my home in Stellenbosch is the rugged Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. The area boasts the highest rainfall in the Western Cape, and two major rivers rise at the valley head: the Berg and the Eerste rivers.

The Panorama route (or half of it) climbs the eastern slopes of the valley, traverses the ridge and descends Kurktrekkernek (“corkscrew saddle”) via first and second waterfalls . It’s a 5-6 hour leisurely hike, but fairly strenuous. I have done it many times, but the views and solitude are always worth it.

Towards Franschoek from Bergriviersnek

The Google Earth GPS tracks above show the routes up to Bergriviersnek, Swartboskloof and Botmaskop. At the top of Swartboskloof you will find wonderful vistas of the Helderberg Bowl and the Kogelberg coast. Some of these views are shown in the slideshow below.

If the track doesn’t appear in the window above or you don’t want to install the plugin in your browser, then download the Google Earth Rim of Africa file and view it in Google Earth (download Google Earth)

Walking in Fernkloof

Ralph — Tue, 01 May 2007 20:28:32 +0000

Fernkloof is a gem of a botanical reserve above the coastal town of Hermanus. Barely 1800 ha in area, it harbours upwards of 1474 botanical species. There are many paths and spectacular lookouts for all manner of fitness levels. The sensory returns are high for relatively little physical effort.

If the track doesn’t appear in the window above or you don’t want to install the plugin in your browser, then download the Google Earth Fernkloof file and view it in Google Earth (download Google Earth)

Fernkloof’s website publishes a wealth of information. If you happen to go to Hermanus for the whales, remember to walk in Fernkloof as well.

Sea kayaking and hiking around Robberg

Ralph — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:32:00 +0000

Plettenberg Bay: 17 & 19 December 2006: The Robberg peninsula is a nature reserve and marine protected area at the southern extremity of Plettenberg Bay,

South Africa (the Eden to Addo Mega-hike jump-off point is close by). Humans have occupied the rocky promontory for the past 120000 years, probably because of a wealth of caves and the rich marine resources. A large Cape fur seal colony noisily occupies the sheer, sheltered northern shore. “Rob” is Dutch/Afrikaans for “seal” and “berg” is a “mountain”. The high vantage points are ideal for spotting whales and dolphins. We spotted many hammerhead sharks while kayaking. Their dorsal fins criss-crossed the bay and patrolled behind the surf line off crowded beaches.

Or view the Robberg kayaking and hiking tracks in Google Maps.

I am impressed with the new kayak sail. Not only can we run before the wind but we reached across Plett at a good clip (5-6 km/h) in a light breeze. It survived a good roll in the surf too – not recommended.

www.flickr.com

Mont Rochelle Trail

Ralph — Sun, 29 Jun 2003 17:24:03 +0000

Franschhoek: 29 June 2003
Here’s a very short walk for great returns.

From the top of Franschhoek Pass, walk to the viewpoint above the Wemmershoek Valley. A mere 6km of easy gradients reveals stunning views. Permits are obtainable from the Franschhoek tourist information office, one of the few dorp information offices that is open over weekends!

View to Wemmershoek

Palmiet River walk

Ralph — Mon, 30 Dec 2002 19:43:06 +0000

Kogelberg Nature Reserve: December 2002

The Palmiet River winds through the core of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The nature reserve protects the most pristine and diverse fynbos in the Cape Floral Kingdom. There are a number of hikes of varying length in the reserve, but a favourite is a walk up the river. It’s very easy, but beautiful. How beautiful? Here’s a taste…

Kogelberg is now part of a World Heritage Site in recognition of its biodiversity value. The flower photos were taken on 7 November 2004, during a late spring in the Cape.