This was one very long hike with incredible views and special finds along the way.
We set off at 7.30am to hike Table Mountain, Cape Towns most famous wonder of the world, in search of elusive Disa Orchids. I say elusive because these beauties only bloom for about one month each year between January and February, so the effort would pay off.
The first climb of the hike took us from Constantia Nek up the Constantia Corner steps towards the top of the mountain. I don’t think you can call it a summit because Table Mountain has a flattish undulating top which continues for hours of walking.
The first big ascend got us to the jeep track where we decided to take the wider path rather than the steep steps. On we continued up the steepest part of the ascent to the top of the table. This part of the mountain is a regular feature for many day or morning hikers as it is popular and busy which is great for security on the mountain.
Once at the top we followed the jeep track passed De Villiers Dam and took a quick breather alongside the Overseers Cottage. This cottage can be booked for overnight stays and is easy to access via the SANParks website.
A little further we took the first right onto a single track called Smuts Track. This path leads all the way along the back of Table Mountain and would eventually take you to the main front face of Table Mountain at Maclears Beacon if you stick it out to the end. Today we were in search of Disas and a little adventure and the heat would probably stop us from getting that far.
The first 100 meters of the Smuts track was a feast for the eyes with indigenous flowers in bloom and a magnificent view of the Southern Suburbs and Cape Flats of Cape Town.
We soon found ourselves on the edge of Ash Valley admiring the incredible rock formation and keeping clear of the drop off below. These mountains are not for the faint-hearted as conditions can change quickly and the terrain is steep in places, had rocky scrambles and some overgrown paths.
Up the other side we went catching our first glimpse of a Red Disa in bloom, hidden below some taller brush in a gulley next to the path. I would have missed it if it weren’t for the lovely hiker who pointed it out to me.
Then up we went climbing the next ridge on the mountain. This next ridge took us to the top of Nursery Ravine which I have descended a couple of times. It’s incredibly steep with loose rocky steps. I was quite glad to be bypassing it this time around.
Then up the next ridge, called Cleft Peak, which lead us to the top Skeleton Gorge. I’ve ascended Skeleton gorge a few times now and it’s a real killer. The last time I did it lost a pair of sunglasses to a tree branch and my legs felt like lead from the endless steep steps upward. This time we had approached along the top so the trees were welcome and a tea break was well deserved.
Climbing Breakfast Rock
We took a quick climb on Breakfast Rock and had some fun on this hot morning. The heat was only going to get worse so we all made sure to stay hydrated. I could physically notice my bag getting lighter as a slowly drank the 2 litres of water, 500ml of hot tea and another 800ml rehydrate across the day.
Tea break at the top of Skellies
Off we went still on Smuts Track but this time headed over one more ridge towards the Aqueduct. The Aqueduct is one of the original stone structures built on Table Mountain to channel fresh water towards the dams. There are still 5 functional fresh water dams on Table mountain that serve Cape Town residents, but the Aqueduct, although still standing, is now a monument to days gone by.
Luckily for us, the aqueduct is also the perfect spot to find Red Disas!!!! The moment we turned left off Smuts Path onto the Aqueduct we spotted bunches and bunches of blooming Red Disas. I have never seen so many.
We took our time admiring them along with the many other hikers who had made the long hike up to see them.
After we all got a chance to take photos we headed straight along the Aqueduct until we reached the path and continued down the valley towards Hely Hutchison Dam. If we had continued straight we would have reached the dam quite quickly but after some deliberation amongst our group we decided to take a longer route through Echo Valley.
This path was quite overgrown but it wasn’t too long before we found a more open trail that lead over Michael’s Peak where we admire the view of the Hely Hutchison and Woodhead Dams with Hout Bay, Muizenberg and even my home village of Kommetjie with its lighthouse in the distance.
The dams look close, but the descent down Michaels Peak took some time. The path follows a gradual downward route towards the right towards the far end of Woodhead Dam. This wasn’t the direction we wanted to go, but it is the only path on this peak.
Once at the bottom at Woodhead we followed the jeep track towards The Hely Hutchison where we planned to get our feet wet and have some lunch.
The Hely Hutchison always reminds me of the moon at this time of year when the water level is low and the white sand and rocks are exposed.
We trudged over the rocks to find the shade of a white Boulder and plonked down quickly with great relief.
Lunch was GREAT! But the cold water on my toes was even better.
I hadn’t realised it yet but as soon as we decided to get moving again we were told that we would descend via Skeleton Gorge. Now that was a surprise. I have only ever ascended Skeleton Gorge so a descent would be a first.
The views at the top of “Skellies” are gorgeous but they don’t last long. Just as you drop beyond the low brush you enter the thick dark forest. I’m am always amazing that these trees grow on such steep terrain, but the promise of water in the gorge is a major draw card.
We walked the upper muddy steps carefully and then found ourselves clambering down the boulders of the drying riverbed before reaching the large wooden ladders. This was all a LOT of fun for me as I find the diversity of this stretch refreshing.
Once we reached the Contour Path we took a break and waited as a few others caught up.
Ian is one of the faithful member of the Ramblers (the group I was hiking with) and he also amazingly manages all of these hikes. At 78 years old he has probably been hiking these mountains longer than I have been alive, but he keeps up, leads the pack when needed and rarely needs any help at all.
The heat was getting unbearable as we trudged along the Contour Path. We seemed to all pick up the pace for the last 3 kilometres as we headed back to our cars at Constantia Nek.
Tired, thirsty and exhausted we all happily headed for a huge drink at the pub before heading home.
Here’s a map of our route and the stats for the day:
I hope you enjoyed the tour of the mountain with me. I can wait to share my next awesome hike at Cape Point Nature Reserve.
If you’re ever in Cape Town look me up and we can go for a hike.
Take care…