Lace up and see the Cape at her best on a guided hike

Now that we can explore once again, this is the perfect time to try the iconic and absolutely spectacular Mountains in the Sea Trail. Locally owned and operated tour guiding company, Walk in Africa, offers this fantastic walk, which begins on Table Mountain and traverses the Peninsula Mountain range, ending at Cape Point.

The five-day, 75km-trail winds its way through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Cape from rugged mountain peaks and towering cliffs to long white sandy beaches and the tumultuous waters of two oceans.    

Cape fauna and flora abound

Led by a professional walking guide, the trail offers guests an opportunity to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area and the fauna and flora that reside within it.

The hike winds its way through part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is the most bio-diverse floral kingdom in the world with 69 percent of the flora being endemic to the Cape.

You will also have a chance to spot some amazing wildlife along the way from bontebok, eland, and baboon to the rare Cape mountain zebra, and a myriad of bird species. Southern right whales come to the Cape to calve between July and November and you can watch these magnificent marine mammals frolicking in the bays along the way.

From ocean to ocean

Making its way towards the southern end of the Cape Peninsula along towering cliffs and white sandy beaches, the trail offers some of the most dramatic and dazzling views of the Atlantic Ocean.

On the False Bay side, you’ll soak up views of the sprawling city and the verdant wine estates that rest on the slopes of the Constantiaberg and on the Atlantic side, you’ll walk along one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cape and see the remnants of the Kakapo shipwreck.

Cosy overnight accommodation

The five-day trail offers comfortable accommodation along the way with overnight stays at cosy quayside inns, rustic resorts, and hidden hideaways where you’ll get to experience warm and welcoming hospitality and famous Cape cuisine.

An expert guide accompanies the walk and shares his extensive knowledge of the Cape’s culture, history, and wildlife, as well as local stories and tales. The walk is supported by a vehicle that will carry overnight bags, so you need only carry a backpack with essentials while walking.

Levels of fitness required

The Mountains in the Sea Trail has a grading of C-D, which correlates to a hike that is “fairly strenuous” and “challenging at times.” Steven Bolnick, one of Walk in Africa’s guides, says you need to have some degree of fitness and be accustomed to walking fairly long distances.

“It’s not a climb. There is nothing technical about it. It’s all a walk, but some of the days are fairly long,” he said in a recent interview with SAFM.

COVID-19 protocols

Several COVID-19 health and safety protocols will always be followed before and during the hike to ensure maximum safety for everyone. Hiker’s temperature will be taken daily before the start of the hike and hikers will be required to wear masks while being transferred to and from the hike and at the trail briefing.

During the hike, guests are required to carry their own hand sanitiser, and frequently sanitise their hands throughout the hike, as well as maintain proper social distancing during the walk. Guides and other staff on the hike will have their temperature taken ever day.

Other hikes

Walk in Africa also offers several other hikes and guided tours, including an adventurous route along the India Venster trail on Table Mountain and Silvermine to Kalk Bay, which offers spectacular views of Hangklip, Kogelberg, and False Bay and ends in the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay.

Other tours include a historical walking tour of Cape Town, which focuses on the influence slaves had on the city’s culture, cuisine, and language. You can also enjoy a full-day guided hike in Cape Point with a good opportunity to see a range of wildlife and soak up some amazing views.

So, dust off those hiking boots and backpack, book a spot on this incredible, once-in-a-lifetime trip, and experience the Cape at her very best.