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Alana from the Due South facebook group has made this December her hiking month.

Please see the interviews she is having with me over the duration of this month. You are welcome to post questions on the group at any time.

Due South Facebook Group

Full Moon. Where to go...

Click here to find out where to go hiking on the next full moon.

Full Moon Calendar

Month/Year	2009	2010	2011	2012
January	10	30	19	9
February	9	28	18	7
March	10	29	19	8
April	9	28	17	6
May	9	27	17	5
June	7	26	15	4
July	7	25	15	3
August	5	24	13	1 & 31
September	4	23	12	29
October	4	22	11	29
November	2	21	10	28
December	2 & 31	21	10	28

A scenic but hard walk from Houtbay to Llundudno

Hiking Trail: Houtbay to Llundudno
Name of Reserve / Area: Karbonkelberg
Nearest Town: Houtbay, Llundudno
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa

Duration of hike: 6 - 7 hours

Our Hiking Guide: Dieter Heiser - aka Bosvark (u gotta love it!)



Directions to get there: From Cape Town CBD, take the scenic coastal road past Campsbay and Llundudno. Follow the road into Houtbay untill you reach the 3rd circle at the bottom end of the road. Turn right into Harbour road, pass the Mariners Warf on the left and continue with this road all the way.



Take the last road right into Skipper road. This will lead to a gravel road and a dead end. I do not recommend that you leave your car here, but this is where your walk starts (as seen in the pic below). We parked our cars at the Mariners Warf Restaurant and hitched a ride to the start of the walk. (We were also told that we were not allowed to park at this parking spot by the car guard of the restaurant, but do not let the owners bully you into moving your car. This is a public common ground parking area and there for everyone's use.)



Best time of year to go: (there are 4 things to take note of here)

1. A very early start (around 06h00) is recommended for the summer. You are walking in the shade almost 2/3 of the way.
2. This section of the mountain is fairly protected from a NW wind in winter, but caution is always recommended.
3. Make sure you start when the tide is going down, or else you will have to climb steep cliffs in places to escape the high tide.
4. This route is only recommended to be done by an experienced guide like Bosvark, do not attempt to do this one on your own.
   

We all gathered at the starting point marked by an old stone wall being a clear entrance to the start of this magnificent walk.



What costs did you incur to do this hike: none, but the guides may ask for a fee.

How safe is it: I always say that the mountains around Cape Town are never safe from crime and one should never drop your guard. Always take a mace spray and or a shocker along with you.
The phone signal is very poor and sometimes non-existent.
The route is exposed in many areas. Rock scrambling and bolder hopping is par for the course. According to the hikers in the know, every year this route has claimed lives, so please do not attempt this route on your own.



The route starts with a single track and bolder hopping for the better half of the way. Here is a view of our first peak that we pass, the Sentinel (331m) on the right as seen in the pic above.



Fresh Water: none, unless you are fortunate enough to pass a small running stream from the mountain. We often stopped to take a 5 min break and to re-group.





After bolder hopping for about an hour the route flattens out below the Karbonkelberg.



Another break on the rocks at Duiker Point and in front of a surfer spot known as the Dungeons - a world famous spot for surfers who wish to catch the biggest wave in Africa.



Leaving Duiker Point, we head off again to scramble the rocks below the cliffs of the Karbonkelberg.







The views along the entire way were breathtaking. The ocean was that beautiful sea-green and just to add to our delight, we saw a school of dolphins playing in the water below us.



Being the typical girl, my hands started feeling rather sensitive from this point on, and next time I do this walk, I will remember to bring my mountain bike gloves with me. At the end of the walk, I made a mental note that gloves and a medical kit is a must if I come here again. This route is just too isolated for you to not come fully prepared.



As seen in the pic above, again, we took another break, which gave the group a chance to regroup for the next 1 hour very tough leg to an area known as Leeugat by the first shipwreck (Bos 400 - 1994). From here we were exposed to the merciless heat of the day, and rough bush and shrub terrain.



A mere 1 meter of shade next to the rocks, gave us a welcome break from the sun and a chance to enjoy the opportunity to view this massive wreck from very close by.



This area known as Leeugat has 3 wrecks to prove what this part of the ocean has to offer on a bad weather day.

1. Bos 400 hit the rocks in June 1994 and all 18 of the crew survived by being airlifted safely to shore.
2. The Maori was a British steam ship that hit the rocks of the rocky peninsular known as Oudeschip (as seen far left in the pic above) in 1909. Only 22 of the 55 crew survived and she lies below the water to the right of this bay (as seen in the pic above).
3. The next shipwreck which can be seen on the rocks of Oudeschip landed there in 1986 known as the Harvest Capella. She was a long-liner owned by Sea Harvest.
   

After leaving the shipwreck Bos 400, we went scrambling again through very thick bush and schrubs for about 45 minutes - we reached the now deserted Rocket Station (built after the sinking of the Maori in 1909) at top of the rocky peninsular known as Oudeschip. Here is a clear view of the Harvest Capella. We chose not to go down into the valley, but opted to follow the jeep track above, which took on a easy walk down into Sandy bay. I saw many naked bodies all over the place. Most of the walkers could not wait to jump into the cold water, before taking the short 15 minute walk back to the carpark in Llundudno.

Difficulty: Its a long walk and only the fit and experienced hikers should attempt this. Many parts need rock scrambling, so if you have a fear for heights, then I will also recommend that you rather give this one a miss.

Pets: not recommended at all

How will I rate this hike? I have always wanted to walk here, but never knew the route existed. When Dieter invited me on his annual Houtbay to Llundudno walk (the 9th one this year!), I could not wait for it. The weather was perfect, the tides were low. The crowd that walked with us were awesome. I will not attempt this one on my own, but can not wait to take my friends along to show them parts of this route sometime in the future. The water at the famous Dungeons was flat as a pancake. It seemed like a different place to the one that Im normally used to seeing the biggest wave in Africa at. Very cool hike. Great memories to last a long time for me. Thanks again to Dieter and the guys who joined him on this walk. Also thanks to the gentleman that gave me his last plasters to cover my war-wound on my leg, and who saved me from being stuck in a deep pit in the rocks. Dolphins playing in the water below us... loved it all!




Thanks to Dieter and the very friendly crowd for an amazing experience.

Contact Information: email Bosvark

Climb the Himalayas all expenses paid

Climb the Himalayas with Mike Horn’s Pangaea environmental expedition – apply right away!

Anyone between 15 and 20 years old can apply to join Mike Horn’s Pangaea environmental expedition, a round-the-world adventure that will be exploring the Himalayas in May 2010. There are no costs attached – all you need is a passion for saving the planet. The emphasis is on showing youths the beauty of the Earth, so that they grow up to be its custodians.

From the applications, about 20 youngsters from around the world will be selected to attend a training camp in Switzerland. From those, about eight will be chosen to join the Himalaya climb. All expenses are covered and there is no cost to participants for either the training camp in Switzerland or the Himalaya climb.

The Pangaea expedition is a four-year, seven-continent journey. Those who join the expedition, called Young Explorers, join in different places to Explore, Learn and Act. So far groups have visited Antarctica, New Zealand and Borneo.

Applications close soon! (The application deadline has been extended to after Christmas and is not 20th Dec as stated on the website.) For more info visit www.mikehorn.com or click here to complete an application form, or email Adelle Horler direct.


Many thanks,
Adelle Horler

A note from Adelle: My email is there as an alternative if anyone wants to apply and can’t find what they need. I was part of the expedition crew aboard Pangaea in Borneo, and part of my job as expedition journalist is to spread the environmental message and get more young people involved. I can vouch 100% for the expedition, Mike Horn and his sponsors (the main ones of which are Mercedes-Benz, Gerberit and Panerai). The expedition has been underway for a little more than a year; its patrons are Prince Albert of Monaco and Gaynor Rupert, wife of Johann Rupert.



Source: Mountain Club of South Africa - Cape Town
97 Hatfield Street, Cape Town 8001

Take the Cable Car up Table Mountain

Hiking Trail: Table Mountain for Sundowners
Name of Reserve / Area: Table Mountain National Park
Nearest Town: Cape Town
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa



Duration of hike: 2 hours

Contact Information: www.tablemountain.net


Best time of year to go: Any time of year is good to go. This time, we wanted to experience a sun set from the top of the Table.

What costs did you incur to do this hike:
Sunset Special: they have a special half price rate for after 6pm of R80-00 pp return trip up the cable way. Generally the cable way closes at 6pm, but in peak summer they have extended operating hours up to 9.30pm.



(The following Rates are Valid from 1 October 2009 - 30 September 2010 and may change without notice)
Adult - Return: R160.00
Children (under 18 years) - Return: R80.00
SA Senior Citizen (Fridays only): R80
Student (Fridays only): R105
Children under 4 years travel free
Wild Card - Adult Return: R128.00
Wild Card - Child Return: R64.00

Online Bookings (to avoid the 100m plus queue): http://tablemountain.net/cableway_e-tickets/



Birthdays: Free return trip. Just bring along your South African ID / Passport

Operating Times:
1 December - 31 December
First Car Up 08h00
Last Car Up 20h30
Last Car Down 21h30

How safe is it: If you go up the cable way, you should be safe from most crime. Paths are clearly marked and lit up at night.



Fresh Water: There is a water fountain at the top. The Table Mountain Cafe is also open up to 30minutes before the last car goes down.




Difficulty: Anyone can do this, even if you are in a wheelchair.

Pets: Not allowed in the Cable Car.




How will I rate this hike? Very romantic to enjoy watching the sun set. We were lucky to have taken warm clothes along, as the temperature dropped to a uncomfortable level without warm gear. A nice warm coffee also added to enjoying the view of the city lights below after sunset.




The Cable way does not operate in strong winds. Please call their Information line on 021 424-8181 to ensure that they are open on the day of your planned visit.



Thanks to Alex Aitkenhead for these awesome images.

The Donkey Trail in Calitzdorp is a must do for the Karoo

Hiking Trail: The Donkey Trail
Name of Reserve / Area: Swartberg Nature Reserve, Little Karoo
Nearest Town: Calitzdorp
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa



Directions to get there: From Cape Town or From Garden Route or From Beaufort West, link onto the R62 which runs between Oudtshoorn and Cape Town through the towns Calitzdorp, Ladismith, Barrydale, Montague, Ashton, Worcester. (Enjoy the R62 it has much to offer as a route in itself). Once reaching the town of Calitzdorp turn into Calitz Street in the direction of Groenfontein (towards the Swartberg, this would be in a northerly direction). Measure 15km on your odometer. This will bring you onto Living Waters Farm. Turn left at the Donkey Trail sign and follow the signs to reception.

Duration of hike: 4 days required including travel to and from starting point. Trails start on Fridays and finish on Mondays or, Tuesdays and finish on Fridays.



Best time of year to go: March, April, May, September, October and November are arguably the best times to hike. We have however had fantastic hikes all the way through the year with snow to enjoy in winter and divine mountain pools to linger at during summer. There is not much shade on the trail but mountain breezes and the increase in altitude as we hike does bring cooler conditions even on the hottest summer days. Even though the Donkey Trail takes your from the Little Karoo into the Great Karoo, we are more concerned with the sudden drops in temperatures than with high temperatures on this trail.

Fresh Water: Yes there is fresh water. It is THE BEST, completely unpolluted.

Difficulty: You need to be fit to ENJOY this trail. There is no rock climbing or terrifying cliff to conquer however you will need to be fit to walk 14 kilometers up hill, climbing 1500 meters in 7 hours on the first day. Day two of hiking is easier.


You might also want to give your version of the Mike Lundy rating which is a combination of the following two grades: 2B The drive back includes exposure to heights.
1 = Easy stroll;
2 = Moderate;
3 = Streunous excersise;
4 = Only for the very fit
plus
A = No exposure to heights;
B = Mild exposure to heights;
C = Moderate exposure to heights;
D = Very exposed to heights;



Pets: No pets allowed

How safe is it: This is a guided hike. You will feel safe at ALL times. Crime is practically non existant

What costs did you incurr to do this hike: the cost is R2750 per person for 3 nights and 4 days, this includes all meals, bedding, towels, accommodation, park entry fees, guides, return accommodation and non alcoholic beverages.

Our rate includes all meals, trail snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, 3 nights accommodation including bedding (sleeping bags on one night) and soap, shampoo and towels, guides, CapeNature conservation fees, comfortable transportation back to the starting point (over the Swartbergpas) and of course the donkeys to carry your personal items. As rates are seasonal, please call Erika on 0836289394 should you have any rate related queries.

Maximum size of group 8, minimum 4. Individuals and groups of less than four can be matched up with other small group bookings. Let us know your preferred dates and we will see what we can do.



Pics taken by: Pictures owned by Stephan Theron from Die Burger or Erika Calitz.



Hikers Ratings: Our hikers range from young students who save up to do the trail to lawyers and doctors who use the short break opportunity to get into a wilderness area, enjoy some real exercise and drink in the culture, history and incredible biodiversity of the area.

Describe the hike from beginning to end:


Some facts about the trail

• Total distance covered on foot, approximately 26 kilometers
• Gradient not rated but expect moderate to strenuous, no rock climbing required, you MUST BE FIT to complete this trail
• Highest altitude reached during the trail is 1523m at Wyenek. Depart from altitude of 350m at Living Waters
• Do not count on having cell phone reception
• Itinerary : Click Here
  

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HIKERS prior to walking – Please provide your full name
1. Do you have any health considerations that we should know about (e.g. asthma, heart problem, diabetes, allergies such as bee sting).
2. As we will be catering for you, we need to know of any food limitations or allergies.
3. Do you have any particular interests in this area (e.g. a specific mammal, plant or bird, local architecture)?
4. Will this be your first visit to Gamkaskloof, “die Hel”?
5. Did you know that you will be hiking through one of only 34 biodiversity hotspots on the planet?
6. Where did you hear about the Donkey Trail
7. Which is the last trail that you walked and when?

What to bring
Hiking boots and socks
Light slipslops for on the mountain (no barefoot at the rest camp on the mountain)
Insect repellant (mainly against ticks)
Lip ice
Binoculars
Sun block
Swimwear (towels are provided)
Camera
Personal medication (we have first aid but not a dispensary)
Hat
Walking stick
Water bottle
Day pack rucksack
No firearms or narcotics
Cash for curios and local preserves/wine/port
3 layers of upper clothing for hiking days (t-shirt, fleece and waterproof)
Preferably long pants (the night on the mountain can be VERY cold)


Warnings
Every precaution is taken to ensure the safety of our guests however indemnities will be signed prior to hiking. The trail traverses a remote, wilderness area which can only be accessed by emergency helicopter services during daylight hours and in favorable weather conditions.

We have confirmation from tracks and signs that leopards, though rarely seen, make use of the Donkey Trail. We also share the mountain with other potentially dangerous animals such as snakes, honey badgers, porcupines, baboons, bees, ticks and spiders. Our guides are trained in basic first aid.

The climate is generally moderate but temperatures can drop by 15-20 degrees as we climb to Wyenek camp (good news for hot summer days), in winter months, below zero is to be expected. Donkey Trail management will monitor weather conditions for 14 days prior to your booking departure and inform you of any scenarios that could require a postponement of your tour.

Contact Information:
ERIKA 0836289394
eMail: email Erika
www.donkeytrail.com

Where to go on a Full Moon night...

The above image shows Lions Head on the right and The Cable Way Station on Table Mountain on the left.

Hiking Trail: Lions Head on a Full Moon
Name of Reserve / Area: Table Mountain National Park
Nearest Town: Camps Bay, Fresney, Hugo vale, Cape Town CBD
Province: Western Cape
Country: South Africa

Duration of hike: 45 min up and 30 min down. How long you stay at the top is up to you.
Directions to get there: From Cape Town CBD, take Buitengracht road up to the Cable Way. At the top, turn a sharp right into Signal Hill drive. Soon thereafter going upwards, you will find the security hut by the boom (as in the image below) on your left. On good weather nights, finding a close parking is a luxury. We were lucky to find one right at the start of the walk.




Best time of year to go: This is a hike for anyone to take at any time. We decided that we wanted to experience a full moon experience on the mountain. This one was by far the closest thing to getting out there and enjoying the outdoors at night, and in a safe environment. (By safe I mean, without maybe getting lost)



How safe is it: It used to be a spot for regulars to be mugged. Now we are happy to see that the Cape Town City Council together with Table Mountain National Park have taken on the responsibility to keep us safe. This is the second time that I have come here to find a security guard together with his dog, to protect the walkers for as long as it takes them to come back down again. We offered them a snack, and we were so taken by the fact that he had no problem to share it with his dog.




I must say that if you are not looking for crowds, then this is not the place to be on a full moon night. With 1 single track all the way to the top, patience and a good attitude will ensure a fun experience with everyone.



On our way up, we were amazed by the number of people who had a similar idea to what we had for tonight. Watching the sun set and the moon rise (on a warm summers' night) is uplifting and an experience you should not let slip by you any time soon.



As our single track around the mountain takes us up towards the peak, the shadows disappear and the city lights begin to entertain you all the way to the top.



We were still climbing and suddenly the hustle and bustle of the mountain came to an eerie stillness. All the people seemed to stop and find themselves a spot to get comfortable on. And then... a sudden cheer, applause and laughter begins - The moon has risen. What a awesome spectacular once again, so many millions of times... over and over again did she rise over the horizon to do what she has come to do. Well done Mrs Moon. You rock chickeroo! (such elegance, power and beauty... the moon must be female?! )



What costs did you incur to do this hike: sushi and bubbly.

(I might comment that this is not such a good idea for going down in the dark after sharing a bottle of bubbly with your favourite person. Stepping skew or wrong did ensure a swollen ankle for me for at least a week after. Which lead us to the nearest outdoor shop to buy a Petzl lamp for our next after-dark expedition the week after...)





Fresh Water: none. Take lots.

Difficulty: Its a steady incline all the way to the top. Anyone can do this walk.

Pets: Allowed. Not sure if its such a good idea for a night time experience though.

The above image can be seen in a large version here.

Table Mountain in the background and the man with the telescope in the foreground, gives the beacon on top of Lions Head a much more interesting perspective.






How will I rate this hike? Wowee!!! I loved this one. Very romantic and a must do if u wish to experience the outdoor in Cape Town at night. Easy. Fun walk for the whole family. Fantastic experience if you wish to experience the full moon from on top of the mountain.




Full Moon dates for the future:

Full Moon Calendar

Month/Year	2009	2010	2011	2012
January	10	30	19	9
February	9	28	18	7
March	10	29	19	8
April	9	28	17	6
May	9	27	17	5
June	7	26	15	4
July	7	25	15	3
August	5	24	13	1 & 31
September	4	23	12	29
October	4	22	11	29
November	2	21	10	28
December	2 & 31	21	10	28

Stunning Walk in a 100 year old Arboretum

Looking for a place to go this holiday? Try this easy and fun walk for the whole family...

Tokai Arboretum and Listers' Place Tea Garden.

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Easy Walks in the Cape Peninsula