Cecilia and Tokai plantations, found on the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, became part of the Table Mountain National Park in April 2005. Prior to that date, they were managed by MTO forestry ltd, and had been harvested on a cyclic basis since the early 1900’s.

Once incorporated into the National Park, it was decided that the plantations would be returned to their natural state. Thus the pines and blue gums found in the plantations would be cut down in blocks, and the natural fynbos allowed to regenerate.

Such a decision met with a mixed reaction from the public. Both forests are popular recreational areas for a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, and dog walking. The main attraction of the trees to such activities is the provision of shade. Plus the jeep tracks that provide  access for the loggers, also offer good walking, cycling and riding routes.

A shady path in cecilia forest

  Since the decision was made, a number of areas have been felled and the natural vegetation has begun to regenerate. I can hardly remember what the route up to the back table from Constantia Nek was like when it was dominated by large trees. I’m afraid I have no strong feelings on the subject. I appreciate the need to return to the natural vegetaion, but also enjoyed the shade. I imagine in 10 years time, once all the trees have been removed, and most of the natural vegetaion returned, most people will forget what these areas were like for a brief period.

The path leading from Constantia Nek, to the Back Table.

The treacherous Cape of Storms, has claimed many boats. Some of the remains of which can be viewed, on various beach walks around the Cape.

Two of the most well known, are the Kapako, found midway between Noordhoek and Long Beach, and the Boss 400, found about 2 hours walk from Sandy Bay.

The Kapako, was stranded in 1900. The story goes, that whislt sailing from Cape Town, to New Zealand, the captain, mistook Chapmans Peak for Cape Point. Turning his boat East, to head for False Bay, he parked his boat deep in the sand of Noordhoek. It was spring high, when he landed on the beach, thus the boat was driven so high up, that the crew could step off the boat at low tide without getting their feet wet!! 

The Kapako shipwreck

The remains of this wreck, are buried in the sand. The ribs and boiler still clearly visible.

The hike to visit this wreck, takes about an hour each way. You can start either at Long Beach or at Noordhoek. Although in places walking in the sand is hard going, this is an easy walk, suitable for the whole family.

The Boss 400, is a much more modern wreck. This is a  crane barge, that was stranded in July 1994. The captain of the tug towing the barge, had radioed for assistance as he had realised his boat could not cope with the conditions. However, the tugs sent to assist did not arrive in time. The line attaching the Boss 400 to her tug, snapped, and the boat drifted on the rocks at Maori Bay. The 14 crew on board were airlifted to safety. There was an attempt to salvage the boat, however, it was considered too damaged to be worthwhile.

The remains of the Boss 400

Ironically, Maori Bay, is named after another ship that was lost there. The Maori was wrecked in 1909, and sadly many of the crew on board were lost. Her remains litter the seabed and are not visible to hikers to the bay. 

The walk to this site, is a good 2 hours each way. Unlike the walk to the Kapako, it involves some scrambling up steep inclines, and some crawling through the dense fynbos lining the route.

Both routes lack any shade or supply of fresh water, so should not be attempted without taking a good supply of water, and hat.

The city of Cape Town, is not only blessed with the varied and magnificent walks on Table Mountain. The coast also offers some fantastic walks. My favourate of these, is sometimes called “the mini otter trail”. This because of the continuous up and downs, combined with some unsurpassed scenary.

A welcome break.

This walk begins in Hout Bay and ends at Sandy Bay,  covering a total distance of +/- 11km. Hugging the coast, in the shadow of the towering cliffs of the sentinal and Karbonkelberg, the path winds its way up and around the many inlets and points. Although never rising far, the hike does involve some scrambling and a little bit of exposure.

One of the many short, steep uphills.

Slow in places due to overgrown bush, (the path at times requires the walker to crawl on hands and knees.) the average person will complete the distance in around 6 hours. There is no water or shade available, so good preparation and plenty of water are essential. 

Quite a difficult scramble over some rocks

On arrival at Sandy Bay. A swim is almost obligatory, before the final haul to the carpark.

One of the most famous views of Table Mountain, is with the Table cloth!!

The Table cloth, is a layer of thin and whispy clouds, that appear to pour over the mountain like a waterfall, whilst the rest of the sky is clear.  The local legend, is that this smoke, is the result of a smoking competition between the devil, and an ancient pirate, Van Hunks. However, there is also a meteorological explanation for this phenomenon.

The Tablecloth moving over the mountain

The clouds are formed by the South Easterly wind, pushing air against the mountain, where it is forced to rise. On reaching the cooler air higher up, moisture in the air condenses and forms the cloud. The reverse then occurs, as the clouds pour over the otherside of the mountain. On meeting the warmer air lower down, the moisture evaporates, and the clouds appear to disappear into mid air.

The Table cloth on Devils Peak

Although beautiful to look at, the tablecloth can be dangerous. The drop in temperature between the bottom of the mountain and the top, can be quite dramatic, and catch the unprepared hiker by surprise. Similarly a sudden descent of the cloud, can also cause hikers unfamiliar with the mountain to quickly lose their way.  

The view up Platteklip Gorge, through the tablecloth

Walk on Table Mountain,

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

and Camps Bay

The 12 apostles of Table Mountain, are the 12 peaks found on the Western Flank of the mountain

The 12 apostles of Table Mountain

Stretching from the flat top of the mountain above the city, to Hout Bay, these steep sided tops, tower over Camps Bay and the Atlantic seaboard. From below they appear sheer and inaccessible. However, one of the most strenuous, and also most enjoyable walks on the Table Mountain chain, extends from Llandudno, to Kasteelspoort. Right along the top, of the 12 peaks.

Ascending the steep Llandudno ravine, the route takes you around the back of Groot Kop, and follows along the 12 apostles with absolutely unbeatable views of the Atlantic Ocean.

view from the 12 apostles over the Atlantic

Before descending Kasteelspoort, it is worth a visit to the viewpoint, where one of the greatest photo spots on the mountain awaits.

The top of Kasteelspoort

http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/index.php/hiking-options/full-day-options/

Many of the day hikes on Table Mountain, will take you past the dams found on the back table. In all there are 5 dams. The Woodhead, Helly-Hutchinson, De Villiers, Alexandria and Victoria.

A view of The Woodhead and Hely-Hutchinson dams

They were constructed between 1896, and 1907, in order to supply Cape Town with water.
Cape Town has since grown to such an extent, that the water requirements far exceed the capacities of the dams. However, they add such beauty to the mountain top and some interesting history too. The waterworks museum, found at 800m, on the top of Table Mountain, contains fascinating memorabilia from the dam construction. From original tools and photographs, to an entire steam engine!!.

The steam train. The water waterworks museum. Table Mountain

It is amazing to think, that this steam engine, imported from the UK, was dismantled on arrival at the docks. It was then transported up the mountain, via a pulley system at Kasteelspoort. Once reassembled on top it was used to transport all the materials required for the dam construction, accross the mountain top. All these materials (including, the coal to drive the train) were also hauled up the mountain, via the Kasteelpoort pulley.

Relaxing at De Villiers dam

http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/index.php/hiking-options/full-day-options/

On finishing a day hike, Peter took these photos directly into the sun.
No words necessary really!