Walk on Table Mountains Fountain Ledge

Fountain ledge is the path that links India Venster, Kloof Corner and Arrow Face Traverse with the Table Top. All these routes meet at a point called Africa Ledge which is almost directly below the cable car.

Standing on Africa Ledge, almost directly below the upper cableway station

The view of Camps Bay from Fountain Ledge

The path continues on the contour for about 15 minutes until coming to what appears to be a dead end. This is the only scramble on this section of the path. You climb about 4 metres up the first section and then follow with some easy scrambling up another 15metres. Here the path continues its traverse to the right above Camps Bay.

There is a little scrambling about half way along Fountain Ledge

Different views of Table Mountain

Table Mountain which dominates any view of Cape Town has many different aspects. Most people are familiar with the steep cliffs that tower over the centre of Cape Town.

Table Mountain towering over the city of Cape Town

Other familiar views of Table Mountain include those taken from the Atlantic side and including the 12 Apostles, or from Kirstenbosch including Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine.

The view of Table Mountain from the Atlantic coast

The Kirstenbosch side of Table Mountain

  A less well known view is that from the N2 freeway! In this view the entire mountain from Devils Peak can be seen. In this view (with a little imagination) the mountain is described as an old man lying on his back.

Table Mountain from the N2 freeway

Devils Peak in the right forms the head with a prominant nose. The saddle the neck with Maclears Beacon forming the chest. The slope down towards Constantia Nek forms the legs of the man. Finally, the peak of The Constantiaberg form the feet.

 So next time you are driving towards Cape Town, look out for the old man of Table Mountain.

The most exposed hike on Table Mountain

Don’t look down!

The craziest hike on Table Mountain is incredibly easy from a walking point of view. There is no scrambling, its not steep and all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. The only thing is the path is quite narrow and whilst on one side there is a sheer wall, on the other side there is a sheer drop into Ascension ravine below. If you have even a mild fear of heights DO NOT attempt this walk. It is crazy!.

 To get there you take a small path that leads off Smuts track just before the last 2 easy scrambles on this route. Follow the path for 5 minutes through the waist deep fynbos until you reach the edge of the mountain. Step with care onto the ledge and follow it for 20 hair raising minutes until the final easy scramble brings you up a short walk from Maclears Beacon. At places the path is extremely thin (+/- 30cm) As you walk you try to press yourself into the wall on your other side. I hold my breathe for the whole way (well it feels like it anyway!!) Really this is a terrifying but exhilerating route.  But best not tried for the first time without someone who is already familiar with the path.

Are there animals on Table Mountain?

Despite being in the middle of a large cosmolitan city Table Mountain is still home to a wide variety of animals. Many of these have become accustomed to human activity and can be seen in the crowded area of the cable car whilst others stick to the secluded and quiet Back Table area.

Among those most commonly seen are the Rock Hyrax or Dassie.  This cheeky little animal closely resembles a rather overweight guinea pig. They live in groups and enjoy lazing in the sun. They are found all over the Table Mountain chain including the area around the cable car where they seem remarkably unpreturbed by the noisy presence of so many people.

A rock Hyrax or Dassie

One of the most interesting facts about the dassie is that it is closely related to the elephant!

Other small mammals found on Table Mountain are the mongoose, Cape fox, genet, porcupine and caracal. I have often seen a mongoose scuttling across the path in front of me but have never had time to lift my camera and get a picture. In general these creatures steer clear of human contact. I am sure they observe us from the bushes but they ensure we don’t see them.  

There are some small endemic antelope still to be found on Table Mountain. These are extremely shy and only seen by a few very lucky people. I have been fortunate enough to see the elusive clipspringer on two occasions. On both occasions it was early in the morning in overcast conditions. This species was reintroduced to the mountain only a few years ago.

The shy and very nimble clipspringer

A far more common sight on Table Mountain is the Himalayan Tahr. A group of this mountain goat  species escaped from captivity early in the 1900′s and made the mountain their home. Much larger than the smaller natural antelope this animal often grazes within a few metres of people and doesn’t seem concerned at all. Remarkably nimble for their bulk I always enjoy seeing them, even if they don’t really belong here.

A Himalayan Tahr

The black girdled lizard is a common sight on Table Mountain

A Southern Rock Agama posing for the picture!

There are snakes on Table Mountainwho play a vital role on the ecosystem . Most of them are completely harmless mole snakes but there are some species who could do some harm if they were to bite you. However, even seeing a snake on Table Mountain is an extremely rare occurence and I have never heard of anyone being bitten. In general the snakes are far more scared of us and disappear as soon as they hear us approach. If you do see a snake it is likely to be a puffadder. These are relatively lazy snakes and are sometimes caught sunning themselves on the paths especially early in the mornings whilst they are still warming themselves up. 

 

A puffadder warming itself in the early morning sun

Whilst you seldom see the Cape Chirping Frog, you will definitely hear if you take a hike in winter or when its been raining. Sometimes they call so often it is easy to confuse them with chirping crickets. Another frog found on Table Mountain is the endangered Table Mountain Ghost frog which is only found on the mountain.

Last but certainly not least are the birds of Table Mountain. These vary from the cheeky starlings to the small and beautiful sunbird to the large and rare Black Eagles. If you keep your eyes open whilst you walk you are bound to see a number of different bird species going about their business.

A brightly coloured sunbired on Table Mountain

 The above hardly begins to describe the range of animals found on Table Mountain. It is merely an introduction describing those I see often or like to keep an eye out for.

A multiday hiking tour of Table Mountain and the surrounding area.

The Western Cape of South Africa is the perfect place to plan a hiking tour. Within a very small area you can do a number of hikes with no 2 days being the same. The variety of flora, fauna, views and terrain is difficult to find anywhere else in the world. Have a look at this blog written by Rene. He joined Ridgway Ramblers for 5 hikes in early December.

http://bloggingabout.net/blogs/rene/archive/2010/12/07/the-big-5.aspx

All these hikes are within 1 hours drive of the centre of Cape Town itself.

1. Smuts Track:

This hike follows a route across Table Mountain beginning in the famous Kirstenbosch Gardens and passing the highest point on the mountain. It includes a tough climb through the magnificent Skeleton Gorge and wonderful views of the city itself.

2. 12 Apostles.

 The 12 Apostles are the sheer cliffs that tower over Camps Bay on the other side of Table Mountain. Tremendous sea and cliff views. We also visited the waterworks museum and the reservoirs that are found on the Back of Table Mountain.

The views from the 12 Apostles hike are magnificent

3. The Palmiet River Walk.

This hike in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve is the easiest and flattest of the hikes. The path follows the pristine Palmiet river with plenty of opportunity for peaceful contemplation on white sandy beaches.

The path follows the river for much of the hike

4. The Panorama Trail.

 This demanding hike is found in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve in Stellenbosch. After a days hiking through the mountain the last part of the trail passes some magnificent waterfalls and inviting rock pools.

Beautiful waterfalls abound on this hike

5. Cape Point

 Our last hike was in Cape Point. Here the hike includes beach, cliff and mountain hiking. Wildlife and birdlife abound and whilst the cheeky baboons often steal the show, Rene and I particularly enjoyed seeing the nesting cormorants.

Cormorants nesting on narrow shelves of the sheer cliffs at Cape Point.

For more details of all these hikes go to the links below:

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

http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/index.php/hiking-options/walks-at-cape-point/

http://www.ridgwayramblers.co.za/index.php/hiking-options/other-hikes-in-the-western-cape/

The Woody Ravine hike up Table Mountain

Woody Ravine is another route up the 12 Apostles side of Table Mountain. It is found between Kasteelspoort and Slangholie Ravine and reached by the Pipe Track. It is clearly marked at both the bottom and top as being closed and dangerous.

The sign at the bottom of Woody Ravine

Although a small section of the path has been washed away I find this route up Table Mountain one of the best on the Camps Bay side. There is shade at least half of the route and the majority of the path is more stable than either the Oedekraal or Corridor routes.

From the Pipe Track you begin with a steep climb through the trees. The path is clear with well maintained steps.

The bottom of Woody Ravine

 After about 15 minutes you emerge above the trees and come to the section of path that has been washed away. Here you need to pick your way over some large boulders for about 50 metres before seeing the path again as it heads off to the left and continues up the gorge.

The section of path that has been washed away

From now on the path is fairly clear. It sticks to the left hand side of the gorge and apart from a couple of places where some easy scrambling is required is very straightforward. On the other side of the gorge the sheer cliffs are impressive. As you start getting to the top of the gorge it begins to narrow with the path being right under the cliffs of the left hand side.

The cliffs on the other side of the gorge are impressive

Eventually the path begins to be less steep and the trees give way to waist high fynbos. Here a stop to look back down the gorge is a must. 15 more minutes and the path levels out completely and meets the 12 Apostles path on the back Table.

Take the time to enjoy your walks on Table Mountain

Whilst a walk on Table Mountain is always enjoyable I often forget to capture all the fun in photo form. I try my best though and here are some people having fun on Table Mountain.

Taken from Fountain Ledge. Didn't quite get the camera in the right place though

Yeah we made it!

Whatever the weather!

Look Ma, no hands!

Peekaboo!

Take the time to hike on Table Mountain. It will be the highlight of your holiday

Climbers Friend on Table Mountain

Many people whilst walking on Table Mountain find themselves brushing against a low green shrub that they soon discover is covered in vicious prickles.

A prickly climbers friend bush on Kasteelspoort

 It doesn’t do any real damage but is definitely noteworthy to go a bit more carefully past the next bush you see.

A closer look at the prickles found on the climbers friend bush

The scientific name for this plant is Cliffortia Ruscifolia. Its more common name though is “climbers friend”  It is found all over Table Mountain both lining the paths in good deep soil and on many inhospitable ledges seemingly growing out of the rock itself. On first hearing its name it is easy to assume that it is some form of sarcastic joke.  I can imagine a climber clambering onto a tiny ledge but on grasping a prickle being forced to lose his grip and tumbling off. But in fact, this plant truly is a climbers friend and is used by all sorts of hikers, climbers and scramblers all over the mountain.

Climbers Friend is found all over Table Mountain

This is due to its strong roots that are very firmly embedded in the soil or rock. I often use a handy branch or truck of a climbers friend to haul myself up and over some obstacle. You do have to avoid the prickles but this is usually fairly easily done.

A great hike on Table Mountain

Corridor ravine is found at the far end of the Pipe Track overlooking Oudekraal. It is a relatively easy route although the sand and rocks are loose so it is not a route if you are in a hurry!

The stones and sand on the path are loose. Take care!

 Going up is fine although you do slip back every now and then. Coming down it is necessary to take it extremely slowly and concentrate on each step. Having said that I prefur to take this route down the mountain. Simply because the views are so fantastic.

Looking down Corridor Ravine

 Especially following or during the Southeaster the sea below is the most beautiful colour and so clear you can see the sea bed far below.

To get there on the top of Table Mountain you need to take the 12 apostles path. From Kasteelspoort it is about an hours walk South. You pass Woody Ravine and Slangholie ravine. After Slangholie ravine you climb over a rise and drop down to a neck from where you can see False Bay. The path that leads down the mountain here is Corridor ravine. Take your time going down and enjoy the views.

The top of Corridor Ravine

Hiking up Chapmans Peak

Chapmans Peak must be one of the least hiked peaks on the Table Mountain chain and this really is a pity as it is one of the easiest and most beautiful walks in the area. Walking from the Hout Bay side and returning the same route takes between 3 and 4 hours on a clear well maintained path. It is uphill, but compared to many of the routes up Table Mountain it is really not too steep at all.

To get to the starting point go through Hout Bay and onto Chapmans Peak drive. Go through the toll gate but tell them you are hiking and they won’t charge you the toll fee. Continue up the road and after +/- 2km, just before you take the final right hand turn to the look out point turn into the parking area on your left.

The path begins in the left hand corner of this parking area. The first half hours walk is up a steady incline on a path made of huge slabs of Table Mountain sandstone. Walking on them you can’t help but wonder about the people who placed them there. Even if they were found close by it still must have taken a huge amount of time and effort. The path levels out briefly at a height of +/- 300m at a cross roads.

The cross roads. Little Chapmans Peak is in the background

 Ahead you can see the steep slopes of Noordhoek peak with the path continuing to snake its way to the top. You take the turning to the right and continue on a good path around the peak now in front of you. This is Lower Chapmans Peak. The path climbs to a height of 420m and then traverses around this peak on the sea side. Behind and below you lie Chapmans Peak drive and Hout Bay.

Hout Bay lies below you, as you walk around little Chapmans peak

 Having rounded the peak the path then leads you up to the top of Chapmans Peak itself. Although only 593m high the views from here are unbeatable. Fish hoek, False Bay, Noordhoek Beach and Kommetjie are all clearly visible to the South and East whilst Hout Bay, the sentinal and Table Mountain are on the North and West.

The view of False Bay and Fish Hoek from Chapmans Peak

 You can continue on this path and end up at the other end of Chapmans Peak drive or on Noordhoek beach. Or the easiest route is back down the way you came.

Get off the beaten tourist track on a guided hike with Ridgway Ramblers