Hiking on Table Mountain on

rainy days

It isn’t often that Cape Town has a series of bad weather days. Usually after a day or two of rain the sun comes out and we have perfect hiking weather. Clear, windless and relatively cool.

However, occasionally, if you are an addicted hiker you just cannot avoid walking in the rain. Perhaps growing up in the UK acclimatised me to these conditions but lots of South Africans and visitors also take the opportunity to put on their raincoats, and get out there.

Table Mountain in the rain

And believe it or not. It is not only fun but the mountain has her own magic at these times. Have you ever stopped to look up at the mountain inbetween showers and noticed the waterfalls cascading down the slopes from several places? Even a relatively short walk, for example the contour path above Kirstenbosch harbours 3 magnificent waterfalls that very quickly slow to a trickle once the weather improves.  Skeleton gorge and Nursery Ravine both completely change character with water running everywhere. On the otherside of the mountain strolling along the Pipe Track becomes an adventure of a different sort as in several places a steady trickle pours onto the path.

So if you have wet weather gear, the next time it rains consider a walk on Table Mountain. You’ll be surprised how many crazy people you will see there!!