Hiking trails in the Cape winelands

If you are looking for a challenging hiking trail in the Cape Town area look no further then the Perdekop hiking trail which is found in the La Rochelle Nature Reserve  near the small town on Franchoek about an hours drive from Cape Town.

As it is inland from Cape Town be aware that during the summer it may be quite a few degrees warmer in the Franchoek area. However you still do need to take something warm as you will be climbing to a height of 1575 metres so it may well be chilly on the top, and as with all mountains you just never know when those clouds are going to come rolling in.

After getting a permit from the protea hotel you drive up the pass out of the town and turn into the reserve as you reach the top of the pass. You thus begin your hike at a height of 720m. From the starting area follow the jeep track on the right hand fork. The road leads down a hill inially and becomes a small path leading steeply down to a footbridge crossing the Du Toits river. It takes less than 15 minutes to reach this point and after crossing the river you begin to climb.

You will continue to climb for the next 3 to 4 hours. Steeply at first and then more gradually. Amazing views open up in all directions. The path winds its way through beautiful fynbos and is generally quite clear.

The path is generally quite clear

Eventually the peak itself comes into view. To reach the summit you turn off the main path to the right and a steep 15 minute climb brings you the cairn. From here Table Mountain is clear in the West, to the East is the Villiersdorp valley and to the South the Breede River Valley.

To return to your car descend the peak on the same path but go straight ahead where the 2 paths meet instead of following back the way you came. From here it should take about 2 hours to get back to your car. After passing the junction the path climbs for a short time and then goes down steeply to where it joins with the Uitkyk path. At this junction turn left and follow the clear path back to your car.

Enjoy the views from the top. They are amazing

 

For more information on hiking trails in the Franschoek area click here