A favourite hike on Table
Mountain
The Bushmans Overhang hike is a route that takes you around the top of Orangekloof. It is not well known so the path can be difficult to find. However it offers some wonderful views that are not often seen. It is a Table Mountain path that actually starts and finishes on top of the mountain so you can take any number of routes up and down the mountain in order to get to it.
To get to the start of the walk you need to get to the far side of De Villiers Dam. There is a path leading from the dam wall to the Overseers hut. The Bushmans overhang path is a left turn off this path about 5 minutes after you leave the dam wall. ( walking away from the wall, heading towards the hut)
Bushmans Overhang Path with De Villiers reservoir in the background
The path is small and with waist high fynbos on either side. After about 20 minutes the path becomes more rocky and in a couple of places you need to jump from rock to rock to get to where you need to go. The amphitheatre of Orange Kloof spreads out ahead and to your left magnificent and untouched, whilst beyond that Hout Bay nestles in the valley.
The view of Orange Kloof and Hout Bay
The path continues around the rim of the Kloof. At places you need to bend down to get under overhangs or squeeze behind magnificent yellow woods clinging precariously to the cliff edge.
An overhung section of the path
At times there is a bit of exposure but nothing to really worry about. After about an hour the cliff begins to recede and the path leads you up and over the top. You find yourself beside the Victoria and Alexandra dams. A short walk will take you to the cement road from where you can choose your route down.
Explore Table Mountain on a guided hike with Ridgway Ramblers
