A magnificent waterfall hike
on Table Mountain
One of the most spectacular hikes on Table Mountain is the Suikerbossie circuit. This route begins and ends at Suikerbossie restaurant. (between Hout Bay and Llandudno) As much of the route up the mountain follows the steep and often wet Myburgh waterfall ravine, this is a route best not followed in the winter or by those not equipped with good footwear.
Take the turn off the main road signposted to the restaurant and park before you take the sharp turn to the left. The path is to the left of the pillars that lead into the Ryterplaats estate. Follw the path as it leads past the restaurant and through some pine trees. Once above the pines the path takes a right turn and follows the contour for around 3 km. This is a wonderful path above the tree line with towering cliffs above you. The path dips and passes through Myburghs Kloof. Do not turn up the mountain here, but continue to the next thickly wooded ravine. (it should take you around an hour to reach here)
The path leads you up the left side of the ravine through magnificent indigenous forest. After around 15 minutes you come to a waterfall. You clambour up the side of the waterfall following a vague path. There are foot and hand holds, but be carefull as the route can be slippy here. Once at the top the path is even fainter but you just keep following the river. The trees here are even better and the sides of the waterfall are lined with dripping moss. In February this is one of the best places for spotting the red disa. But is beautiful at any time of the year. The river bed becomes narrower and narrower and leads to another waterfall. The best route up is directly up the waterfall.
The route follows the narrow river gorge
Once at the top you pick up a path on the left bank of the stream that leads to the top of the ravine and moves gradually away from the river. Once at the top the path levels out and leads you across the mountain to where it joins the main path which leads across the 12 apostles to Hout Bay. Turn left onto this path and follow it past Judas Peak and begins to descend gradually. Once you begin to descend look out for a sharp right turn which will take you to the top of Llandudno ravine. This is a steep descent over some loose ground. Slowly and carefully is best. At the bottom you get on an amazing contour path at a height of 400m. Stay on this path. It leads directly back to Suikerbossie Restuarant via a small rock scramble.
The waterfall when flowing
