Helderberg Nature Reserve

Helderberg Nature reserve is situated in Somerset West, close neighbours to Cape Town but strangely enough none of us had visited it before. So as part of a mountain navigation training exercise we decided to explore the area.

What a pleasant surprise! Even though the April 2011 fire had devastated a large part of the reserve encouraging signs of regrowth could be seen.

Progress was slow as numerous what if scenarios were played out as we went along.
Our original intention was to follow the pink route to the top of West Peak but due to time constraints we ended up following the Green route. The views of False Bay were spectacular with Cape Point standing out in the distance. The reserve is managed by Cape Town City Council but West Peak falls under Cape Nature management.
Armed with the online map it is relatively easy to find your way around as most of the jeep tracks and paths head off in the general direction of West Peak. The trick is to aim towards Disa Gorge and then look for the path that zig zags its way up the buttress on the east side. We went a short distance up Disa Ravine until reaching a danger sign, shortly before it a clear path goes off to the left; this is the one that we followed.

The Green route eventually joins up with the Pink route and descends the mountain. The Watsonia's are all sprouting along the slope and should give a wonderfull display towards October/November.

False Bay with Cape Point in the distance

It would be well worth a trip just to see their display. There is very little water available along the way so it’s best to fill up at the entrance.
It was a unanimous decision to return in the near future as we had really only scratched the surface in terms of exploring the reserve. 

Guernsey Lily

Links
Helderberg Reserve Fire
http://www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Friends-News-July-2011-email.pdf
Trails map of the Helderberg Hiking routes
http://www.helderbergnaturereserve.co.za/reserve/trails/

Zombie mode
Ring any bells? You’ve left the house for a weekend away, driven 2 km’s down the road and you cannot remember whether the alarm had been set or the stove switched off.
Autopilot is great………for Pilots that is.
We operate in Zombie mode for a large part of our daily life. Totally oblivious of our surroundings, think of how much more we can get out of an experience by becoming consciously aware of our surroundings.
Practice! Switch on! Stop; lift your head at the traffic light (robots for us South Africans) look above the façades look at the layers of architecture, grime, and paint. Find the unusual, a gargoyle on the one building and a baboon statue on another.
The very same habit applies when out walking on the mountain. Practice awareness. Consciously take in your surroundings.
The curry smell from the bush you brushed against, the King Protea that’s in bud, the old cement casks (see if you can find that one, Table Mountain, Dams, ok no more clues)
By becoming fully conscious of our surroundings we become immersed in the experience and that bundle of stress we carry with us becomes lighter.

Hoerikwaggo Trail

Hoerikwaggo Trail
Great news we have four block bookings for the Hoerikwaggo trail. Read what SANP has to say about the trail. This is one hike that must be on your bucket list. Right at the top!
All you have to do is carry a day pack (and walk). We do all the catering and even lug everything from one camp to the next. It's called "slackpacking" doll!
The trail starts at Cape Point and finishes at the Wash houses above Cape Town.

The overnight camps just get better and better. Look at the list:

Smitswinkel

Silvermine

Slangkop

Orangekloof

Diarise the the following dates:
24 - 28 September 2012
19 - 23 November 2012
7 - 11 January 2013
25 - 29 March 2013
For more information contact us>>>

Change in season

Although the south-easter is still howling in its tree distorting way, temperatures have dropped and the first duvet is on our bed. But who really cares about bedding?
More importantly the cooler weather marks the start of wonderful autumn hiking conditions. Temperatures become more bearable in the Cederberg making it more accessible. Waterfalls start appearing on Table Mountain and the dams start filling up.
Soon we will change around our home's summer configuration and the lounge will be positioned in front of the fireplace. Red wine will be purchased in bulk and thoughts will move onto planning Christmas in July.
This has become somewhat of a tradition in Cape Town. December is so hot that it's uncomfortable to have meals such as a roast accompanied by all its trimmings. So Christmas in July is the time to celebrate with all the tasty treats.
Hiking becomes easier in one way but more challenging on another level. Rain gear, beanies, thermal underwear become normal hiking apparel.
Oh I look forward to the cooler months in the Cape and revel in the invigorating cold.
I'm planning a multi-day hike in the Cederberg for May 2012, let me know early if you are interested as places on the hike will fill up quickly.