Safety first: Telephone Numbers for Rescue Services
Mountain Rescue: +27 21 948 9900
ER24 (Ambulance): 084 124
ViewRanger GPS: A good app which allows you to download reasonably detailed maps to your phone.
Take a hike!
Hiking in the Western Cape of South Africa offers a diverse range of experiences, from the iconic Table Mountain trails overlooking Cape Town to the rugged terrains of the Cederberg Mountains. The region is rich in natural beauty, featuring coastal paths, mountainous landscapes, and unique fynbos vegetation. Whether you're a novice hiker or an experienced trekker, the Western Cape has trails that offer breathtaking views, diverse flora and fauna, and varying levels of difficulty, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't be fooled by the beauty though, these are proper mountains, so pack accordingly (see "What to pack").
Wild animals
This isn't Europe. No need to panic, but there are a few things to be aware of.
Snakes
There are three main dangerous snakes in the Western Cape...
Spiders
Black widow spiders are quite poisonous and love crevices. Be careful where you stick your hands!
Baboons
These are wild animals, keep your distance and don't feed them...
What to pack
- Water (plenty of it)
- Sturdy shoes (no flip-flops)
- Warm clothing
- Food
- GPS (phone apps)
Around Cape Town: Lions Head
Great way to see the city from above and still have a great view of Table Mountain...
Table Mountain
There are a whole bunch of options to make it to the top of Table Mountain, besides the Cable Car.
Platteklip Gorge
Further afield
There's a ton more hiking trails around...