The original inhabitants of the Cape – the Khoekhoen and San tribes - called Table Mountain Hoerikwaggo – "sea mountain" or "mountain in the sea"
Hoerikwaggo™ Trails
Discover Silvermine
Location in SA
Walk in the footsteps of the Khoekhoen people and discover the poetry of an ancient mountain chain...
Hoerikwaggo is the original Khoi’san word for mountain in the sea, the Khoi’san’s name for Table Mountain.
This suite of trails reveals the true spirit of Hoerikwaggo – the sea mountain – as hikers have not been able to experience it before. These hiking trails have been built by 400 previously unemployed & unskilled people from the communities surrounding the Table Mountain chain, and cater for the diverse needs of both local and international visitors - from Cape Town’s disadvantaged youth to 'slackpackers' who like to “rough it” in style.
Whichever trail you choose you will revel in fragrant fynbos mornings, breathtaking views and delight in the inimitable spirit of Table Mountain National Park - our Natural World Heritage Site.
The Table Mountain Trail
Wake up on Table Mountain: A three-day, guided, catered and portered hiking experience that links the cultural history of Cape Town with the natural heritage of Table Mountain - a Natural World Heritage Site. The trail is geared for comfort and all accommodation is fully equipped and serviced including cotton sheets, hot showers and fine local cuisine.
The Route
The hike starts at the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. With a fascinating urban tour that showcases the complex social history of the Mother City and the eclectic architecture that lends the City an air of cosmopolitan charm. This day aslo includes a boat trip in the harbour and a visit to Robben Island Museums, District 6 Museums and the Bo-Kaap.
Overnight on the lower slopes of Table Mountain in the award-winning restored Platteklip Wash Houses relaxing in comfort listening to the gentle sounds of the Platteklip stream.
The next day catch the cable car* to the top of Table Mountain and hike through pristine fynbos and fascinating geological formations while you drink in the sweeping vistas of the mountain chain.
Lunch is served al fresco at Maclear’s Beacon - the highest point on the Peninsula. Sleep on Table Mountain in the Overseer’s Cottage, with the City at your feet and the stars as your canopy.
The final day is spent exploring the natural and historic wonders of Table Mountain. After lunch, descend via the eastern slopes of Table Mountain to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens where the trail ends. Note: Transport from Kirstenbosch to the W&A Waterfront is not included. *Cable Car ride weather permitting.
The Facts:
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Number of hikers: Minimum: 2; Maximum: 16 pax.
Other: Fully catered, portaged, serviced and guided. Take only your clothes and a day pack.
Variations:
1. Two nights, two days. This option includes all the trappings of the main trail but excludes the urban trail. Hikers check into the Platteklip Wash House at 18h00
2. Applies to Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Two days, one night, guided and portered but self-catered and bring own bedding.
For more information e-mail Hoerikwaggo Bookings or call us on (021) 465 8515/9
The Orange Kloof Trail
Forest Experience: This is the first leg of the Hoerikwaggo Tented Trail, a two-day one-night hiking trail for the experienced hiker.
Overnight in a picturesque, tented camp nestled in the ancient Afromontane forest of Orange Kloof. The camp was built using alien wood sourced from within the Park and embraces the philosophy of “touching the earth lightly”. Relax in style and comfort, enjoy a hot shower, an open fire and the overwhelming silence of the restricted Orange Kloof forest.
This guided trail is self catering but your food and gear will be portered from departure point to your over-night accommodation, so all you need to take are your boots and your daypack.
The Route
Starting at the Silvermine Dam the trail winds north through unspoilt fynbos, complimented by stunning views of the Cape Peninsula, and traverses the Constantiaberg and Vlakkenberg to Constantia Nek. The day ends at the overnight camp in the Orange Kloof Afromontane forest where the music of the Disa River, and the abundant fauna and flora, will sooth and charm your soul.
On day two, ascend the back table via Disa Gorge and walk through the Valley of the Red Gods to the Upper Cable Way Station. Hikers are then ferried down by Cable Car where the hiking trail ends at the lower Cable Station
Alternative: If you don’t want to hike the actual trail you may book the tented camp and use the facility as over-night accommadation. A guide for this option is mandatory.
The Facts:
Duration:2 days and 1 night
Number of hikers: Minimum 6; Maximum 12 pax.
Guided, Self-catering; fully equipped kitchen with gas cookers and fridges; fire pit, braai.
For more information e-mail Hoerikwaggo Bookings or call us on (021) 465 8515/9
The Silvermine Trail
Mountain Experience: This is the second leg of the Hoerikwaggo Tented Trail, a two-day one-night hiking trail for the experienced hiker.
A spectacular two-day, one-night hike that leads you from the vleis and beaches of the South Peninsula to the peaks of the Table Mountain chain traversing both the world famous Chapman’s Peak and the scenic Constantiaberg.
The Route
Start near the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie and spend the first half of your day walking along the Noordhoek beach with the fresh smell of the ocean sharpening your senses. Look out for Oyster Catchers, Cape Clawless Otters and sometimes whales and dolphins.
From Noordhoek Beach you climb Chapman’s Peak which offers magnificent views from Table Mountain to Cape Point. You then hike down to your accommodation at Silvermine tented camp, overlooking False Bay.
Wake up on the mountain and spend your day walking through lovely fynbos to Constantia Nek were your two-day getaway comes to an end.
Alternative: If you don’t fancy the full hike but want the special experience of spending a night on the mountain, merely book the accommodation and use it as a base where you can enjoy all the Silvermine outdoor activities. There is even a climbing wall at the over night tented camp! A guide for this option is mandatory.
The Facts:
Duration: 2 days and 1 night
Number of hikers: Minimum 6; Maximum 12 pax.
Guided, Self-catering; fully equipped kitchen with gas cookers and fridges; fire pit, braai.
Interpreting Silvermine (pdf)
For more information e-mail Hoerikwaggo Bookings or call us on (021) 465 8515/9
The Cape of Good Hope Trail
This two-day hiking trail overnighting in the Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) – a natural treasure trove and most south-westerly point of Africa.
The Route
The hike starts at the main entrance gate to the Cape of Good Hope and heads south toward Smitswinkel Bay offering matchless views of False Bay and Cape Point.
After traversing Judas Peak, skirting Paulsberg and summiting Kanonkop, the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre with its aromatic coffee is a great place to fill water bottles and rest.
From there a brief detour to Buffelsbay offers a revitalising dip before you head on to the overnight huts.
Enjoy a sundowner, while you watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with the smell of your braai filling the air.
On day two take a leisurely walk across Platboom beach, on the Atlantic coastline, which will afford you great game viewing opportunities - so look out for a variety of birds and buck including Black Oyster Catches and Eland. Lunch is at Sirkelsvlei which offers excellent bird watching. The last stretch of the hike takes you over Rooihoogte and back to the gate.
There are also more challenging alternate routes for the more energetic hiker that offer the opportunity to breakfast at the famous Two Oceans Restaurant.
The Facts:
Duration: 2 days and 1 night
Number of hikers: maximum 18 pax
Other: Provide own bedding; self-catered but crockery and cutlery provided; no guides; portage available; secure parking.
For more information e-mail Rowena Goodheart or Musa Makhubele or call us on (021) 780 9204.
Other infomation
Watch out for the Hoerikwaggo Tented Classic - coming soon
The Orange Kloof and Silvermine trails are portions of what will eventually become the Hoerikwaggo Tented Classic, a six-day, five-night trail linking Cape Point to Table Mountain.
The Peoples Trail: This educational trail is reserved for youth from the disadvantaged communities of Cape Town. Booking can be made through TMNP People and Conservation staff. Call Samantha on 021 701 8692
Attention: Tour Operators
Registered Tour Operators should e-mail Sarie van Rensburg or call 021 - 4222816. They can also contact the Hoerikwaggo Trails Booking Office for information on (021) 422 2816 for current industry specials. The general public should call (021) 465 8515
Alternatively email: hoerikwaggobookings@sanparks.org
Brochure
Download brochure (pdf)
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