AWOL's Private Table Mountain Hike

Uncovering an ecological masterpiece

From the evergreen, Afromontaine forest, to the rugged rock faces, to the breathtaking vistas, Table mountain is quite the ecological masterpiece. When you embark on a private hiking tour, you'll not only want to take in the stunning views you've been promised, but learn more about the fascinating wildlife and bird species that call the mountain their home; which is why it is important that you enlist the help of a knowledgeable and passionate guide.

The Smuts Track was named in honour of field marshal Jan Smuts, who was a Boer war hero, twice the president of South Africa, and a keen mountaineer. The hike to the top of Table Mountain, via Skeleton Gorge, was his favourite and is one of the most popular Table Mountain Walks of the present day. When you hike this trail, accompanied by friendly guide, Leonard, and a small tour group, you'll understand exactly why.

Ladders, steps, rocks and streams

Armed with cameras, water, hiking boots and a picnic and refreshments provided by AWOL, you begin your hike in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. You're surrounded by the world’s richest natural garden, carpeted with over 8,578 species of plant, 70% of which is unique – such a beautiful array of colours and biodiversity is not easily forgotten. The Smuts track (or Skeleton Gorge hike) starts here. Even for someone who is reasonably fit, the trail immediately wakes you up, as the climb involves well-constructed ladders and steps; and traversing rocks and streams.

Being on a private tour helps, as it's tailor made to suit levels of fitness, you will be given regular breaks and your guide recounts interesting facts and anecdotes, as you traverse the gorge. Leonard also makes sure that safety is paramount, during your hike. What also helps are the rewards you reap for tiresome mountaineering – you are surrounded by lush, evergreen Afromontaine forest, trickling streams and the soft chorus of birds. I for one, couldn't help but feel enchanted by it.

About two thirds of the way up Skeleton Gorge, you will come across a series of wooden ladders, to assist you in climbing the more rockier of surfaces; then you will navigate your way through shallow streams with slippery rocks. Although this proves quite the playground for the adventurous, Leonard is there to show you the best tracks and the most secure footfalls. As you start to emerge from evergreen forest, stop to look down into the gorge, to measure how far you have climbed.

Taking the time to think and talk

Having a personal guide like Leonard, who is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the variety of wildlife that can be found on Table Mountain, adds somewhat to the magic of the hike. During our hike, Leonard told us how a pair of Himalayan Tahr (a mountain goat alien to the Cape Peninsula) once escaped from Groot Schuur Zoo and had multiplied to a herd of 600 by 1976. Since, there have been attempts to cull the species all together as they damage the ecology of the area, which makes sightings rare. Leonard also shared his love for birds of prey - he once saw a Peregrine Falcon hunting smaller birds along the rugged, rock faces, which is also rare. However, many species of bird can be spotted along this hike.

After more climbing, you will stop for a well earned snack at Breakfast Rock. Whilst nibbling chocolate brownies, you can immerse in idle chatter. If hiking with a small group, you'll get to know them well during your mountain climb. You'll find yourself talking about everything:where you're from, where you're going and even what your place of birth is famous for. Hiking isn’t just about beautiful scenery and grueling fitness challenges, but also provides the perfect opportunity to take the time from busy schedules, just to think and to talk.

The view from Table Mountain does everything to measure up to some of the best in the world

From Breakfast Rock, you embark on the path leading to Maclear’s Beacon, where the gradient levels out and you are no longer shaded by the evergreen forest. You will emerge into wide open space, flawless blue skies and 23 degrees of sunshine. Those who are well traveled and have been lucky enough to see some of the most stunning views the world has to offer, will be able to say with conviction that the view from Table Mountain does everything to measure up. Stunning False Bay and the Cape Peninsula, are flanked by the majestic Hottentots mountain range and an ocean that appears placid and serene, from way up on the mountain.

You will pass three distinct rock bands before Maclears Beacon;  the first is near the aqueduct that feeds the Hely-Hutchinson Damn, the second resembles castle ramparts and the third indicates that you are near Maclears Beacon. As we hiked past the dams, our guide told us that the plant species consist of four main types: Protea's, Erica’s, Restio’s and geophytes. He pointed out the Common Sugarbush and the Butterspoon Tree. He also informed us that the Dams, which are no longer used as the main water supply for the city, assist in times of drought. If it is too windy to take the front facing trail, Leonard will advise you on an alternative route -which, for saftey reasons, is where a guide comes in handy.

As you reach Maclear’s Beacon,the highest point on Table Mountain at 1083 metres, Leonard will shake you firmly by the hand and congratulate you for having conquered the difficult mountain face. You will sit on the edge of Maclear’s Beacon for lunch amongst tall reeds and magnificent views of the city. You can hear the calls of the legendary Table Mountain Ghost Frog, one of the parks natural wonders and one of only two of its vertebrae endemics.

If you are tired from the hike, you can opt to take the cable car down, although there is also the option to descend via Platterklip Gorge. The furnicular railway system, affords picture perfect views of Cape Town and Lions Head, making an automatic 360 degree circle, during it's descent. On your drive back, you may stop at viewing points for Table Mountain and Cape Town Stadium are also optional.

The burning question: is it worth doing a private hiking tour?

Your expert tour guide, Leonard, will guide you over precarious rocks, ladders and streams and show you the best trails, where signage does not. You don't just hike up Table Mountain, but also gain valuable insight into the plant species, wildlife and histories that shape this wondrous landmark. The hike consists of a small group, so it is tailor-made to suit fitness levels and the tour is designed according entirely to what you want to experience.

AWOL tours offers many guided Table Mountain hikes, ranging from easy Cable Car tours, to walks on the plateau, to the tough hikes on India Venster. The guided hike we did takes 2-4 hours, depending on fitness levels, and costs R850 per person (including transport from your hotel). You can take the tours without transport, for R600, but all tours include; cable car tickets, water, snacks and lunch.

By Lisa Nevitt

For other ways of getting up or down Table Mountain, be sure to read our overview of Adventure Day Tours, or if you’re keen to discover the magnificent wildlife and nature in the Cape Peninsula, be sure to read our overview of Wildlife and Nature Tours