Hiking and Canyoning
Cape Town and the surrounding areas offer some of the finest hiking in the world. Kloofing, known as canyoning in the United States, is the practice of following a mountain stream through its gorge, canyon, or kloof by swimming, rock hopping, and jumping over waterfalls or cliffs into deep pools, so it’s definitely a bit more than simple hiking. There are some exceptional kloofing venues in the Cape.
Active Africa. This company is busy in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Namibia, but walking tours of four days and longer outside Cape Town can also be arranged. Their main Cape Town offering is a combination tour, customized to include a variety of different activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and rappelling. 021/788–6083; www.active-africa.com. From R3,909.
Mother City Hikers. Originally from Chicago, Lauren Medcalf came to Cape Town on an extended vacatin in 2006 and has never left. With Table Mountain standing tall over the city and surrounded by the southern oceans, it has become her home away from home. Mother City Hikers uses qualified and accredited mountain guides, who have fulfilled the requirements for Adventure Guiding/Mountaineering and are also qualified to offer mountain walking and overnight trips. All guides are also certified in first aid and CPR with the National First Aid Academy in South Africa. Prices include pickup at your hotel and transportation to the hiking site. 072/530–3464; mothercityhikers.co.za. From R500.
RidgwayRamblers. Binny Ridgway is one of the most experienced Table Mountain guides. If you want to get the most out of this iconic rock, it's best to learn a little about the area and its flora and fauna while getting some exercise and not having to think too hard for yourself. Hikes may go from Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon (on the mountain) or to the Twelve Apostles (above Camps Bay). His prices get you a packed lunch and complimentary transportation to and from the hike. 082/522–6056; www.ridgwayramblers.co.za. From R750.
Table Mountain Walks. Table Mountain Walks offers various hikes, including options at Table Mountain and Silvermine Nature Reserve, with a well-informed guide. Owner Margaret is a veteran hiker with experience on all the continental "biggies." 021/715–6136; www.tablemountainwalks.co.za. From R550.
