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There’s something pretty epic about buggering off for the weekend and strapping on the hiking boots.
Then there’s packing the bag full of dried fruits and snacks, working out how you’re going to keep the beers cold, and deciding where to call it for the night.
Basically it’s rad that you did Lion’s Head three years ago, but to make the most of the Cape let’s turn up the heat.
The ever excellent Inside Guide have put together a list of the best overnight hikes in and around the Western Cape, but we’ll make it really easy and present you with three.
Cederberg Wilderness Area
If you truly want to leave city life behind you for a while, you will find it difficult to resist the call of the Cederberg. The reserve is only a couple of hours out of Cape Town, yet this ancient landscape will transport you to a time when humanity still roamed the wilderness, sheltering in caves by night and huddling around fires as darkness closed in. A number of trails wind their way throughout the reserve, with the Algeria Campsite serving as a hub from which hikers can explore the Cederberg at their own pace. Famous natural landmarks include the Wolfsberg Arch – a giant rock-formed archway; and the Stadsaal Caves, which contains San art dating back thousand of years.
Start and end point Algeria Campsite
I’ve had the pleasure of hiking to Wolfsberg Arch – it really is a beaut, whether by day or by night:
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About those Stadsaal Caves and the artwork:
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Next up is the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail:
Travel between the villages of Greyton and McGregor via a trail that passes through the Riviersonderend Mountains. You can complete the trail in one day, but it’s considered an overnight hike because participants like to return to their starting point the next day (you could arrange transport if you’re not up for the return walk). Either way, the trek offers spectacular scenery, and the opportunity to spot mountain-dwelling wildlife such as klipspringers, caracals and even the elusive leopard.
If videos are your thing here’s Jacques Jordaan’s take on the hike:
Lastly there’s this one, which isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it is apparently well worth the toil.
Arangieskop Trail
Often referred to as the Kilimanjaro of the Cape, and for good reason – this hike is no walk in the park. It starts off winding its way through the Dassiehoek Nature Reserve, a popular destination for flower enthusiasts and bird watchers. Then comes a steep ascent into the mountains, which lasts for around eight hours, and ends at the overnight hut, 200 meters below the summit. The next day, hikers face a challenging descent back into the valley. Snowy conditions can be expected during the winter months, and the trail requires respectable fitness levels to complete it, but it’s worth it for the incredible views of the Breede River Valley stretching out below.
Local travel writer Matthew Sterne completed the hike last year and snapped these great photos:
If you think you have what it takes then this one seems worth the sweat.
You can find all the contact details you will need to organise the various hikes and accommodation, as well as a number of other hikes to explore, on Inside Guide HERE.
Happy hiking.
[source:insideguide]
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