Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, Grabouw

As we prepare for our next adventure starting soon, we’d like to take you to more of the beautiful places in and around Cape Town … trips we’ve enjoyed in the past.

It will probably come as no surprise to our regular blog readers if we want to tell you about another hike! In May 2015 we ventured on the overnight Sphinx Route in the Hottentots Holland nature reserve near Grabouw (70km from Cape Town).

Map of overnight hike in the Hottentots Holland Mountains

We left our car at the parking area by the main gate to start our walk at Nuweberg. The route winds up and down along rugged and mountainous terrain and then ends at Shamrock Hut where we spent the night – 12km (7.4 miles). The next morning we enjoyed walking back down the mountain on a jeep track to end our hike again at Nuweberg – 10km (6.2 miles).

The trail starts at a plantation before heading into the mountains
Within the first kilometer, we had to hike up a steep hill

There was a forecast of rain and the presence of heavy clouds made it clear that we would get rain somewhere along the route.

When we reached the top of the hill, we had a nice view
We are going to Shamrock Hut
The rain came closer and closer to the mountains
The trail is easy to follow and is rated as moderate
Pretty flowers along the trail

About an hour and a half after we started walking, the wind suddenly started blowing stronger and we could see the rain moving down the valley towards the mountain. It was a good indication for us to quickly make a cup of coffee before the rain reached us.

Coffee break on the hiking trail
Magnificent view while enjoying our coffee

We were quite surprised to see how green the mountains were, because it was only the beginning of the winter and rainy season.

Hottentots Holland Mountains

After we put our coffee mugs back in our backpacks, the rain started to fall and we had to quickly put on our rain jackets. It rained hard for a while and then luckily it was just a light drizzle until we got to our hut.

I’m resting and Berto’s waiting
The route took us past beautiful rock formations

We could see our cabin from quite a distance. But when we came around a corner (and thought we were almost there), the trail took us deep into the valley and then back up the mountain. We didn’t reach our cabin until about 40 minutes later.

Our hut seemed so close, but it was another 40 minute walk
Almost there

A short boardwalk took us to the sleeping hut. There is also a sheltered area where you can ‘braai’ (barbeque).

‘Braai’ area
View from the porch of our hut
Lovely quote at the hut

Our lunch was quite simple (and very cold) for this chilly day. We enjoyed mini sausages, cherry tomatoes and cheeses. Luckily we had hot coffee and tea to drink to warm us up!

Lunch time

For the rest of the afternoon we walked around a bit to explore the area. But it got so cold and wet that we decided it was better in the hut. Berto decided it was a good time to try to explain declination to me. All I remember was that it was about geographic north and true north. I don’t think I was a very good student, because I decided it was much more enjoyable to enjoy a glass of red wine.

A lesson in declination

With no electricity available at the hut, we packed a fire early (for light, heat and to prepare our dinner). We put a big piece of steak on the fire and enjoyed it with a green salad that we made at home.

Enough wood for a ‘braai’ as well as for the fire place inside the hut

In our cabin there were a couple of bunk beds with mattresses with a fireplace in the middle. It was bitterly cold and raining when we went to sleep, but Berto had a plan how we would stay warm! He made a big fire and we placed our mattresses on the ground near the fireplace. We then snuggled into our sleeping bags and it was quite cozy!

Shamrock hut

Day 2:

The next morning we were happy to see that the rain clouds had disappeared. There was a thick cloud of mist over the mountains and down in the valley, but we were excited that our walk down the mountain would be in sunny weather.

Early morning mist over the high mountains

We only had to walk about 10km (6.2 miles) back to our car and it was most of the time on a jeep track – so an easy walk. But first it was time for breakfast. Berto fried bacon in our camp pot before adding some eggs. It would surely take us to the end of the trail.

Berto prepare breakfast
Scrambled eggs and bacon in one pot

Around 9:00 we took a few last photos of the beautiful scenery before packing our backpacks and walking down the mountain.

The valley was still shrouded in mist
Beautiful rocks by the hut with the sun driving away the mist
The valley, where the trail ends, was still under a thick cloud of mist

On this side of the mountain is a zipline adventure. It starts high in the mountains and then works its way down with 11 cables of more than 100m. We saw some of the adrenaline junkies enjoying this activity (well, we heard them long before we saw them).

Zipline adventure in the Hottentots Holland Mountains

It was such a beautiful walk down the mountains. The mist had completely disappeared and the sun was actually quite warm. It was the perfect day to be out in nature.

Our path winds down the mountain
We followed the jeep track while taking in spectacular views

I complained to Berto last night that I didn’t see my favourite flower – the protea – on our route. But today, on our way down the mountain, I was lucky to see this beautiful flower. Oh, I love this beauty!

The beautiful protea
Enjoy the way down

The last few kilometers were on a dirt road and took us to the main gate and parking area.

Almost at the end of the trail
There was still some mist in the valley, but we enjoyed a sunny walk back to our car

This was another great hike in the mountains near Cape Town and definitely a route we would love to hike again (maybe this time with our friends).