Cape Trek Challenge

Day 1: Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town international Airport, a quick 25-minute transfer takes us to our Hotel at the V&A Waterfront. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Go shopping, visit some cultural heritage sights or enjoy the splendour of the natural surroundings.

In the evening we will have a safety briefing and presentation of the 6 tough days to come before dinner and settling down for the night.

Day 2: Cedarberg    
We depart at 8am on the 4 hour road transfer to our riverside camp in the Cedarberg Mountains. Here we enjoy lunch and unwind in the afternoon sun before enjoying a choice of relaxing afternoon activities:

1. A short hike of 35 minutes downstream from the camp to Maalgat. This large natural pool is fantastic to take a cool refreshing swim while soaking up the African sun and relaxing or for the more adventurous there are a series of four cliff jumps
2. Visit the nearby wine estate to sample local wines
3. Visit the nearby natural caves and view the Bushman’s Paintings

Day 3: Cedarberg - Wolfberg Cracks and Arch
We start the day at 8am to begin the tough 17km hike through the Cedarberg Mountain Range. There is a steep ascent for 2-3 hours to the Wolfberg Cracks which are deeply carved out of the mountain’s edge and create a set of steep shaded gorges ready to explore. After a scramble, crawl, climb and cave or two we reach the top to enjoy the views. A relatively level hike then takes us along the escarpment and to the Wolfberg Arch, a spectacular rock formation. Here we stop to enjoy lunch underneath before descending back to camp in the late afternoon. The evening is spent around a roaring campfire under the clear, crisp starlit sky.

Day 4: Cedarberg - Maltese Cross
After Breakfast we head off on the moderate uphill climb to the Maltese Cross (a giant natural stone crucifix) with magnificent views of the Cedarberg Range. It will take about 3 hours to reach the cross, after which we continue through the remote valleys and unworn paths enjoying the fauna and flora as we go. The remoteness and the echoes of barking baboons that claim ownership to the valleys here add atmosphere to the spectacular surroundings. We continue down the Uitkyk pass, thereafter a 5 minute transfer takes us to our new camp at Algeria.

Day 5: Cedarberg - Algeria
A full day, 18km hike calls for an early start. From Algeria we begin the waterfall walk route which ascends steeply up the mountains and to a beautiful waterfall. Upon reaching the top we are rewarded with breathtaking views and the chance to enjoy some lunch. Afterwards we head off along the plateau and down a steep valley via Middleberg, die Gat and Uitkyk before heading back to our camp which is set amongst the trees on the banks of the river. The natural pool is a perfect place for relaxing after the tough days hike.

Day 6: West Coast
We leave the Cedarberg behind and transfer to the West Coast, the drive is roughly 3 hours. The jagged cliffs and rock formations are replaced by long white sandy beaches, secluded bays and tidal pools. We spend the day on a tranquil coastal trek, exploring the spectacular beaches with a good chance of spotting seals and whales on the way.

Day 7: Table Mountain
After an early breakfast we return back to Cape Town for the last hike of our trip, up the majestic Table Mountain. It will take approximately 3-4 hours to ascend to Maclears Beacon the highest point at 1080 metres; however the route we take to the top is 3km. It may sound short but the hike is physically demanding yet rewarding. Table Mountain is home to many species of animals and birds. It is part of the smallest, yet richest (most species diverse) floral Kingdom in the world. We enjoy lunch at the top whilst soaking in the endless views in every direction. Gaze down on the Mother City, Robben Island, the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, and, if the skies are clear, all the way to Cape Point. We then begin our descent followed by a scenic drive along the gorgeous coastline to our camp at Llandudno.

Day 8: Depart
Enjoy a relaxing morning or time permitting there is time there are numerous activities and half-day trips in which you can partake. A 2-hour transfer to the airport ends the challenge as you board your homebound flight. Alternatively extend your stay in Cape Town for a few more days.