I briefly talked about hiking Table Mountain in Cape Town, Africa a few weeks ago in my post about my Couchsurfing experience in Cape Town, but I wanted to give you some additional information!
I had researched a few companies and hikes on Trip Advisor and was interested in the India Venster trail. I had decided to wait until I arrived in Cape Town to make any arrangements, mainly because of weather. I’m glad I did, because the people I couchsurfed with were able to get their neighbor, Keith, to hike the India Venster trail with me.
It basically traverses up the front of Table Mountain, under the cable car. We came across the National flower for South Africa on the trail…the beautiful Protea…
Here’s a closer view…
Being a local, he was very familiar with this trail. I had read that it isn’t marked as well as some of the others and is a little more challenging because of some rock scrambling. In America it would be considered a Class 3 level for rock climbing. I was a bit nervous, but wanted a challenge. There was only one spot on the trail where I was finding spots for my fingers within the rocks and was perched precariously…wondering what I had gotten myself in to!
The Platteklip Gorge is an easier route for those that don’t want a little thrill!
I had arrived to Cape Town from Ohio, North America the day before, but slept well, so I felt up to it. Luckily, the day was mostly sunny and we had spectacular views!
The view coming down in the cable car….Spectacular!!
There have been a number of deaths on this trail, with various contributing factors such as…inferior physical fitness level, traversing down is more difficult than going up, rapid weather changes, and others.
I thoroughly enjoyed my hike on Table Mountain! It was even better than I expected!!
Related articles
- Couchsurfing Cape Town (travelspirit333.wordpress.com)
- Platteklip Gorge ~ Caught in the dark, barefoot! (runningthecape.wordpress.com)
- Red Bus City Tour of Cape Town (travelspirit333.wordpress.com)
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Stunning Photos!
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Thanks Kelly!
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I find it interesting that it is more dangerous going down that beautiful mountain than up. O course I know nothing of such things but my head is telling me it should be easier.
Beautiful photos Sherry.
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That’s because when you’re scaling the side of a rock face, you can feel and see better for foot and hand grips going up than down. Thanks Michelle!
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For sure, beautiful moments. Amazing how the photo of you sitting captured the tram through the opening. How long did you have to wait to time that pic? Great flower!!!!
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You won’t believe it…we weren’t trying to capture it in the photo!
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Unreal … and another example of the importance of being lucky.
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I’m not sure if I believe in luck–Frank. I think it has to do more with what you put out is what you get back and also what you envision or expect to happen is more likely what happens. Just my take on things. Have a great 4th. We need to meet…we live in the same city!!
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Good idea … maybe a glass of wine at the Dilly Deli.
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That would be great Frank! I know the owner and have been there a few times. I’ll e-mail you!
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Simply beautiful, amazing!
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Thank you!
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Spectacular is absolutely the word for the hike and the view. I found the rock wall very interesting in appearance almost like it was carved in blocks. So glad I at least got to see it through your pictures! Couch-surfing worked out well also- yeah. It is a great idea.
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I am so glad you enjoyed it!!
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I bet you know what I’m going to say 🙂 Beautiful photos!
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Thank you!!
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Spectacular views… and I like that flower a lot 🙂
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Thanks…me too!!
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Glad you enjoyed our mountain…
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What a mountain! You must love living there!!
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Can you please add twitter to your share button? I enjoy reading your blogs and would love to share them with my followers. Ta.
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I’m not sure how to put it on my blog…do you know how?
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When you add the share button to your blog, you should have various application options not just facebook, stumbleupon and digg – try adding twitter, pinterest and others…It should work – if it doesn’t – change the share button.
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You always look so healthy and happy! Traveling must be good for you 🙂
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I think it is…because I love new adventures, new people and new sights!
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What a beautiful day that must have been!
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It was my first real day in Africa and I was loving it!!
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