Hiking beyond Cape Town, by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier

Hiking beyond Cape Town, by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier. Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa. Imprint: Travel & Heritage. Cape Town, South Africa 2023. ISBN 9781775848431 / ISBN 978-1-77-584843-1

Hiking beyond Cape Town, by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier. Hike your way to new horizons in South Africa.

Willie Olivier  

From a young age, I was encouraged to appreciate the beauty of natural landscapes by my parents. Exploring mountains, forests, shorelines and hidden valleys became a source of joy and discovery, and hiking quickly emerged as my preferred way to experience the world. For me, hiking is not merely a hobby, but a holistic pursuit that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The health benefits of hiking have played a significant role in my dedication to this pursuit. Amidst the tranquil beauty of nature, I find respite from the stresses of everyday life. Hiking allows people to unplug from the digital world, immerse themselves in the present moment, and revel in the serenity of natural surroundings. (Nina du Plessis)

Using this guide to hiking beyond Cape Town

The information at the start of each trail provides you with all the facts you need at the tips of your fingers. Walks range from easy family rambles to moderate walks and difficult trails that should only be attempted by fit and experienced hikers. Location: Trails have been grouped into broad geographic areas based on the distance from central Cape Town. This provides an estimate of the time it would take to travel to the trailhead, although the actual distance will vary, depending on your departure point. Distance: On some trails there are linking or alternative routes. Depending on your actual route, distances may vary from those provided in Hiking beyond Cape Town. Duration: Duration will vary according to the fitness of the group, and how often you stop to rest or to admire the views and the plants. Elevation: Elevation refers to the total elevation gain on the trail. It is a useful guide, especially when taking the distance into consideration. A trail could be relatively short, but have a high elevation gain. Grade: A three-grade system is used: Easy, Moderate, Difficult. This has been determined with a person of average fitness in mind, based on the distance, as well as the elevation. Getting there: Directions to the trailhead are provided as a guide only, as your actual approach route will depend on your departure point.

Gearing up

A pair of comfortable walking shoes is the most important piece of equipment you will need as there is nothing as soul-destroying as aching or blistered feet. When buying shoes, try them on while wearing the socks you will be hiking in, and remember that your feet will expand as you hike. Before tying up the laces, push your foot as far forward to the toe cap as possible and if you can still squeeze a finger down the back of your heel it should be the right fit. Also ensure that the shoes' width is correct and always try both shoes on as one foot is often slightly broader or longer than the other. Once you are sure that you have the right shoes, 'wear them in' properly before setting off on your first hike. Given the tempestuous nature of the Cape winters, good-quality rain gear is absolutely essential, especially when you venture high into the mountains where you can unexpectedly be enveloped in mist or caught up in rain. A good windbreaker will do exactly what its name says - keeping the wind off your body - but it will not keep you dry in pelting rain.  [...]

This is an excerpt from Hiking beyond Cape Town, by Nina du Plessis and Willie Olivier.

Title: Hiking beyond Cape Town
Authors: Nina du Plessis; Willie Olivier
Publisher: Penguin Random House South Africa
Imprint: Travel & Heritage
Cape Town, South Africa 2023
ISBN 9781775848431 / ISBN 978-1-77-584843-1
Paperback, 15 x 21 cm, 176 pages, throughout colour photos and maps