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Cape Life Endurance Challenge |
Cape Life Endurance Challenge Day 1: Arrive Cape TownAfter arrival at Cape Town international Airport, a quick 25-minute transfer takes us to our Hotel at the Cities V&A Waterfront just 10 minutes away. The day is left to use as you wish. Go shopping, visit some cultural heritage sights or enjoy the splendour of the Natural Surroundings.
Options are a visit to the famous Robin Island Prison where Nelson Mandela was held, a half-day trip into the townships to get an idea of how the majority of South Africans live, a half day trip to Hermanus to see the whales, or simply visit the shops, the fantastic aquarium and the festivities of the Waterfront or relax at one the Cape Beaches.
In the evening we will have a safety brief and presentation of the 6 tough days to come before dinner and settling down for the night. The hotel is an ex-prison conversion. Day 2: Table Mountain Itinerary:
20 Minute drive to the start of hike (16 km)
3-4 hours to ascend 1000m, Lunch at the highest point, 3-4 hours to descend
30 minute scenic drive around Mountain passes and along the gorgeous coastline to our camp at Llandudno.Attractions: Ascent of the famous Table Mountain; home to many species of animals and birds. This is part of the smallest, yet richest (most species diverse) floral Kingdom in the world. The hike boasts a selection of endless views in every direction once you reach the top of Table Mountain: The city and Robin Island (home to Nelson Mandela for many years), the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, mountain ranges, ravines, the inland Plains and, if the skies are clear, all the way down to Cape Point. We will reach Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain.
Day 3: Sandrif, Maalgat (kloofing), Wine Tasting, Paintings and BaboonsItinerary:Early Start: 8amTransfer: 4 Hours by road to our riverside camp in the Cedarberg Mountains. Hear we enjoy lunch and unwind in the afternoon sun before enjoying a natural mountain pool in the sun. Attractions: 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 after two tough days. There are a series of four cliff jumps here, from low to high. For those who want to, a challenge is to complete all 4.
Day 4: Wolfberg Cracks and Arch Itinerary:
Early start: 8am
Hike: Tough 19km day. Steep ascent for 2-3 hours to the Wolfberg Cracks. After a scramble, crawl, climb and cave or two we reach the top to enjoy the views. A relatively level hike takes us along the escarpment and to the Wolfberg Arch. Here we have lunch before descending and trekking back to camp in the late afternoon.Attractions: All day is spent on hiking through the Cedarberg Mountain Range with the possibility of stumbling across a troop of curious Cape Baboons
We pass through the Wolfberg Cracks to reach the summit. The cracks
are deeply carved out of the mountain’s edge and create a set of steep shaded gorges ready to explore.
Later we pass under the spectacular Wolfberg Arch; designed over
years by the forces of nature and left for us to enjoy.
The evening is spent enjoying the healthy aching in our bodies around
a roaring campfire. The skies here are clear and crisp and you would never have seen so many stars before as the crickets sing you to sleep.
Day 5: Maltese CrossItinerary: Early Start: 7am Hike: Full day (14km & 19km) past the Maltese cross. Attractions: After Breakfast we head off on up to the Maltese Cross (a giant natural stone crucifix). This gives us our final chance to enjoy the fauna and flora of the natural surroundings. Watch out for the snakes, scorpions and baboons. We pass the cross after about 2 hours. The rest of the day is another long trek through remote valleys, and along unworn paths. However, for those carrying any aches and pains from the previous day, there is a shorter ‘after lunch‘ option on the day and our guides are well qualified in support and motivation. The remoteness and the echoes of barking baboons that claim ownership to the valleys here add atmosphere to the spectacular surroundings. The hike finishes at Uitkyk, thereafter a 5 minute transfer takes us to our new camp at Algeria.
Day 6: AlgeriaItinerary: Early Start: 7.30am Hike: Full day (16km) circular route
Attractions: After Breakfast we head off on up the mountain. From Algeria, the path ascends steeply towards the mountains and a beautiful waterfall. Eventually, we reach the top and the views are breathtaking. After lunch we head off along the plateau and down a steep valley to Uitkyk before heading back to camp. The camp at Algeria is set amongst the trees lining a river. The natural pool there is perfect for relaxing after the tough days of hiking the Cedarberg.
Day 7: West Coast TrekItinerary: Early Start: 8amTransfer: 3 hour transfer to the West coastAtlantic trek: We spend the day on a tranquil coastal trek, exploring the bays and beaches as we head south and use the cold Atlantic to stay refreshed.Accommodation: Fantastic beach Front Hotel in LangebaanThe evening is spent having our final Gala function. Attractions: Spectacular Coastal beaches. The west Coast has no cliffs but is characterised by long white sandy beaches, secluded bays, rocky outcrops and tidal pools. A good chance of seeing seals and whales Day 8: Time to go homeHave a relaxing morning. Flight times will dictate the day. If 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
Extra Activities: · Great White Shark Cage Diving (Day 8)· Township Tour (Day 1 or 8)· Robin Island (day 1 or 8)
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