Saturday mornings are for hitting the mountain and this specific hike is completely wind-free when the game force South Easter is blowing everywhere else in Cape Town.
Constantia Nek is on the Southern end of Table Mountain and part of the Table Mountain National Park. There are quite a few options from this starting point but our regular route is along the contour path which undulates along the side of the steep slope.
We started off at 6.30am, the carpark already jam packed. This is typical of this area all weekend and often partially full midweek mornings too.
Up the first hill we go just before sunrise and the views were already stunning. From this perspective you can see the whole of Cape Towns Southern Suburbs, the Cape Flats and eventually towards the city of you keep on walking far enough.
The route is popular among trail runners, cyclists and hikers (some experienced and some not so much) but one things is for sure, you need to be aware of who’s flying by you at speed. Everyone shares the same path and generally all humans are respectful towards each other.
The initial path is a loose rock and sand jeep track that eventually narrows to a single track. As we got about 2kms into the hike the sun rose through the clouds over the distant Helderberg mountains. Here are a couple shots of the sunrise.
The trees were catching the first rays in a spectacular fashion.
The path splits just after it begins to narrow but signage is good. You can either continue straight on towards Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, where we sometimes go for beautiful scenic walks and amazing scones with jam and cream, OR you turn left up the steps. (No scones)
Today we turned left up the steps and headed to Nursery Ravine. The mountain side is very steep and the path is very narrow so you have to step aside off the path to let a fellow hiker past. The flora is beautiful! Here are a couple plant shots of the fynbos (local indigenous plants - means fine bush) and more sunrise!!!
We finally get to the Nursery Ravine and as we arrive I can hear water but I can’t see any? So we decided to take a climb a short way up to discover a stunning rock face and waterfall.
This was our water and biscuit stop for the morning. We explored a little more and discovered a small cave with water flowing through it.
As I took a video of the waterfall (it’s the end of Summer so there wasn’t much water) there were a few red spots on my screen. When I took a better look I realised they were Disa’s!!! The Disa is the flower that represents the Western Cape and is only in bloom for about 8 weeks of the year. I have been wanting to see Disas for the longest time so I still can’t believe that we spotted them!
The red Disa Uniflora is a South African species of Orchid!
Back down the ravine and to the single track. We decided to take a lower contour which goes through Cecelia Forest and then forks back up to join the original contour. It’s the first time we’ve tried this one and found it so refreshing. The jeep track is a lot smoother and allows you to walk a little faster because you’re not worrying about breaking your ankles.
We passed some beautiful silver trees on the way and also found a new spot under the trees with a sweet little pond and seating. I think my folks would like this bit more than the upper contour.
And then we were back at the busy carpark. I couldn’t believe it was still so packed and more people were arriving. By now it was getting warmer and I was only too happy to be heading home for a smoothie and cold shower.
If you’re into hiking then this is a pretty easy one.
Here’s the route we took:
If you’re ever in our hood then look us up for a hike. We love company.
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What an awesome hike in our beautiful Cape! Your photos are really lovely @zo3d.
Thanks so much!!! I’ve been missing hiking so this week I’ve managed to do more than one! The weather has been so good.
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Thanks so much!!! Appreciate it!
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Oh that’s awesome!!! Thanks so much!
Excellent pics, @zo3d, thanks for sharing!!!!
Thank you! Appreciate the response!
stunning photos! loved following along in your journey!
Thanks! We love hiking and this is one of our favourite routes.
Que bellos paisajes, tambien las fotos, gracias por compartir.
Hello! Thanks I love taking photos and thanks for chatting!
Se ven muy buenas, es porque le ponemos mucho amor en lo que hacemos, saludos.