7 hikers braved the traffic and roadworks to get to the start of the hike in Kommetjie. The weather was overcast with a gentle breeze. A well-defined, sandy path led us gently upwards, to a side path leading to Slangkop Peak which required further investigation and led to 3 intrepid hikers getting to the beacon. The path continued to the ruins of Cobra Camp, a WWII observation post overlooking the coast and Slangkop lighthouse.
After exploring the ruins, we followed a sandy, level path towards Witsand beach. Halfway along this section, we encountered a rain shower, accompanied by a strong cold wind, for a few minutes. We got to the coast at Soetwater Camping Site and walked along a coastal path, stopping for tea at a small beach along the way. There are 2 tidal pools in the campsite, but the weather did nothing to encourage swimming in them.
Next stop was Slangkop lighthouse. R20 pp gained us entry and a climb to the top of the lighthouse via a curved staircase broken into sections with 5 landing platforms. The lighthouse is the highest lighthouse structure in South Africa, and well worth a visit.
We then walked along the boardwalk to the Kom, and back to the cars, taking 5 hours, with12.5 km for the round trip. It was a very pleasant, easy hike, with excellent company. Height gain 150 m – plus 33 m for the lighthouse.
Leader : Graham Kilbey
Photos : Christo Steyn and Lighthouse Russell
