This is not a route to do during or after rain, (as was our experience during our recce a few weeks earlier) because of the head-high proteas and fynbos along narrow paths. So when rain was due on our normal hike day, we postponed it to the following Monday. Who knew so many members would be available on a Monday?! It was a group of 16 that set off with enthusiasm in perfect weather for this new route.
What a pleasure to walk through these plentiful proteas, with mountain views all around and all the way to Cape Point. The first waterfall in a narrow gorge reminded us of the one in Hell’s Gate, and some adventurous members decided to ascend some way up it. It was a perfect spot for tea.
From there we had to descend via those same proteas to rejoin the lower path, from where we hiked across to the second waterfall, once again along a protea-lined path. The second waterfall is at a lower level than the first one and pretty enough but not as dramatic. And not too much space for a group of that size to have lunch. So we voted to ascend at the side of the waterfall to its top after passing under a large overhang. The lunch spot allowed for choice of shade or sun.
Having descended to the waterfall we took a different route back to the cars.
Total ascent 500m, 8 km, 4.5 hours
Photos: Roelof Jobing, Vivien Connell, Greta Graham
