Hiking the Pipe Track Trail on Table Mountain: A Perfect Start to Hiking Month
Good morning, everyone! After our memorable visit to Kirstenbosch and a fantastic hike, our wonderful host Angelique suggested we make March Hiking Month. This Saturday marked the start of our hiking adventures, and we kicked it off with the Pipe Track trail on Table Mountain.
The Pipe Track Trail: A Beginner-Friendly Hike
At first glance, the Pipe Track trail looks simple with its stairs and a nice footpath. However, don’t be fooled! While the trail doesn’t require rock climbing or navigating dangerous terrain, it is certainly not a walk in the park. It begins with a set of stairs, but that’s just the start. After the stairs, the real hiking begins.
The trail is quite manageable at first, but as you continue, you’ll encounter steep downhills and uphills. Along the way, you’ll find a few benches, although they are located near steep slopes, which might make you think twice before sitting down. Some of the steps were a bit high for comfort, but even with my knee injury, I was able to manage them.
The View: A Reward for Every Step
From the moment we started the hike, the views were breathtaking. Behind us, we had Lions Head; to our left, the majestic Table Mountain, and to the right, the distant ocean. As we continued, the scenery only got better. The more we hiked, the more stunning the views became. We could see Camps Bay, the cable station on top of Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles Mountain range. It was truly a sight to behold!
The hike covers 6 km in total and ends in Hout Bay. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can continue from Lions Head through Camps Bay to Hout Bay. On the way, there’s a fascinating cave you might want to check out. However, we only hiked 2.5 km into the mountain before turning back. Why? We’re still working on our fitness level and didn’t feel ready for the full 6 km yet. But that just gives us more motivation to come back and complete the trail next time.
Tips for Hiking Table Mountain and Other Trails
If you’re planning to hit the trails, here are some important tips to keep in mind:
- Hydration is Key: Always bring enough water to stay hydrated throughout your hike.
- Pack Energy Snacks: If you skip breakfast, be sure to take an energy bar to keep your energy up. I’ve learned this the hard way after experiencing a drop in blood sugar!
- Never Hike Alone: It’s always safer to hike with at least one other person.
- Use Technology for Safety: Share your live location with a trusted friend or family member via WhatsApp, so they know where you are in case of an emergency.
- Leave Valuables at Home: Avoid carrying valuables like jewelry. Your phone is important, but keep it hidden when not in use.
- Stay Safe on Steep Trails: Stick to the mountainside and avoid hiking too close to steep drop-offs to reduce the risk of accidents.
But most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the hike, the exercise, and the incredible views!
Fun Facts About Table Mountain
Table Mountain isn’t just a stunning hiking destination; it’s also home to diverse wildlife. Here are a few fun facts:
- 7 types of small animals live on Table Mountain.
- 20 different species of snakes can be found here.
- You’ll spot lizards, tortoises, and 7 types of birds.
- 7 types of insects also call this mountain home.
- There are 2200 species of plants growing on Table Mountain.
Want to Know More?
If you’d like to read more about our hiking adventures, check out our previous blog post here: Our Adventures at Eat and Sleep.
Helpful Resources for Your Next Hike
For more information on the Pipe Track trail, you can visit this detailed guide: Pipe Track Trail Info.
If you’re planning your trip to Table Mountain, be sure to check out the official Table Mountain National Park website for additional trail information and park regulations.
For additional hiking safety tips and advice, visit the Outdoor Safety Tips page to ensure you stay safe during your adventure.
What’s Next?
In my next blog post, I’ll be sharing all the details about our Booking services to help you plan the best holiday or work stay anywhere in South Africa. Stay tuned!
Wishing you all a wonderful day and week ahead. See you on the trails!
