3 more trails

How far do you want go?

FOR A DAY HIKE: Table Mountain National Park, 5km

For some steep climbs, scenic stops and spectacular views over the Mother City, you could tackle Table Mountain. The easier of two routes to the top, Platteklip Gorge, is a straightforward, slightly more crowded, safe and wellmaintained 2.5- to three-hour hike (one way). India

Venster, which runs the length of the cable car, is the more challenging and less traversed of the two. It takes 3.5 hours to the top and going with a guide is recommended. Both are about 2.5km one way and start on Tafelberg Road. Hikers can then take the cable car down or hike back via Platteklip Gorge, which will take an additional two hours. Guided hikes, from R900 per person, can be booked through Hike Table Mountain. See hiketablemountain.co.za.

A SORT-OF SHORTIE: Mnweni Circuit Hike, 42km Starting and ending at the Mnweni Cultural and Hiking Centre in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, this 42km moderate to strenuous two-night hike passes through the Mnweni and Rockeries passes in one of the most remote – and scenic – parts of the Northern Drakensberg escarpment. There are camping facilities and rondavels at the start but you will need to camp along the way. The lack of marked trails means you’ll need good map-reading skills and first-timers are advised to go with a guide. Overnight permits cost R60 per person per day. Call the Mnweni centre on 072-7122401.

FOR AN EPIC ADVENTURE: The Amatola Trail, 100km

Traversing 100km and stretching out over five nights, the Amatola is often described as SA’s toughest trail. It starts at Maden Dam near King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape and winds its way through the Amatola mountains before winding down in Hogsback. Hikers need to be fit and prepared to hike up to 10 hours a day, but hutted accommodation means you don’t need to carry a tent. Amatola Trails offers a variety of packages to make the planning easier, starting from R1,900 per person for the full trail. See amatolatrails.co.za .—