I have officially joined The Peninsular Ramblers which I have now found out are a hiking group that have been around for 75 years!!! Way before my time. In fact even before my dad’s time (he just turned 70!)

The Ramblers meet every Saturday and Sunday to hike the many routes across the Cape Peninsular and why not learn all the epic routes from the very best.

On Sunday we met at the Platboom carpark in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The reserve is huge and is home to a fair amount of wild animals and we happened to spot Eland buck, ostriches and plenty baboons along the way.

The fun started at the carpark where a frisky baboon couple decided to copulate on the roof of one of our hiker's cars 😂.

The big dude then decided to steal my buddies lunch box and made off with her sandwich before stealing a first aid kit out of the back of a bakkie (truck) and proceeding to empty it one item at a time on the roof of the ablution block.

Other than the hysterics, we enjoyed watching the youngsters play in the morning light as the rest foraged for breakfast.

We set off along the dunes headed for the Cape of Good Hope Scenic spot and look out. On the way we encountered a washed up dead whale. It must have been pretty recent because it didn’t smell yet and a few guys took a closer look.

We walked onward along the coastline admiring views and wildlife as we walked, constantly aware of the baboon troops that lingered in the sidelines. They are used to humans and know that we carry food, so carrying a stick and walking next to a man is the best way to prevent them from trying to jump you and get into your daypack.

We finally reached the lookout spot and the southern tip of Africa for a quick photo break. With the giant sign and the ostriches digging on the beach.

The next section was an uphill climb that led to an upper lookout with spectacular views of Cape Point and its two lighthouses. We spent some time investigating the paths and capturing the views before moving on up the cliff.

This hidden gem below the cliff is Diaz Beach. The steep wooden steps lead to white sands and Crystal blue ice cold Atlantic Ocean. If you’re willing to walk this far and then tackle the steps down (and then back up again) then you can enjoy a day at a pristine beach with quite limited visitors. A hefty fee is charged for entry to the Cape Point Nature Reserve at the main gate.

Next we climbed the last bit of the path towards the Cape Point restaurant at the main carpark which has access to the two lighthouses and the funicular. Those who are energetic can simply walk up the hill like most people but the funicular allows you to enjoy the views on the way up.

We stopped for a tea break and relaxed in the shade for a few minutes.

Then off we went headed for the only peak on the point which also marks the start of the original Hoerikwagga Peninsular hike. Our leader, Ian, led the way.

The peak was rocky and the path was overgrown and barely marked, but we managed to make our way up the the top before heading down the side towards our lunch stop at the Erika Hut. We hijacked the empty patio and were grateful for some shade as we all pulled out our lunch.

Submarine spotting station

Erika Hut

On the way to the hut we had spotted an old submarine lookout.

Lunch done we headed down the final slopes of the peak back towards coastline. The yellow footprints lead us across the road and on towards the beach.

We made quick work of the final few kilometres back passing the same beaches we had seen in the morning, although now with a lot more visitors.

By the final stretch we were hot and tired and whipped off our shoes to get our feet wet. It felt glorious!

I drove home barefooted and grateful for the amazing nature that surrounds us here on the Cape Peninsular. I am very privileged to live only 20 minutes from this reserve and try to visit as often as I can.

Here’s a map of the route and some stats from the hike: