Heavens Heights Adventure Trail
Approx. 3-5 hours total including 1 -2 hrs hike/walk
This trail sets off through forest, crossing a couple of rivers and climbs steadily up to the Gantouw or Eland Pass, the original wagon route of the Dutch and British settlers, over the Mountains of Africa, so called in the old days. This route was used for 150 years and following the migratory Eland, one of the oldest and steepest and most treacherous passes in the Western Cape. Even today one can still see the deep gouges in the rocks, made by the brakes of the wagons, as they descended the precipitous pass down through what is now Somerset West from the lush grazing area of the Elgin Valley. The signal canon system of the old Cape Settlers can be seen as we take a short walk to the top of the pass. Surrounded by unusual rock formations formed from the Cape Fold mountain system can also be photographed. The pass was declared a National Monument in 1958.
We hop on the Ranger, drive through two valleys of rich pristine Fynbos at the base of Hans-se-kop and take a further walk along a river where unusual Restios and Ericoide families can be photographed. Hopping back on the ranger we ascend the steep climb to the Hans-se-kop Mountain, ascending to ±1200m above sea level to one of the most spectacular views in the southern hemisphere, unique views of False Bay and the Kogelburg Mt Range to the far South. There you can see the two oceans, Indian and Atlantic quite clearly. This trail passes through one of the hot spot bird watching sights.
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Morning tour: 08h00 sharp in summer (Nov – March) and 09h30 in winter (Apr – Oct)
Afternoon tour: 14h30 in summer (Nov – March) and 13h30 in winter (Apr – Oct)
What does it cost?
R345pp for Ride & Hike
Children under 8yrs – free of charge
Children 8-12 ½ price
Price includes – driver, field guide, refreshments en-route, permits, taxes and a sense of humour.
EXCELENT VALUE FOR MONEY! |
