02 Sep Smuts Walk – Disas on top of Table Mountain
We planned to hike up to the top of Table Mountain to see the Disas in bloom. The red Disa is part of the Orchid family and is found in only a few locations on Table Mountain. This is special because these flowers bloom only for a short period, usually only between January to February and are unique to the mountain. The day was clear, so we went up by cable car.
The cable car itself is an awesome experience. Check the weather conditions first before booking so that you are not disappointed.
We booked online and arrived early at the lower cable station. There was some cloud over the top of Table Mountain, so officials asked us to be patient whilst they checked the weather and wind strength. This gave us some confidence and we waited as the que got longer. The weather at the lower cable station was warm with a slight breeze. However, you cannot know conditions at the top of the mountain from down below.
Soon we were informed that all is good, and we’re ready to go.
The ride to the top is exhilarating. The floor of the cable car rotates all the while that the car ascends, giving everyone a fair chance of surrounding views. Awesome! Cameras clicking and excited conversations of tourists accompany us on the way up.
On top of the mountain, we started our hike from the cable station to Maclear’s Beacon, which is the highest point of Table Mountain. There are so many photo opportunities at the cable station and surrounding areas. The route to Maclear’s Beacon is clearly marked. You will have to pass Platterklip Gorge trail. Platterklip Gorge is probably the quickest route up Table Mountain and to the cable station. It is very steep though. From the cable station to Maclear’s Beacon, it’s an easy walk, but it could take two hours.
From Maclear’s Beacon you are rewarded with more views of the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island and the city below.
From here, follow the path, Smuts Walk, down to the aqueduct. There are a few steep parts to negotiate. Along this path you will catch a glimpse of Heli-Hutchinson Dam to the west. Carry on until you reach Aqueduct Trail. Turning to the right, you will be walking along Aqueduct Trail. Along this trail are some waterfalls and this is where most of the Disas were found. We also found some along the stream flowing into the Heli-Hutchinson Dam on top of the mountain.
At the intersection to Echo Valley, at the stream, we had our breakfast break. Flasks of coffee and snacks served as the perfect reward for having sighted the Disas.
After a short break we made our way back to the cable station through Echo Valley. It’s a long walk, a steady climb back to the cable station. Along the way are some chains and ladders to assist you up the steeper parts. This walk back to the cable station offers some challenges. We were acutely aware of the wind and cloud on the mountain knowing that cloud and strong wind could lead to the cable station being closed. Strong winds are dangerous for the cable car. But the weather was adequate for the cable car to operate.
Eventually, we were back at the cable station. It’s just awesome. The views and scenery are outstanding.
The Walk itself, about ten or eleven kilometres, was quite strenuous but inspiring. I loved every moment of it, and seeing the Disas in bloom was well worth the effort. Soon we were safely back at the lower cable station with another tale to tell.
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