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Exploring Cape Point.
Darwin’s sister looks out at the False Bay vista on a short trail in Cape Point National Park.
Continuing up the India Venster route of Table Mountain. As we climbed, we gained a bit of celebrity, being the only two people climbing the mountain instead of being ferried up it.
“This is not the easy way down.” The India Venster Route is better climbed from bottom to top and not vice versa.
Pound It. Cape Point, South Africa
We named her Q-tip for reasons.
Cape Point National Park is a must see when visiting Cape Town. This dramatic, mountainous peninsula is home to the south-western most point of the African continent, a network of awesome trails, and wild landscapes unique to the Cape.
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offer splendid view of Table Mountain. The Gardens are world class, but try to avoid them in the fall as the flora is not blooming.
There are a few ways to get to the top of Table Mountain, but only one lets you earn this view; The India Venster Route.
Lion’s Head Peak erupting out of the ground and casting a shadow on Cape Town.
A ship destined for parts unknown travels blindly through the thick fog.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Sky path
I need to do one of the multi-day hikes found in Cape Point National Park.
Looking across False Bay from Cape Point National Park.
The dramatic topography of the Cape Peninsula allows for small microclimates and ecosystems to thrive in the nooks and crannies of the mountains.
Hello Table Mountain!
The Southwestern most point of Africa.
Fynbos, endemic to the Cape is incredible beautiful, but also incredibly flammable. Earlier in the season, massive fires broke out and destroyed homes and property for many people.
One of the most epic sunsets I have ever witnessed. This was taken from Signal Hill looking down at Green Point, South Africa.
Haut Bay on the drive from Cape Town proper to Cape Point.
The Table Mountain Cable car almost at the summit.
More from the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the lovely view of Table Mountain.
The India Venster route travels directly under the Table Mountain Cable Car for almost all of its length. Make sure to catch the attention of the cable car patrons and make them feel lazy by dancing and yelling on an exposed rock face.
Looking back at the peninsula from the point of Cape Point.
Looking down on Camps Bay from near the summit of Table Mountain.
Awesome rock formations on a beach in Cape Point National Park, South Africa.
Don’t miss the wild Ostriches found in Cape Point National Park, South Africa.
Boulder Beach, South Africa.
A small village living in a natural cutout from the mountains.
African Penguins are fond of the Cape and can be found doing all matter of adorable things at Boulder Beach. Part of the Table Mountain Park, this beach houses tons of the cute, little guys, and is beautiful to boot.
Haut Bay, South Africa. Be sure to check out the Market here for cool gifts and awesome food.
The sea tries to swallow Cape Town, South Africa.
The road along the water in Cape Town is worth a drive, and with a bunch of pull outs, photo opportunities are everywhere. Here, from Ouderkraal Beach, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain burst out of the fog.
A glimpse of what the India Venster Route has to offer. This particular part of the ‘trail’ is quite exposed, and involves some decent, chain assisted scrambling. I can guarantee you though, that we had more fun than those in the cable car!
A misty beach on the Cape Point Peninsula. It’s tempting blue water, and fine, white sand, belie the dangers that lurk in the beauty. Unknown riptides, Great White Sharks, and Portuguese Man-o-War jellyfish call this place home.
Looking down from the high places.
Looking out from Signal Hill in Cape Town, South Africa. With enough pressure the normal atmospheric properties invert, causing a warm layer of air to cause a ‘cap’ in the air trapping the cooler air underneath it. In this case, it trapped the fog over the water and made for an incredible sight!
The India Venster route is marked as very dangerous and can be for the uninitiated. With its notoriety, we had the path to ourselves the entire time.
A Man of War Jellyfish dessicated
Climbing Table Mountain via the India Venster Route. This is the more adventurous way up the mountain, basically running under the cable car line and involving a bit of some exposed scrambling. Otherwise, the cable car or Platteklip Gorge trail.
For a valley to exist, there must be peaks. It is the search for those high places, is the purpose of life.
Constantia, South Africa is wine country. Stop by one of the many vineyards for a tasting and young delicious but expensive snacks.
Seeking summits is medicine for the mind. Looking down on Camps Bay from the India Venster Route on Table Mountain.
Near the end of the India Venster Route on Table Mountain.
Dallas being silly.
Hey Darwin,
What an introduction!!! If that wasn’t enough, the photos you took were amazing.Honestly, thought these had to be stock photos. But obviously not.
Really great stuff.