The Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail is just over 35 kilometers long. However, little detours and exploration of the area can stretch it to 40 kilometers or more if you are not tied to a fixed schedule. Starting at the main gate of Cape Point Nature Reserve, this is a two day trail in which you sleep at the far end near the light house. If you are a more enthusiastic hiker, you may want to do the five day Hoerikwaggo Trail which starts outside the reserve, and is the same as The Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail in its last two days. The overnight huts have pretty comfortable and well maintained bunker beds, a fully equipped kitchen for a large crowd, and a shared toilet and shower. We chose 13th of November 2016, Sunday, as our first night so that we don't have to share the huts with anyone. When I made the booking, the friendly staff at the Visitor Center of Cape Point Nature Reserve told me that we were the only ones as people don't stay on Sunday nights unless it is holidays.

Firstly, I must say that I am really proud of myself for not letting Mustafa down on both days of the hike. I kept my pace with the 19 year old, gym going body builder, and a fast runner. The only time I felt down was the last kilometer of day two when we couldn't even take a step because of super strong wind and massive gusts that almost threw us of the ground. Mustafa told me a few days later that the weather and the big splashing waves were partially courtesy of the super-moon that the world witnessed. These were the most beautiful 42 kilometers of my life. Where in the world would you climb hills, explore the bush, walk on sand dunes and white sandy beaches, dip your feet in the ocean, encounter wild life, feel fresh breeze, and witness the most stunning flora and fauna of the world? The areas has at least eight and a half thousand species of plants including grasses and proteas. Locally these are called 'fynbos' because they have hardy wooden stems and fine leaves.

Mission Statement!

Mustafa: To get away from normal life, think, enjoy nature, and take photos.Mujahid: To increase fitness levels, escape daily routine, explore nature, and bring at least one photo back home.

Photography wise, I had also decided in my mind that I would aim to take photos with less wide angles, use my Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens and the L-bracket for vertical shots. As you will see in the photos and videos, I was successful in practicing these ideas.

Camera Equipment

I selected the following:

Nikon D810 body
Nikon 16-35 mm f4 lens
Nikon 70-200 mm f2.8 lens
Tripod
Filters

I decided not to take the 50mm and the 12mm lens.

Food and other accessories

Please do not underestimate the power of sun even if it is cloudy:

Sun block lotion
UV protection sleeves
Water (you can refill water at the huts)
Hat/cap/neckerchief and sun glasses
Snacks
Extra pair of socks and a shirt
Map (was provided by the authorities at the entrance gate)

Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail Map

Click on it to view large. Right-click copy or save if you wish to use it. The nature reserve would give you your own copy at the beginning of the journey. No 6 on the map are the overnight huts (and of course it marks the end of Day 1 as well).

My Favourite Photos from the Trip

Beauty wise, you cannot compare the two days of this hike. Day 1 is a walk next to the most beautiful coast line I have ever witnessed (in real life and on tv programs). Day 2 is a few kilometers along the sea, but the views are totally different, the rest of it is through land. I found day one more strenuous but day 2 is longer. A 6 kilometers long patch of day 2 is through a restricted area for day visitors. Enjoy the privilege of walking through this area and observe nature at its peak of magnificence. The early morning baboon attack had left us with no food, not even for breakfast, and our challenges were strong wind and hunger. Luckily, we had plenty water. Gusts of winds literally threw us off a few times. I felt that the mother nature didn't want us to leave the place. On occasions, I felt that somebody was deliberately punching my bag towards one side while I was trying to go forward. After two stops of 30 minutes each, day 2 was more about marching towards our destination. We took short 2-3 minutes breaks after every 12-15 minutes of brisk walks. The weight of the bags, tiring bodies and thoughts of food disappeared somewhere in the back of our minds after we realised that stopping a lot won't help and the hunger will take over in an our idle minds. Despite that, I never failed to admire the beauty around me, words can't explain what I saw, and no camera can catch it properly.