Despite a scorching temperature of 33°C, dozens of outdoors lovers embraced and celebrated the arrival of Stellenbosch’s hot, but oh-so-happy, summertime by taking part in Dirtopia’s Full Moon Hike at the end of October.
The next Full Moon Hike is on Friday 23 November.
The Full Moon Hikes, sponsored by FALKE South Africa and outdoor, off-road event & trail construction company Dirtopia, was the perfect way for nature lovers to greet the first full moon of the sweaty season.
Official Full Moon Hike shirts are sold at Delvera Farm’s Dirtopia outdoor shop. It is important to wear active wear, especially comfortable walking or running shoes, when completing the hike. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
Hikers make their way up Klapmutskop, with a view of the beautiful the Stellenbosch winelands behind them. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
According to Arina Botha, company owner and partner of Dirtopia, the idea for a Full Moon Hike came from her days cross country skiing in the full moonlight while travelling in the United States. She thought hiking would be a great way to spend full moon evenings.
The 9,75km trail at Delvera Farm, just a few kilometers outside of Stellenbosch, takes hikers all the way up Klapmutskop. The leisurely route leads through the farm’s vineyards, after which a winding path through the area’s Yellowwood forest ends at the peak of Klapmutskop.
According to Botha, there is a reason “it is called a hike and not a walk in the park”.
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“You need to know there is some climbing involved – steps and some rocks,” said Botha. “A farm vehicle is available to take hikers to the halfway mark at the Pepper tree so that they don’t have to walk all the way from the Trail Center. Families with children and older people should most definitely take the shuttle option.”
She also adds that normal common sense applies, as on any hike: wear good shoes, take water, carry out what you carry in, there are no toilets on the mountain, and follow the signs.
The trail is situated within the Simonsberg Conservancy. A part of the route leads hikers through an indigenous Yellowwood forest. According to Louis De Villiers (22), a first-time hiker, this “hidden forest path was especially beautiful”. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
At the peak of the trail, within the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, amid rare renosterveld fynbos, an amazing 360° view awaited hikers. With surrounding scenes of the magnificent Stellenbosch winelands, Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, one hiker was spot-on commenting that “if you think the walk is beautiful, wait until you reach the top”.
With five still to come in 2018, the hike was accessible for young and old and took about an hour to reach the top. Once there, a majestic sunset awaited the hikers while the dazzling full moon rose on the opposite side.
The 9,75km route is surrounded by a large variety fauna and flora, including many fynbos species, all protected by the Conservancy. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
According to Louis De Villiers (22), a fourth-year industrial engineering student and first-time hiker, the route was initially quite challenging.
“When I saw the hill from a distance, I hoped the route would not lead there. It looked so far, but the amazing views distracted me from realizing I was getting a little tired,” said De Villiers. “It is definitely worth it, and if I could give some extra advice to future hikers: packing in a sundowner or two makes it extra worth it.”
A group of hikers enjoy some drinks as the sun sets and the evening sky turns golden. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
Being a passionate photographer, De Villiers jokingly added, “I think I almost took more photos than steps.”
A portion of the permit profits raised during the hikes are donated to the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, a non-profit organization coordinating fire management, eco-tourism, plant rehabilitation, and the provision of conservation services, among other things.
“Dirtopia has been working with the Conservancy with recreational activities from the start and help land owners in cases of emergencies like fire and safety,” says Botha. “We do believe in preserving the environment of course and love the outdoors.”
The highlight of the evening lies in the name of the hike. Hikers take photos as the full moon comes into view. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
A hiker looks at the sunset, with a view of the Cape Peninsula and Table Mountain in the distance. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier
These outdoors are certainly worth preserving. According to Adele Toua, manager of the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy, the indigenous Yellowwood trees on the route are definitely the most special part of Klapmutskoppie, with the oldest tree being more than 300 years old.
“Our main goal is to assist private landowners in protecting the natural sites on their properties,” says Toua. “Our focus is to assist with funding to remove the invasive alien plants which is not only a threat to the biodiversity, but also a big fire risk and also put our water resources under pressure.”
The brightness of the full moon does not provide enough natural light for the way down, so remember to bring a torch. PHOTO: Grethe Bestbier