Buffelsfontein to Kanonkop Circuit

The standard touring day starts early with collection from accommodation and a scenic drive down to the Cape of Good Hope via the Southern Suburbs and False Bay Coast. On entry to the Nature Reserve, it is usual start with a short walk up to the Cape Point Lighthouse and various scenic view points in the vicinity. This is followed by a short drive to the Cape of Good Hope itself. It is a 10 minute drive to the start at the Buffelsfontein parking, where we start our hike. The path crossed the garden immediately surrounding the visitors centre before crossing the sand dunes and on to a firmer sandy track. The route winds slowly op to the Kanonkop ridge with magnificent view over both the Atlantic and False Bay Coast. After passing the ‘Kanon’ the path descends sharply to the coast over the limestone formations and past an historic limestone kiln before the ascent back to the outgoing path. Alternative timing by arrangement.

Cape of Good Hope - Buffelsfontein - Kanonkop Circuit

Trail Details

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Trail location

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

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Nearest city

Cape Town – Far South Peninsula

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Transport options

Local transport options: Far from regular transport hub – Transport arranged by hike leader, included in cost; alternative self-drive or e-hailing service.

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Trip Duration / Options

Approximately 5 hours – circular hike from Buffelsfontein Visitors Centre parking and return

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Start / Finish

Start: Buffelsfontein Visitors Centre – GPS 34˚31’30.55 S / 18˚44’89.54 E

Finish: As above

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Time / Distances

Approximately 10 km. 5 hours

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Trail Grading

Based on a grading of Easy – Moderate – Strenuous

Moderate. The is mostly on a firm sandy path, moderately uphill to Kanonkop with a fairly steep rocky and uneven path descending to the coast and back uphill to join the outgoing path back to the start.

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Physical Fitness

A moderate degree of hiking fitness required and ability to cope uneven rocky surface and short descents.

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Technical detail / Terrain

A firm sandy path with some rocky patches leads from the visitors centre to Kanonkop ridge. The descent down to the coast is rock and uneven in places but the path is clear. After a short stretch of road the ascending path is similar to the descent and joins the outgoing path to return to the start.

Good sports style footwear or hiking boots.

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Food Supply / Catering

Bring your own snacks & water. Lunch packs provided by arrangement. Fully operational restaurant and take away outlet for coffee / light meals at Cape Point.

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Logistic support / Guiding

The trail is guided by a fully trained, accredited mountain guide. Transport from hikers accommodation needs to be arranged. In addition to hike it is usual for clients to visit the well know site of the Cape Point Lighthouse and Cape of Good Hope. Both of these sites are away from the location of the hike, although can be reached by foot with longer time allocation.

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Highlights

The most scenic of the circular hikes with views over the False Bay Coast of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Abundance of diverse flora, rock formations and scenic coast.

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Other Activities

Visit to the Cape Point Lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope – usually included in the cost of a full day tour.

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Fauna & Flora

The core of the ‘fynbos’ biome and part of the Cape Floristic Region World Heritage Site. Mostly nocturnal and shy small animals, occasional small antelope and rock hyrax. Lizards and agamas with a scattering of birdlife.

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Climate

Cape Town and Table Mountain are located in a Mediterranean climate with winter rainfall. Summer can be hot (up to 35 degrees). Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round.

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Seasonality & Best Time Year

Spring and Autumn are moderate and the best hiking season although good winter days can be quite warm and summer temperatures are seldom high for long periods. Hiking is possible all year round.

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Group Size

1 to 8 hikers per guide

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Price P/P

From R2950 per person for 2 hikers, inclusive of full day touring and hike, including entry fees to Cape Of Good Hope. Lunch packs but arrangement. Rates lower for larger groups

Price review date: 1 November annually – next Nov 2023

Note: While we endeavor to keep prices up to date, they are an indication only subject to variation without notice. Prices must be confirmed with the service provider

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