5 CAPE TOWN HIKING GROUPS TO JOIN

Let’s face it, it’s never fun being alone. Well, that’s what I think. I don’t want to go to a party, travel alone or even eat at a café by myself. I’m just unbelievably awkward and consider myself to be the poster child for ‘That Awkward Moment’. Things are best experienced with groups of people, you know what I mean? I’m sure many of you feel the same way, especially about your fitness adventures.

It’s no fun hiking up an awesome route and you have no one to share the experience with. It’s never a good idea to go hiking by yourself – remember the film 127 Hours? Not pretty. So if you are alone and are keen to do one of the numerous hiking trails the Cape has to offer, fear not. Here’s a list of five hiking groups in Cape Town for the lone hiker to join.

MERIDIAN HIKING GROUP 

If you’re in the mood for a family hike, then this group is for you. The Meridian Hiking Group is based in Cape Town and has been an active group since 1989. They offer a variety of hikes that are free to join, and also hosts weekends away, weekend trail hikes and conservation activities.

You can join the Meridian Hiking Group by filling out a membership form on their website. The group has over 200 members that are more than happy to meet a new hiking partner. Event details are posted on their website calendar.

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Contact [email protected], www.meridian.org.za

CAPE UNION MART HIKING CLUB 

Not sure what your fitness level is? The Cape Union Mart Hiking Club offers a range of hikes at different intensity levels so that you can start small and work towards achieving your goal. There are over 120 hikes a year with 20 experienced leaders.

The Cape Union Mart Hiking Club started in 1991 and currently has over 300 members. There are day and weekend hikes available for you to participate in.

If you’re up for a challenge or just want some fresh air and good company, then contact the email below or book via their website.

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Contact [email protected], www.cumhike.co.za

JONKERSHOEK PANORAMA HIKERS NETWORK 

The Jonkershoek trail is a scenic route that has become quite popular. The route itself is graded moderate to strenuous but it all becomes worthwhile when you catch a glimpse of the Jonkershoek valley and mountain fynbos.

If you’re in the mood to challenge yourself, then this route is definitely for you. It’s an eight-hour hike, covering about 17 km.

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Contact Jonkershoek Panorama Hikers Network Hiking Club 

TABLE MOUNTAIN TREKS AND TOURS

Do you have a crippling fear of getting lost along the way while hiking? Table Mountain Treks and Tours offers guided hikes on the Table Mountain chain.

There are private tours of Cape Town, the stunning Winelands and the Western Cape, perfect for when you have visitors from overseas and want to explore the Mother City with them.

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Contact [email protected], www.tablemountaintrekstours.com

HIKING CAPE TOWN

With over 6 000 members, Hiking Cape Town has to be one of the biggest hiking groups that Cape Town has to offer. Anyone is allowed to join, especially if you love hiking through mountains, rivers and beaches in the Mother City.

Hiking Cape Town hosts regular hikes, which are mostly planned in advance. Sudden urge to lace up your hiking boots? There are also spontaneous hikes to get your blood pumping and legs moving.

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Contact Hiking Cape Town 

Photography courtesy