Vlakkenberg

by Sean Houghton in December 2011 - Hiker's Circle

Vlakkenberg is the lesser-visited half of Constantia Nek, which is a pity because it is very accessible from various starting points and offers superb views of Constantia Corner, Hout Bay and the Cape Flats.

The most common access is just down the road into Hout Bay from the Constantia Nek parking. A little sign-posted pedestrian gate, just before Silver Mists housing estate leads to the very easy-to-follow path all the way up to the top of Vlakkenberg.

You may also access Vlakkenberg from Price Drive in Constantia or Blue Valley Road in Hout Bay – being mindful of the residents properties if you do.

If you don’t like to go up and down the same path you can ascend via Constantia Nek and then descend via Blue Valley Road and make your way along the Hout Bay Pipe Track back to Constantia Nek.

The initial ascent between Silver Mists and the Constantia Wine Estate is short and sharp but well stepped with wooden poles making it fairly easy. Just remember to stop every now and then to enjoy the views of Constantia Corner behind you – (and catch your breath if you need too).

Higher up the path lies the skeletal remains of many old blue gum trees - this is not the prettiest site in world but once the fynbos has regenerated this path will look a lot better.

Once ‘on top’ this hike comes into its own. It is thick with fynbos and, in spring, dotted with hundreds of jewel-like flowers that are all worthy of an admiration-stop. Catch a breather as you take in the colours and intricate structures of the large variety of flowers on the mountain.

As you climb you will see a rocky cliff above you, this is reached by taking a path to the left just above the 400m contour. One section of this path can be quite wet and slippery so care should be taken. This will lead to paths that cross and you will need to take the left-hand path to reach the edge of the rocky ridge. Once there you can enjoy the spectacular view of Constantia Corner.

Return to the cross-path and go left again. This is the path that ascends from Price Drive but you need only go as far as the ‘edge’ to enjoy more views of Constantia Valley.

After taking in these views head back to the cross-path and turn left again. This leads to Vlakkenberg Peak and its splendid views of the Cape Flats and Muizenberg Mountain. From here you could continue south down the hill or head west back to the main Vlakkenberg Path, which is the way we’d recommend because it allows you to head back to the peaks on the western side of the path above Hout Bay.

The views from here are magnificent and display the length of Hout Bay from Orange Kloof to Karbonkelberg.

Once back down on the main path head south taking in some of the superb views of Constantiaberg and the Southern Suburbs.

A few hundred meters beyond the boardwalks you’ll see a path to your right. This leads down though Bokkemanskloof to Blue Valley Road.

Bokkemanskloof is a little valley that is well worth the ramble down into Hout Bay. Halfway down Blue Valley Road is Fynbos Road. This becomes the Pipe Track that leads back to Constantia Nek and offers stunning views of Constantia Corner and Orange Kloof.

Please remember Full Circle does not claim to be a definitive hiking guide and you should only attempt this, or any other hike on Table Mountain, if accompanied by an experienced guide.