India Venster Hiking Trail — Attraction in Western Cape

It was just after nightfall, as I was meditating imbued in the Kloof's spirits, temporarily residing on Table Mountain, when a brilliant golden light erupted from the wide and calm ocean. From within the glow emerged a towering, majestic figure - undeniably, t'was the sun god themself, in all their resplendent glory.

I bowed reverently as they approached, feeling the weight of their ancient power and wisdom. To my astonishment, they turned their piercing gaze upon me and spoke in a voice that resonated like rolling thunder:

"Guardian, although you are physically protecting the pass no more, you have upheld your duties with great honor. The balance you maintain is integral to the harmony of these lands."

Then a pause. I noticed movement from the corner of my eye. There, partially obscured by the shadows, stood the stoic figure of the Indian Venster's shaman. He met my gaze for just a moment, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, before disappearing back into the rocky crevices.

The sun god continued, "As you know, every mountain needs a guardian as well as a shaman. The guardians protect the mortals, while each shaman is a conduit between the mortal realm and the spirit world. He has been sent to offer you a boon - a gift of sacred knowledge to aid you in your ongoin mission."

"Mission?", I confusingly replied. With that, the god gestured, and a glowing orb of light materialized in my palm. Reverently, I accepted it, feeling the crackle of ancient power coursing through me.

"Use it wisely, guardian," the sun god intoned. "For the forces that seek to disrupt the balance of this place are growing in strength."

And with that, they vanished in a blaze of radiant light, leaving me humbled and awed by the encounter.

So long, India Venster. My mission...

The India Venster hike starts from the right side of the Table Mountain cable way right by the car park. A sign shows that there is a hiking route going up and that one should take some caution as there has been some muggings in the area. There are however rangers and volunteers on the route that are making sure hikers stay safe. The route is well set put with a painted yellow marking every so often that shows you you are on the trail. Once you are on the route for about ten minutes (depending on speed off course) you will get to a sigh that indicates a clear split. To the left is a easy route that most tourists take. To the right is the beginning of India Venster. The sign warns you that this is difficult and that you may get hurt. I believe that if you have some hiking experience and have the ability to scramble over rocks then it is not dangerous at all. However if you are afraid of heights and very unfit I would not recommend it. But, if you see yourself as adventurous then Indie Venster is awesome! The route is steep, with most of it being like walking up very high stairs. The scrambling is not too difficult and is super exposed, which ads to the fun. Me and my buddy took about two hours to complete the hike and we were moving quite fast. The route rewards you with great views of Cape Town and the surrounding mountains and ocean. The ‘fynbos’ indigenous plants are beautiful! The rock formations are also something to see. This is a stiff hike and would make for even a stiffer trail run. It ascends fast! Once at the top the views are awesome. You have three options to descend. Take the cable car, take the easy route or run down like me and...

Warning: Not for anyone who can’t scramble over rocks or isn’t comfortable with “don’t slip here” hiking trails. Going up trail only - not safe for going down.

I loved this trail, it was a fun adventure although a bit sketchy. There are parts where you definitely can’t mess up. However, there was a couple that had followed us up the trail who got stuck halfway up the scramble and freaked out screaming for help. My partner and I spent the next hour helping them back down - they were both gym people but clearly had zero outdoors experience. If you’re not sure if this hike is for you, then it’s not for you! If you like scrambling and climbing, it’ll be no problem.

We proceeded to finish the hike in high winds which was exhilarating with breathtaking views. We took the easy/tourist trail back down.

Minus 1 star as this route could use some more safety rope and chains on...