Cape Challenge South Africa

25 October-2 November 2008

Climb Table Mountain ~ Scenic bike ride to Cape Point ~ Hike through the Cedarberg Mountain Range ~ Trek the unspoilt West Coast

• What is the itinerary?
• Fitness Levels
• Costs
• I want to take part, What do I do next?

The 78km cycle to Cape Point from Simons Town will be a tough day, but after a 5km climb uphill, the gradual rolling hills of the Cape Point Nature Reserve are very scenic, making it one of the most beautiful bike rides in the world. The cycle continues along coastline beaches – perfect to stop and have a swim. Finally you reach Cape Point, where the warm Indian Ocean meets the cold waters of the Atlantic.

A short hike from Sandrif to Maalgat will give adventurous participants a chance to try Kloofing– jumping from cliffs into clear water pools! There are many caves around the area containing ancient bushmen’s paintings, and these should not be missed.

Hiking through the Cedarberg mountain range and reaching the Maltese Cross will give you your final chance to enjoy the flora and fauna of South Africa.

After many days hiking and cycling, our challenge of a lifetime brings us to the Hermanus Lagoon, where you can explore the Hermanus Cliffs or relax your aching bodies on the nearby beach.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the most scenic and natural places on earth.

Itinerary

Day 1

• Depart from UK for your flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 – Cape Town

• After arrival at Cape Town International Airport, a quick 20 minute transfer takes us to the top of Signal Hill for a view over Cape Town and a welcome drink, before heading to our hotel at the City's V&A Waterfront. The day is left to acclimatise – why not visit the famous Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was held?

• This evening we will have a safety briefing and presentation of the six tough days to come before dinner and settling down for the night.

Day 3 – Table Mountain

• After a 20 minute drive, we will begin our demanding ascent of the famous Table Mountain (Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain); home to many species of animals and birds. The trek boasts a selection of endless views in every direction.

Day 4 – Cape Point Cycle

• An early transfer to the start of our 78km (48 miles) energetic mountain bike ride to the Cape of Good Hope – where the Indian Ocean meets with the Atlantic.

• We pass over the famous Chapman’s Peak Drive, which follows the cliff’s edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  A great opportunity to view whales along the shoreline and many land-based creatures, such as curious baboons, antelope and ostrich.

• We visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve on our way to reaching the end of Africa, a treacherous piece of coastline where many a seafaring adventurer has met their fate

• Should time allow, there will be a short tour of the Cape Point Nature Reserve in search of the wild animals it protects (ostriches, springbok, colourful bontebok, zebras and baboons). We may be lucky enough to pass by the penguin colony on the way back to camp, and watch them returning home from their day’s fishing.

Day 5

• Transfer to the riverside camp in the Cedarberg Mountains. During the afternoon we'll take an acclimitisation trek to Maalgat – approximately 35 minutes to a wonderful natural rock pool. There a challenge awaits the brave: the deep pool has a range of jumps from 3-13m for those who dare.

Day 6 – Cedarberg Mountain trek – Wolfberg Arch (12 miles)

• We set off trekking through the Cedarberg Mountain Range, passing through the Wolfberg Cracks to reach the summit. We then push on, trekking to the famous Wolfberg Arch, sculpted over years by the forces of nature. Then we head back to camp where we can relax our aching limbs around the campfire.

Day 7 – Cedarberg Mountain trek – Mountain Cross (10 miles)

• Today we head up to the Maltese Cross (a giant natural stone crucifix). This gives us our final chance to enjoy the fauna and flora of the natural surroundings. The day is a tough one after the aches and pains of the previous day's hike – it's a challenge of endurance. The sheer beauty and vastness of this area are a welcome distraction.

Day 8 – West Coast trek

• Another early start finds us transferring (three hours) to the West Coast for our final day’s trek along spectacular white sandy beaches. The West Coast has no cliffs but is characterised by secluded bays, rocky outcrops and tidal pools. There is also a good chance of seeing seals. This evening we relax and enjoy our presentation dinner.

Day 9 – Airport drop-off

• Have a relaxing morning before taking a two hour journey back to the airport for our flight home.

Day 10

• Arrive back into UK.

Please note that while we make every effort to stick to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.

Fitness levels 

This wonderful challenge aims to attract people with a reasonable level of fitness to participate in an exciting and memorable event. This experience will physically and mentally test you. It will give you a tremendous sense of achievement and at the same time benefit those people whose lives are affected by epilepsy.

Costs 

The challenge requires a minimum sponsorship of £2,895, £1,545 of which goes directly to Epilepsy Action. There is also a registration fee of £375 and an insurance fee of £45. If you would rather pay the registration fee in installments please call the fundraising department.

Three-quarters of the minimum sponsorship money is to be paid to Epilepsy Action 12 weeks before departure. The remaining quarter is due on return.

 What do I do next?

If you would like more information about this event please contact our fundraising department:

• by telephone on 0113 210 8800 (UK) or +44 (0)113 210 8800 (international), or

• by email to funding@epilepsy.org.uk

Organised by Global Adventures Challenges (ATOL 6506)

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• Download or print our fundraising guide
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