My solo and first hike up the flat-top Table Mountain, the massive mount of layers of sandstone that watches over the beautiful Cape Town. Here, I’ve gone up via the Platteklip Gorge trail which is the fastest and most direct way up the mountain. It’s frequented by many hikers so it’s a safe route to do alone. To get there, take a taxi to the Table Mountain cable car station.

My second hike up to Table Mountain was via the India Venster trail which involves more climbing and rock scrambling. It’s best done with a hiking guide as you have find yourself hanging off some precarious spots along the way. After reaching the top, we hiked to the reservoirs and then descended via the Nursery Ravine into Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens.

I went with a hiking guide and a French family was also on the hike. The mum was a painter and during our lunch break she painted our lunch spot. C’est jolie!