10-Year Anniversary for SA's Longest Mountain Traverse

The Rim of Africa, South Africa’s longest mountain traverse, celebrates 10 years of incredible hiking and mountain wilderness experiences. Co-founder and trailblazer, Galeo Saintz, looks back at the past decade of Rim of Africa and shares his experiences.

This year’s 10th anniversary hike starts on 24 September outside Clanwilliam and follows the crests and valleys of the Cape Fold Mountain range for 650km until the hike ends in the Outeniqua Mountains outside George on 19 November. Hikers have the option of joining for one stage, a combination of stages, or all stages (known as the Thru-Hike).

Photo by Anja Wiehl.

“This is not any ordinary hike; it’s an epic, long-distance experience of a lifetime, traversing some of the wildest parts of the Cape over eight weeks. And it’s challenging – since the route was created, only a handful of hikers have completed the full Thru-Hike; most people choose to hike a few sections at a time,” says co-founder Galeo Saintz.

Starting at the Pakhuis Pass outside Clanwilliam and crossing the Cederberg, Kouebokkeveld and Hex River ranges to Grootvadersbos, the Gouritz River and the Outeniqua Mountains, the Rim of Africa Thru-Hike offers an extraordinary 56-day challenge that rivals the world’s iconic trekking adventures.

A Decade of Achievements

“Our 10th anniversary is such a big milestone for us, because so many volunteers have put so much passion and work into developing South Africa’s longest mountain traverse and leading intrepid hikers on the adventure of a lifetime.”

Establishing the hike required obtaining permission to hike across more than 90 private properties.

Photo by Anja Wiehl.

“Ten years of outreach, projects and engagement with incredible landowners all along this route has gone so quickly,” says Saintz. “Being a non-profit organisation, we are extremely proud of the projects we’ve supported over the years in helping people access the beauty of the Cape Mountains.

“One of our biggest achievements is the Wild Nights Out post-matric project, which gives diverse groups of school-leavers the opportunity to get out into nature after their exams to reflect on their future and connect with other matrics from across the country.”

Time for solitude at the end of a long hiking day. Photo by Anja Wiehl.

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Rim of Africa is offering every traverse at 50% off the standard cost and donation amount.

The Rim of Africa Experience

Rim of Africa is hiked in spring – the best time to be in the Cape Mountains. Expect good water, colourful fynbos in bloom, cool days and views that stretch forever. The trail season is marked by an annual Thru-Hike for committed adventurers who can take off 56 days (eight weeks) to walk the entire route in one go. Most people, however, choose to hike one or two weeks of the route at a time.

“A large part of the route is technical and off-trail, climbing up and hiking along ridgelines before descending steeply into valleys – it’s strenuous,” adds co-founder Ivan Groenhof.

“It’s a wild hike. The average week’s traverse covers anywhere between 60km and 100km, depending on the terrain. We often hike off-path, and weather can be extreme. We facilitate the hike from September to November to avoid the wet and cold of winter and the searing summer heat in the mountains.”

The 10th Anniversary Event

Rim of Africa will be hosting a special celebratory event on Wednesday, 4 September at 18:00 at the Vineyard Hotel and Conference Centre in Newlands, Cape Town. It offers hikers and nature lovers the perfect opportunity to learn more about the trail and meet the organisers.

This special evening will give trail supporters and avid hikers insight into what it takes to create a long-distance hiking experience — first-hand from hikers and guides who’ve completed it. Attendees will also stand a chance to win prizes from Hi-Tec and Osprey Packs, including a sponsored week on the Rim of Africa.

To find out more about Rim of Africa, the Vineyard Hotel event or to book your spot:

Email: projects@rimofafrica.co.za
Call: 082 888 8181
Book online: Follow this link to RSVP
Visit: www.rimofafrica.co.za