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Location: Cape Peninsula between Simonstown and Cape Point Reserve above Smitswinkel Bay
OSM map (zoom out to see whole route)
Overview: The Traverse of the Swartkops range goes over part of the SAN Parks reserve and also over private property belonging to the Minicke family. The route can be done in either direction but most parties will start at the Smitswinkel end to get the steep ridge ascent over while fresh and because the rock scramble on the ridge is more awkward if descending.
Parking & Approach: Cars have to be parked at both ends unless a taxi is arranged to ferry there or back.
Simonstown parking is at a bend of Jan Smuts drive where a firebreak gives access to the 'Mule Track' path. Smitswinkel end parking is in the laybye near the last bend as follows:
Parking for a max of 4 vehicles is permitted at Smitswinkelbay Corner (on City Land). Parking is not permitted at Smits Forestry station or Smits Camp, Including driveways. No access via the TMNP Residential Area or Camp Grounds. Please remain on the outside of the fence.
Access to the trail is at the steps at the Cypress tree along the main road. Follow the trail on the edge of the property (next to the fence) to where it connects with the main path.
Route Description: Refer to the slideshow and click on one of the arrow heads to stop the auto change and then use the forward and back arrows so you can read the captions.
Resources: The contact details for SAN parks for getting a Permit is:
TMNP South - Boulders, Tel: 021 786 2329 / 5786
Faroeshka Gool, Email: faroeshka.gool@sanparks.org
Zizipho Mfazwe
Email: zizipho.mfazwe@sanparks.org
There is no charge for the permit and on the permit they send it states that you have to contract the land owner fminicki@gmail.com
NB A PDF example of the SAN Parks permit is attached below.
The Slingsby maps are excellent and the one of the Cape Peninsula 1/50 000 shows the full route. The 2 separate Simonstown and Cape Point maps each show only part of the route, and some editions are 1/20 000 and others are 1/25 000.
A good alternative is the OSM map which can be panned and zoomed to any scale and shows all paths clearly, on both a PC and smartphone.
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