University of the 3rd Age (U3A), Cape Town, 

Walking, Hiking and Climbing Groups

The following are the hiking and walking groups affiliated to the Cape Town and False Bay branches of U3A.  (Tygerberg and Somerset West branches also have hiking and walking groups which are not listed here.) A member of any U3A branch is welcome to hike with any group subject to there being space available (some groups are full). Some groups start at a fixed time every week and others vary according to the route. Most groups go out every week.  

A visitor or new to Cape Town?   See www.mountain-meanders.com for background information on the Cape Mountains, routes, safety, grading and much more.


Standard of hikes and walks:  Each group has a typical range of difficulty with lots of overlap i.e. there are not hard and fast boundaries between the different groups.  It is important that your ability is a reasonable match to that of the group - for your enjoyment and that of the group.  If in doubt, start by trying an easier walk and then "graduate" to the more difficult. Many participants hike with more than one group - that is quite OK. The page Guide to the type of walks done by each group summarizes the types of outings done by each group, but if in doubt, call and ask.

 

If you don't find the combination of day of the week and walk difficulty that suits you, feel free to start a new group!  It is a simple and easy process and any of the convenors will help you get going. The groups provide good companionship and safety.  There have been no incidents in the course of 1000's of meets in the past 10 years. Note that there is a demand for places in some groups with an expectation that you will walk regularly.  Those who come out infrequently may find they are dropped from the respective mailing list. NB See also the notes on the Guides to Groups page about getting into "full" groups.  It is possible, but participants need to demonstrate their commitment! 

 

Programme: The current programme for each group is sent out by email. If you wish to receive updates, please contact the relevant group leader.  Generally only email notices are issued so if you are not on email, you will need to call to find out what is happening.  Some groups issue a programme a few weeks in advance but many work on a week-by-week basis enabling the route to be tailored to the weather. Want to check the weather yourself? Windguru and Windfinder are useful sites. 

Location: Walks tend to be mainly on Table Mountain and the Peninsula (Steenberg, Simonstown, Cape Point, etc) but Cape country routes are also done by some groups. Many groups share transport, especially for walks that are further afield, so generally it is better to call and confirm attendance. (Some groups do not require this - check with the relevant leader.) 

Details of other Greater Cape Town U3A Hiking Groups have been added and Blaauwberg hikers are now listed above (Saturdays) whilst hikers of U3A Helderberg have their own website at http://www.nabuco.ch/~hiker.u3a//home/Welcome.html

Membership of U3A and Cost: It is a requirement that all participants are members of U3A, although visitors (local and international) are welcome.  See the U3A website at http://u3a.org.za/ for further details. Annual subscription for the various U3A branches differ, but is R100 or less.  There is also a nominal charge per outing which is collected by the course convenor.   To avoid collecting small amounts each week some leaders accept a lump sum payment for the year.  Consult the relevant course convenor for more details. Charges for non-U3A visitors are at the discretion of the leader - typically R20/outing. Prior to joining a group or walking as a visitor, the group leader will require that you complete an appropriate indemnity form.

 Sharing of travel costs: If obtaining a lift, it is a requirement that you contribute to the travel costs unless the members of the group alternate cars and agree to waive costs.  

 Indemnity: By my participation in any activities held under the auspices of the  University of the Third Age (U3A), or sanctioned by U3A, I indemnify and absolve the U3A and individual members from any liability of any nature whatsoever and howsoever caused to me which may arise from any injury, illness, damage, loss, mishap, accident, or other occurrence. I acknowledge that I am aware of the risks to which I might be exposed as a result of such participation and voluntarily accept such risks.