Cave to Cableway: A Journey of Unexpected Surprises

Let’s just say that for this hike, I assumed I was hiking the Hennops Trail Why? Because my brain saw “cave” and “cable-way” and apparently decided, “Close enough! Hennops, here we come.” The actual location of the hike? Pfft, a mere detail—something for people with time to read the fine print.

So, 24 hours before departure, the WhatsApp group chat blows up with last-minute logistics. Then I suddenly realise....this is not Hennops. So, I take an actual look at the original message and there it is, lurking in plain sight: “DIFFICULT” and “Hartbeespoort.”

Dammit!! The same mistake with the same hike leader. Seriously. she’s probably about to hand me an official notice of expulsion from the group.

I messaged her with a humble “Hey, do you think I can actually survive this?” She, based on knowing me for exactly one hike, reassured me it would be fine.

The constant threat of rain wasn’t helping my anticipation either, We kicked off this hike like we were strategizing a military maneuver, refreshing the weather app as if we were tracking a rocket launch. Eventually, our guide was happy, and we set off. And, boy, am I glad we did.

The weather gods were on our side with cool temps, which was about the only thing that made this uphill battle bearable.

I managed to slide on my butt twice. Thank you, loose gravel, for shattering my pride!

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And in case there had not been enough of my comedy of errors..... my phone took a majestic leap down the mountain, I saw it tumble away in slow-motion, as my soul briefly left my body. But then, in true action-hero fashion, our gazelle-like hike leader sprinted down and saved it. I mean, this woman now has my eternal gratitude… until she inevitably kicks me off the group.

The trail itself? Gorgeous. Like, take-your-breath-away gorgeous (though that could’ve been the lack of oxygen). The views reminded me of my Nadia’s Peak hike (same area) —rugged, wild, and so worth the pain. The path was steep and very rocky, but at the top, the view was worth every painful step. And total bonus...vultures...lots of them...but not yet close enough for me!!

The Harties Cable Car area gives you the full visual buffet: Hartbeespoort Dam sprawling out like it owns the place, mountains flexing in the distance, and a rare feeling that city chaos might actually be a distant memory (for now).

At the top, there’s a restaurant and bar where you can sit, have a snack, maybe a drink, and revel in your own survival. Unfortunately, they had no water.....but that was not their fault.

Anyway, the bean bags and spectacular views were there, so we snacked and relaxed.

Would I recommend this hike? Oh, absolutely. But only for the brave of heart, the sure of foot, and those who don’t mind the occasional unintentional butt-slide.

If you’re bringing a phone for photos, maybe try not to hurl it off a cliff. Just a thought.

RATING

LOCATION: Hartbeespoort

COST

Depends on guide

DIFFICULTY

If I survived.....sort of, so can you..…maybe.

LENGTH

6–10 km (the distance is up for debate, but your legs will insist it’s longer)

TIME

4 hours, plus an hour at the top for reveling in your accomplishment

ELEVATION

Steep enough to make you reconsider your life choices

MARKERS:

Few and far between—thank goodness for the guide. No way I could have done it without a guide.

AMENITIES

Bathrooms at Wimpy and at the top, and the restaurant at the summit.

HIGHLIGHTS 

Just about everything including the company!

There honestly is some kind of camaraderie that happens when you’re trudging up a mountain together.

Maybe it’s the shared suffering.....