Traverse the Cape Mountains in 2026

24 September - 23 November

2026 Season is open for bookings, 2025 rates still apply (until Jan)

COSTS

The fee is between R8,600 and R10,050 per traverse, based upon number of days in the mountains which includes a R2,500 non-refundable deposit per traverse. Annual cost increases are effective from 1st January.

Coordinating an annual traverse of the Cape Mountains over 760km of wild terrain is no small undertaking. This includes access agreements and camping permits, 2 professional mountain guides per traverse, communications to help you plan, insurance for peace of mind, medical supplies, satellite phone and Garmin GPS – for the unexpected.

Your hiking fee includes all logistics, food drops and resupply service. The logistics support involves your own pre-packed food being made available at food drop points on days 3, 4 or 5 depending on each traverse. This allows for your pack to be lighter on-trail. At most food drop points you can off-load trash and restock your food.

And above all, you will have an experience that will live on long after we reach the end of any traverse, memories of wide-open places, silence, pleasure, achievement, some pain, and loads of good companionship. It will be tough, beautiful and amazing.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Months of preparations by a small dedicated part-time team who obtain access permission from more than 200 different landowners, answer any questions you may have leading up to the event, work to prepare logistics and coordinate transfers, scout new sections of the route, and on it goes.
At resupply points you can off-load trash, restock your food, pick up fresh gear / clothing (if you are doing more than one Traverse). This keeps your pack lighter which is key to a good experience.
2 x Professional Mountain Guides per Traverse with Wilderness First Responder Medical quaqlification (Level 3).
All access permits, conservation fees and overnight camping.
Medical emergency pack, satellite phone (emergencies only) & InReach Garmin GPS.
Indemnity insurance for any damage inadvertently caused to private property.
Mountain restoration work continues along the route.
An experience that will live on long after we reach the end of any stage, memories of wide open places, silence, pleasure, achievement, some pain and loads of good companionship. It will be tough, beautiful and amazing.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Rim of Africa is for those of us who enjoy the experience of extended time in the mountains. The following is not included in the cost:

Food: you need to bring and pre-pack all your own food. This is great as it means you get to eat exactly what you love and can plan your meals according to your energy needs and preferences.
Hiking fees do not include transfers: currently that is an additional R550 each way.
Cooking: you need to have your own stove and pot for cooking or team up with another hiker and share. Be sure to have sufficient fuel for each leg of the Traverse/s.
Tents: we have a limited supply of MSR Hubba tents for rent on a first-come-first-served basis. It is fully advised that you do carry a tent that is suitable for a high mountain traverse.

Apply today as places are limited and the traverses sell out quickly.

PREPARATION HIKES

We organise guided weekend prep hikes before the start of the traverse season. These are important to familiarise yourself with the level of off-path hiking and the correct gear you will need to enjoy your Rim of Africa Traverse/s, and to find out if this experience is really for you. Where you are unable to attend a pre-season hike, and have not previously completed a Traverse we may suggest an alternative preparation and selection process, in the interests of your safety and enjoyment of the mountains.

SPONSORED PLACES

We offer discounts and sponsored places where our standard rates are not affordable. Please complete the standard Application form and state your requirement for sponsorship clearly. Sponsored and discounted places will be confirmed in July each year.

RIM OF AFRICA PROJECTS & FUNDRAISING

We invite all hikers to support Rim of Africa’s community and wilderness restoration projects through donations. If each hiker donates just 5% of their invoiced amounts we can make a serious difference to the paths, alien vegetation and community projects along the route.

GROUP SIZE

There is a minimum number of participants required to register before we can confirm a traverse will take place. Group size is limited to ensure space to pitch your tent and a healthy guide ratio.

Apply today as places are limited and the traverses regularly get booked out.