Vlakkenberg Loop - (Table Mountain NP - Cape Town)

Vlakkenberg is a comparatively low lying plateau (around 500 Meters above sea level) between the back table of Table Mountain and Constantiaberg. The plateau has a few small peaks on its peripheries and Vlakkenberg is to the South where the southern slopes drop to the foothills of Constantiaberg. The trail starts and ends at the Constantia neck parking area where one will cross the road and walk past the children's amusement park before using a walk in entrance at a gate. Here the signs and the fences will guide you to the trail with relative ease, there is signage marked Vlakkenberg so its hard to miss. After passing a few gate points between some fences (this is the least scenic and steepest part of the hike) the fences will give way to nature reserve fynbos that is varied and in good condition. The trail will continue to ascend somewhat gradually compared to the start and steep in some sections before leveling off completely on the plateau. Thereafter its a left at an intersection and a short level walk before a small ascent to the summit of Vlakkenberg. At the summit views South of the Constantiaberg, Silvermine, Muizenberg beach, Cape Hangklip and Seal Island open up. Views north over the fynbos Plateau to the back table, Devil's Peak, Orangekloof, Grootkop and Judas peak are visible. There is a small window to the west with a sightline to Klein Leeuwkop (little Lions head) and sandy bay in Houtbay. Eastward is the vast expanse of the Southern suburbs and the much higher Hottentots Holland range above Somerset west and Stellenbosch with the Helderberg hiding behind the higher peaks in the foreground. After the summit we opted to take a different path down which was very overgrown but still enjoyable. This variation heads North straight from Vlakkenberg peak and across the plateau and then turns west (left) at the intersection. Right here would take you down to Prince drive exit in Constantia, this is another option to climb Vlakkenberg. After the left the path is faint and very overgrown but keep an eye out for rock Cairns as this guides the way back to the path you ascended on. After joining the path the descent is easy and straightforward right back to the parking lot where the option of coffee or a beer at the bar across the street is an option. Overall this is a great trail and is an easy option for any experienced hiker with a decent level of fitness. The views are great and the trail is much quieter than many of the other trails on the back table. The entrance points do have security cameras which is a welcomed sign but as always be vigilant and take care when doing walks around Cape Town. This trail is also dog friendly and a good option for dog walking because of the low numbers of people on this trail. Very scenic day out, easy effort for great views.