Where to start
If you're thinking about hiking in the Western Cape of South Africa, the best place to start is to check out the Cape Nature Website. Here you can familiarise yourself with the various reserves and mountains of the Cape and decide on an area you would like to visit.
Select an appropriate hiking trail
Next, decide what kind of hike you are capable of doing. Think about distances, altitudinal climbs, equipment, time of year and experience. If you are a generally fit person - 12km with a backpack should be quite comfortable but pay attention to how much climbing is involved. If you are very fit and have worn in your hiking boots, 20km in the mountains will be a very good day! In terms of equipment, one of the main restrictions is whether you would like to carry a hiking (light-weight) tent or not. If not, you must look for hikes that have a cave, hut or good weather. If you or one of your group members is not experienced in reading maps and leading hikes then start with a guided, club hike or very well marked trail until you have developed some outdoor skills and feel more confident in the bush.
You will need maps
If you are living in Cape Town, the best place to get maps is from the Department of Land Affairs and Rural Planning: Chief Directorate Geo-Spatial Planning (ex Chief Directorate Surveys & Mapping). You can find them in the Van Der Sterr Building in Rhodes Avenue, Mowbray. They are open from 7:45 - 15:00 Monday to Friday and here you can find all the 1:50 000 topographical maps of South Africa (and some neighbouring areas) at a cost of R11.50 each!
You can also look out for Slingsby Maps at Cape Union Mart, Exclusive Books and other book and outdoor shops or order them directly on line: http://www.themaps.co.za/
I find an A4 photocopy of the relevant section of the bigger map is very useful on the trail. I keep the photocopy which can get fairly tattered in wind/rain in my pocket for easy access. Use the photocopy for quick reference - make notes on it, expected times, actual times, distances, mark out your route etc.
