The Best-Laid Plans (Drenched in Reality)
Monday 16 June dawned grey and moody—typical Cape Town winter weather. It was meant to be leg 3 of our 13 Peaks Challenge. For Peaks 1-4 go here.
The goal: two peaks—Little Lion’s Head (Klein Leeukoppie) and Suther Peak—from the spot we’d ended on Saturday afternoon at Suikerbossie, after descending Llandudno Ravine.
Spoiler alert: We only managed one.
Suikerbossie to Soaked
We set off with good intentions and waterproof jackets (well… mostly waterproof). The plan was simple: tag Little Lion’s Head first, then pop over to Suther Peak. The forecast had said “light rain,” but Cape Town, being Cape Town, had other ideas.
By the time we hit the trail, the drizzle had turned to full-on mist and rain, making the normally easy scramble up Little Lion’s Head feel much more “type 2 fun.”
Getting Lost on a Trail You Can’t Get Lost On
And because it’s me… of course I managed to get lost on a trail that you literally cannot get lost on.
Somewhere between admiring the moody mountain views (i.e. the fog), and wondering if it was wise to don my poncho over my rain jacket, I took the wrong turn at a fork.
No big deal, I thought. I’ll just wait for the group to catch up.
Except… no one came. The mist was so thick I couldn’t see or hear them. After a few minutes of awkward silence (except for the sound of dripping rain), I realised: they were on the other path.
So back I went—retracing my steps through zero visibility until I found the fork where I’d veered off. There they were, just starting the final ascent.
Naturally, I had to do a little jog to catch up (because nothing says “fun” like running uphill in a soaked rain jacket and flapping wet poncho).
Tagging Little Lion’s Head in the Mist
The actual summit of Little Lion’s Head was a soaked scramble up wet rocks.
We reached the top quickly, pausing long enough to tag the peak, take blurry rain-smeared photos, and laugh about our sorry, wet state.
From up there? Nothing to see but cloud.
The Slippery Descent
Then came the tricky bit: getting back down.
Normally, the way off Little Lion’s Head is as straightforward as it gets. But with visibility at almost zero and no landmarks in sight, it felt more like an orienteering challenge. The rocks were slick and slippery, the trail obscured by mist, and more than once someone muttered: “Do you see the path?”
Carefully, unable to see more than 20m ahead of us, we worked our way down—soaked to the bone, laughing about our “epic” day. It took us only 1.5 hours from start to finish, but we looked like we’d been swimming up the mountain.
Bailing on Suther Peak
When we finally reached the trailhead again—drenched socks, dripping hoods, squelching shoes—it was clear: no one had any appetite for another peak. Suther Peak would have to wait.
We walked to the Suther Peak trailhead, looking like drenched squirrels, alarming even the armed security guard who drove up to check us out – hooded figures marching through the quiet streets of a posh gated community.
By then we had already decided: nope.
Not today.
There’s no point starting a whole new peak soaking wet, with the rain still coming down. Some days, it’s best to laugh, head home, and try again when the sun shines.
These things happen. It’s all part of the adventure.
Rainy Day Hiking Tips
If you’re thinking about tackling peaks in Cape Town winter weather, here are a few lessons we re-learned:
-
Layer up properly
-
Waterproof outer shell + wicking base layers.
-
Avoid cotton—it’ll soak and freeze you.
-
-
Carry a drybag
-
Keep your phone, keys, map, and essentials safe.
-
-
Bring extra socks
-
Dry socks after a wet descent are heaven.
-
-
Know when to turn back
-
No shame in calling it a day if conditions are bad.
-
-
Trust but verify the trail
-
Even on “easy” routes, visibility can mess with navigation.
-
If you’re unsure, stop, regroup, and check your GPS.
-
-
Getting lost? Here’s what to do:
-
Stop immediately. Don’t keep moving further off trail.
-
If safe, try to retrace your steps.
-
Use a GPS app like Gaia, Strava or Trailforks to locate your path.
-
If you’re truly unsure or conditions worsen: call WSAR at 021 937 0300.
-
Final Thoughts (For now)
So we tagged one peak instead of two. We got drenched. We got lost (okay, I got lost). And we laughed.
That’s what makes 13 Peaks an adventure: you never quite know what the mountain will throw at you—rain, wind, sun, or lessons in humility.
We’ll be back for Suther Peak. And for the rest of our challenge.
But in the meantime: time for tea, dry socks, and plotting our next move.
Stay tuned for more peaks, more mishaps, and—hopefully—a bit more sunshine.
Thanks for the use of your pics and vids:
Anni
Saeed
B Cassiem for being an amazing hike leader!
Butch for being our bail bus driver!
Brave hikers. Well done
Love the spirit…..all the best for the next peaks..in sha Allah….
Thanks for sharing your many adventures with us… you keep things real / honest. Despite the hiccups along the way, you embrace every challenge with so much oomph!
Thank you. No point in lying, is there? The mountain is a beautiful but dangerous place and things can go wrong so quickly!
Awesome guys, and weldone taking up the challenge. Its going to be memorable and an amazing experience.
The best way to get to know the TMNP is doing the 13 Peaks so hike on, dear adventures and never stop. Its a beautiful mountain and lots of hidden secrets, beauty, and breath taking views, so stay focused and enjoy the very best nature has to offer. Also check the weather report…lol..
Yours in conservation.
Absolutely! I am happy to admit, I underestimated how hard this challenge was going to be. Im fine on the trails… it the distances you have to walk between peaks, like in Hout Bay, when you have to walk on concrete in hiking boots… I hike to get away from all that. Ryan Sandes is an extremely talented and gifted mad man!
Firstly, glad you’re safe.
Secondly, you’re idiots…. you don’t walk on the mountain in heavy mist. Rain is fine and your tips are good, but mist is a “no no”.
Lessons learnt from practical experience and a wise sage, my father.
Good luck with the next peak..in clear vision days😁
Thank you for your kind words. There was no mist when we started. There wasnt even rain predicted for that day. We are happy to be idiots. Wait until you read about our hike to Chappies in the rain. And mist. Was wonderful. Have a lovely day.