Heritage Day in South Africa is meant for braais, family, and remembering where we come from.
This year, we decided to celebrate it a little differently — by finishing something that had consumed us for months: the 13 Peaks Challenge. Peaks 12 and 13, Devils Peak and Signal Hill, stood between us and the end of a journey that started on the same Signal Hill all those kilometres ago.
It was a fitting day to close the circle, to test ourselves one last time, and to reflect on the heritage of Cape Town’s mountains. This city has always defined itself by the granite sentinels that watch over it. To climb them all, in order, was more than just a challenge. It was a pilgrimage.
Starting Strong at Newlands Forest
We gathered in the morning light at Newlands Forest, the smell of earth and pines mixing with the wind that already promised trouble higher up. The mountain loomed above us, partly hidden by streaks of mist that clung to its folds.
Newlands Ravine was our chosen route up to Devils Peak. The moment we set foot on the trail, the climb began in earnest — steep, rocky, and unrelenting. The wind was no longer a whisper; it was a fist. By the time we broke into the saddle below Devils Peak, we were getting klapped sideways.
The mountain demanded respect. No easy wins here. If it was going to let us bag Peak 12, it would make us earn it.
Breakfast on the Roof of Devils Peak
The slog to the top was slow and stubborn. Gusts shoved us back a step for every two forward. Still, when the summit finally appeared, there was no mistaking the relief. Peak 12 — Devils Peak — was ours.
We huddled in the wind and broke out breakfast. There’s something unforgettable about eating on a mountaintop, even in a gale. The city sprawled beneath us like a painting blurred by clouds, Table Mountain sat solid to the west, and Lion’s Head pointed the way to our final peak.
For a moment, we just sat there. We had climbed 12 mountains together. Our bodies were tired, but our spirits were untouchable.
The Descent and the Grind
Every hiker knows: what goes up must come down. The descent from Devils Peak was kinder than the climb, but it still took concentration. The rocks were slick, the path narrow in places, and the wind wasn’t letting up.
Then came the hardest part of the day: the long, endless stretch of the lower contour path. This trail wraps around the flanks of Devils Peak, Table Mountain, and Lion’s Head. On paper, it doesn’t look menacing. In practice, after hours on your feet, it’s a psychological war of attrition.
Seven hours on the trail eats away at you. Some of the group cramped. Papa Grizzly’s knees buckled more than once, but in true Papa Grizzly fashion, he just kept going.
Mubeen, who had joined us for moral support, lived up to his role in his own way — moaning so much that Aneesa and I half-seriously plotted to hang him on the cable car lines as we trudged past the Lower Cable Car station. The banter kept us sane.
Signal Hill: The Circle Closes
By the time we reached Signal Hill, it felt like the mountain had wrung us out. Seven hours, two summits, and one long contour later, we staggered back to where it all began. Signal Hill had been where we started on Friday 13 June at 3.31pm, and now it was Peak 13.
Waiting for us was Butch, the ever-reliable support crew, with ice-cold drinks. Ellen unveiled celebratory snacks, and in that small parking lot, we turned exhaustion into triumph. There were hugs, laughter, and a few tears.
This wasn’t just about bagging peaks. It was about friendship, resilience, and discovering what we were made of.
The Flag and the Legacy
There was one last ritual before we could call it done. We handed over Bapoo’s 13 Peaks flag to Anni. She’s carrying it to Ireland to show her grandchildren, proof that their grandmother was part of something wild and wonderful.
Whoever takes on the challenge next — the flag is waiting for you.
It felt right. The 13 Peaks is more than a challenge invented by Ryan Sandes; it has become a tradition, a heritage in itself. Each group that finishes adds to its story. Each flag that passes hands carries the weight of sweat, laughter, and mountain grit.
To Ryan Sandes: Respect
This challenge wasn’t easy.
Not by any stretch. To cover the full distance and elevation, to push through weather, closures, detours, sore knees, and the occasional group moaner — it tested us at every turn.
So, to Ryan Sandes, who created the 13 Peaks: Well played, Sir. Well played.
Reflections: Glad and Sad
Standing at the end of it, I’m glad. Glad I said yes, glad I laced up my boots, glad I pushed through the pain. Glad I had this group of misfits, legends, and mountain souls beside me.
But I’m also sad. Sad it’s over. Sad the routine of checking off peaks, of planning routes, of swapping jokes on long climbs, has come to an end. Challenges like this create a rhythm, a bond. Letting go isn’t easy.
Still, the mountains aren’t going anywhere. They’ll be waiting. And so will the next adventure.
Final Thoughts
The 13 Peaks Challenge isn’t just about fitness or bragging rights. It’s about connection — to the land, to history, and to each other.
On Heritage Day, finishing it carried extra weight. These peaks are part of our collective heritage as Capetonians, as South Africans.
We’ve left our footprints on all 13. The mountains left their mark on us too.
So here’s to Devils Peak, to Signal Hill, and to every climb, laugh, cramp, and cup of trail coffee in between.
Challenge completed. Heritage honoured. Hearts full.
Thanks
A very special thank you to our patient hike leader, Boeta Cassiem… a legendary mountain man without whom we would not have been able to conquer this challenge.
To Butch, our steadfast road support and bringer of refreshments, knowing you were just a phone call away made the nat gatte so worth it!
To those who supported us on the trail, Bapoo , Ashraf and Mubeen and those who followed this blog and by keeping our morale up during the cold winter months.
To Saeed, who was doing this Challenge for the second time but was as invested as if it was his first!
For the companionship, laughs and snacks, photos and videos:
Aneesa
Annalene
Ellen
Chucky
Papa Grizzly
… you know I’m already working on our next adventure!
The Whole Adventure
Peak 1 – 4: Lions Head, Maclears Beacon, Grootkop & Judas Peak
Peak 5: Klein Leeukoppie (Little Lions Head)
Peak 6 – 7: Suther Peak & Chapmans Peak
Peak 8 – 9: Noordhoek Peak & Muizenberg Peak
Peak 10: Constantia Peak
Peak 11: Klaassenskop
Well done Everyone 👏