Gabiba

Hi, I'm Gabiba! Runner, hiker, and blogger based in Cape Town. Welcome to my outdoor adventures! Follow me for hiking, trail running, and road running inspiration and tips. I'm afraid of heights, and never thought I'd see Mt Everest or bungee jump, yet here I am! Discover new trails and revisit favourites with me. Check out my blog for my take on gear, training, nutrition, and why the journey is the destination. Share my passion for running, hiking, and facing our fears!

Drakensberg Traverse Part 2

  Gear, Team, Food & Lessons from the Trail   What to Know Before You Hike the Drakensberg Traverse Up To Sentinel Peak This trek is not for beginners.   It demands gear, grit, and flexibility. You’ll be in Lesotho most of the time, with little access to rescue or comfort. You may meet shepherds, feel […]

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The Dragon Beckons: Drakensberg Northern Traverse – One Week, One Epic Trek

What do you get when you combine thunder, chain ladders, elusive waterfalls, high-altitude research, and a landscape soaked in myth? A hike unlike any other.

In Part 1 of our Drakensberg Northern Traverse story, we set off into the mist with a plan—and watched it unravel in the best possible way. From the slick steel rungs of the Sentinel Chain Ladders to a surprise night in a climate change research hut, the first leg of our 6-day, 74-kilometre trek through the Dragon Mountains was full of awe, challenge, and unexpected grace.

Come for the tales of Eland Falls, Basotho shepherds, and surreal rock cathedrals. Stay for the mud, magic, and a moral conundrum in the highlands of Lesotho.

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Kirstenbosch Gardens

Discover the beauty of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden—South Africa’s floral paradise. Whether hiking scenic trails, strolling through indigenous gardens, or enjoying a picnic and summer concerts, Kirstenbosch offers a breathtaking escape. Explore its rich biodiversity, iconic Boomslang Canopy Walkway, and deep cultural heritage. A must-visit destination in Cape Town!

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A Tale of Three Trails

1. The Pipe Track 2. Three Firs 3. Woody Ravine Table Mountain offers a labyrinth of hiking trails, each with its own character, challenges, and rewards.   Some trails are well-worn, bustling with hikers, while others feel like secret passages into the mountain’s quiet heart.   One such hidden gem is the Three Firs route,

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The Fynbos Trail: A Journey of Love & Friendship

  Not all love stories are traditional.   Some unfold on winding trails, under open skies, and in shared moments of challenge and joy. This Valentine’s Day, while others indulged in candlelit dinners and overpriced roses, we embarked on a different kind of celebration—one rooted in adventure, companionship, and the beauty of the great outdoors.

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Platteklip Gorge

Ultimate Training Hike for Multi-Day Treks Platteklip Gorge is one of the most well-known trails up Table Mountain, offering hikers a direct and challenging route to the top. While not my favorite trail, it remains an excellent test of endurance and fitness, making it the best training hike for multi-day treks.   Having hiked it

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Hiking The India Venster Trail

A Scramble To The Top The India Venster trail is one of the most exhilarating hikes on Table Mountain, offering breathtaking views, thrilling scrambles, and a rewarding sense of achievement.   On Sunday, 2 February 2025, we set out to tackle this exciting route, and one of the biggest surprises of the day was just

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The Discovery Vitality Firgrove Challenge

A Race Through Constantia’s Leafy Splendour Running is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a lifestyle, and sometimes even a revelation. The Discovery Vitality Firgrove Challenge Half Marathon, held on Saturday, 1 February 2025, perfectly encapsulated all these elements, offering runners an unforgettable experience through the verdant suburb of Constantia.   Hosted by

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The Red Hill (hell?) Race

On Saturday, January 25, runners from all over gathered for the annual Red Hill Race, hosted by the dedicated Fish Hoek Athletic Club. Known for its spectacular routes and welcoming atmosphere, the Red Hill Race has become a favourite on the South African running calendar. With four race distances—a challenging 42 km marathon, the iconic

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