Muizenberg, Cape Town
A Journey Through Muizenberg’s Trails
Sunday 8 December 2024 took us to the historic Tartarus Cave, nestled on the slopes above Muizenberg. With stunning views, a challenging climb, and a touch of mythology woven into its history, this circular route offered a blend of physical exertion and mental rejuvenation.
Our adventure began on Boyes Drive, taking us along the Contour Path of Peck’s Valley. From there, we ascended via Bailey’s Kloof to the cave. After exploring the mysterious cavern, we continued onward to the Amphitheatre, descending via the Ou Kraal route and completing the loop back to Boyes Drive.
The Legend Of Tartarus Cave
Tartarus Cave is one of over 80 caves scattered along the Muizenberg mountainside.
It owes its name to Johan Myers, an avid cave explorer who retired to Kalk Bay in 1924. Myers spent his retirement years uncovering and naming these natural wonders, drawing inspiration from Greek mythology for Tartarus—a deep abyss in the underworld. Dodge!
Today, Tartarus Cave stands as a testament to his passion and serves as a destination for hikers seeking a connection to nature and history.
The Ascent: Peck's Valley to Bailey's Kloof
Our hike began at the trailhead on Boyes Drive.
From there, we turned left, following the Contour Path into Peck’s Valley. The path wound gently around the mountain, surrounded by indigenous fynbos and shaded by rocky outcrops.
Once we reached Bailey’s Kloof, the trail’s difficulty increased significantly. This steep and rocky ascent tested our stamina but rewarded us with stunning views of the Indian Ocean to our left. False Bay sparkled under the bright sun, offering moments of awe and motivation to push forward.
Throughout the trail, we noticed SANParks markers and directional locators that, while helpful, showed signs of wear. Regular maintenance of these wayfinding tools would undoubtedly enhance the hiking experience, especially for less experienced visitors.
Finding the Cave
After a strenuous climb, we arrived at Tartarus Cave. The cave’s wide entrance, framed by jagged rock, seemed to beckon us into its cool, shadowy depths. Once inside, we felt an immediate drop in temperature—a welcome respite from the heat outside.
Standing at the entrance, we took a moment to appreciate the cave’s scale and imagine Johan Myers discovering this very spot nearly a century ago.
The recent rains, however, had left the cave’s floor damp and slippery the deeper we went. Pools of water glistened in the dim light, and navigating further inside proved too risky.
Spes Bona Forest & Ou Kraal Route
Rather than retracing our steps, we continued past the cave, making our way toward the Spesbona Forest.
This section of the trail opened up into a vast, scenic expanse. The rugged ridges and sweeping views of the landscape felt both expansive and intimate, reminding us of the mountain’s raw beauty before descending into the Spes Bona forest
From the forest, we joined the Ou Kraal route to begin our descent. This path offered a gentler, meandering way back down, with occasional sections of the boardwalk requiring careful footing.
The Indian Ocean remained our steady companion, glistening in the distance and guiding us toward Boyes Drive.
*edited to correct previous post that erroneously ascribed the Amphitheatre route for the Spes Bona forest route.
An Uplifting Encounter
As we reached Boyes Drive, completing our circular route, we descended a steep concrete staircase. Here, we encountered a group of about 30 children from nearby Capricorn Township.
Armed with bottles of water and brimming with excitement, they were just beginning their own adventure into the trails we had just completed. Seeing their enthusiasm was both inspiring and heartwarming—a reminder of the transformative power of nature, especially for those exploring the beauty of their own backyard.
Solitude and Serenity
One of the most striking aspects of this hike was the blissful quiet. Unlike the often-overcrowded trails on the Atlantic Seaboard, we encountered only a handful of trail runners and their dogs during our journey.
The solitude amplified the connection to the mountain, making the experience feel deeply personal.
The encounter with the Capricorn children added a sense of shared community, a reminder that these spaces are for everyone to enjoy and cherish.
Reflections of the Day
This circular route around Tartarus Cave is more than just a hike—it’s an exploration of nature, history, and connection.
- The Trail’s Appeal: From the challenging ascent via Bailey’s Kloof to the sweeping views of the Amphitheatre and the gentler descent through Ou Kraal, every section offered a unique perspective on the mountain.
- Historical Intrigue: Tartarus Cave’s connection to Greek mythology and Johan Myers’ legacy added depth to the journey.
- Community Connection: Meeting the Capricorn children at the end of the hike underscored the importance of these trails as shared spaces for exploration and growth.
Tips For This Hike
If you’re planning this hike, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Start Early: The steep sections of Bailey’s Kloof are best tackled before the sun is at its peak.
- Wear Sturdy Shoes: The uneven terrain and slippery conditions in the cave call for reliable footwear with good grip.
- Hydrate and Protect: Bring enough water and wear sunscreen, as the trail offers limited shade in some sections.
- Stay Alert: While SANParks markers are present, their condition varies. Keeping an eye on the trail and having a map or GPS can be helpful.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Tartarus Cave via this circular route is an adventure that combines physical challenge, historical intrigue, and a deep appreciation for nature. The quiet trails, panoramic views, and sense of discovery make it a rewarding experience for those seeking a meaningful connection with the mountain.
Our encounter with the Capricorn children as they began their journey added an uplifting note to our day. It was a reminder of the shared joy these trails can bring and the importance of preserving them for future generations to enjoy.
Whether you’re drawn by the mythic allure of Tartarus Cave, the dramatic views of False Bay, or the serenity of the Muizenberg mountainside, this hike is a must for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Thanks
Photo credits:
Wasielah
Meenakshi
Ellen
Thanks Gabiba.
We came down spes bona forest then ou kraal not amphitheater
Salaam Boeta Cassiem. Shukran for rectification!