Some people sleep in tents next to the dam, the evening before the hike. I normally start the hike at 06:00 in the warmer months, and 07:00 between April and September. I have however, driven there and started the hike in the same day. If you opt for camping the night, be advised that there are no facilities except water. (Clean dam water) The dark colour of the water is due to tannins in the water.
You will need to take 2L of water per person, snacks, and warm clothing. The weather can change rapidly, within minutes on this peak. I have encountered very strong winds there as well. Please go prepared.
It is advisable to take a guide if it is your first time. Although the trail is easy to follow, it could be confusing in the first 2 kilometres. It could take up to 7 or 8 hours to the summit and back.
When starting the hike, you cross over the dam wall, and climb onto a rock ledge on the other side. (Think of it as a warm-up [:-)] ) From there turn left along the edge of the dam, and through some dense fynbos. There are a lot of muddy spots in the first part. Carry on through the bushes and you will reach a small stream running into the dam. Cross this river, and the trail will again start to turn more to the left. You will now be on the farthest point on the dam from where you have parked. Keep on following the trail, and you will cross another stream. This is the last water point on the trail. Just after this point, you will head towards a patch of pine trees. When you reach the pine trees, the trail will start to rise to the first small ridge.
This will continue for the rest of the way, and the path is easy to follow as it follows the ridge for most of the way. After crossing a narrow ridge with high cliffs on both sides, you will reach a very steep "false peak", known as "The Gully".
The gully is steep and you should climb it slowly. It is mostly a steep grass slope, with rocks inbetween. See attached photos.
Once on top through the Gully, follow the route up till you reach the top towards the right of this summit. You will now be able to see Formosa peak roughly 400 metres away. Follow the path to the top.
Once on top you can finally appreciate the beauty of your surroundings. To the South West you will see Robberg and Plettenberg Bay. To the South East you will see Storms River, and almost directly South, Bloukrans Bridge where they have the Worlds highest commercial bungy jumping. To the West you'll see the silhouett of the Outeniqua mountains, to the North, you will see the Karoo, baviaanskloof, Langkloof, and Joubertina. 360° of view! Reaching this point will fill you with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Next to the beacon on the mountain, you will see a big tupperware box. It contains a book for all visitors to sign their names. This is NOT the official cache. You will also notice a wooden cross, closer towards the sea from the summit. A small white box next to it contains a bible.
Once at the cross, you are close to the cache.