Hanskop is a prominent mountain that overlooks Somerset West. Standing at 1200m above sea level (higher than Table Mountain’s 1086m), it offers spectacular 360-degree vistas of the greater Cape Town area and the Overberg region, including Theewaterskloof dam, and the Indian and Atlantic Ocean (in the distance).
It is easily identifiable by the numerous communication towers and its isolated status in the Hottentots-Holland mountain range. The mountain technically forms part of the greater Hottentots Holland nature reserve, but there are no entry restrictions or cost in this isolated corner of the reserve.
The peak can be accessed either by 4x4 vehicle or a challenging (gruelling!) hike. I am not aware of anyone who has ever done both, so perhaps a Geocacher could be the first to complete this challenge…
NOTE: this cache is NOT accessible with a normal car as many of the roads are severely damaged.
Both the hike and the drive start at the same point: Sir Lowry’s pass lookout point parking (S 034° 08.948' E 018° 55.667'). From there you cross over the N2 cautiously as there is dangerous traffic passing in both directions.
The Hike
Trail length = 22,4 km
Trail type = Out & back
Elevation gain = 921 m
Classification = Hard
Average time = 7-8 hrs
[see attached hiking trail and elevation pics]
Waypoints:
Trail Head
S 034° 08.966' E 018° 55.708'
Junction to walk up to view wagon tracks (optional) - continue straight to Hanskop
S 034° 08.413' E 018° 56.558'
Wagon tracks
S 034° 08.329' E 018° 56.373'
Waterpoint
S 034° 07.699' E 018° 57.502'
Old Boland Trail
S 034° 06.433' E 018° 58.375'
Protea Grandiceps
S 034° 05.957' E 018° 58.287'
Viewpoint
S 034° 05.909' E 018° 57.887'
Follow the road to the top.
Hanskop view site (& geocache)
S 034° 06.149' E 018° 57.947'
The 4x4 Drive
Although there are several routes to get to the tar road, which leads you up the mountain peak, we found this one to be the less difficult one. (Some of the other “roads” are for the more adventurous 4x4 enthusiasts…!)
Time from start to peak: about 1-1.5 hours.
Waypoints:
Trailhead
S 034° 09.006' E 018° 56.053'
Follow tar road
S 034° 08.861' E 018° 56.327'
Cross railway line here
S 034° 08.652' E 018° 58.194'
Turn left here
S 034° 08.619' E 018° 58.222'
Go up here
S 034° 08.557' E 018° 58.155'
Turn right here
S 034° 08.035' E 018° 58.231'
Turn left up here
S 034° 08.058' E 018° 58.423'
Turn here to go to tar road
S 034° 07.377' E 018° 58.481'
Join tar road here
S 034° 07.482' E 018° 58.107'
Parking on Hanskop
S 034° 06.147' E 018° 57.978'
Hanskop view site (& geocache)
S 034° 06.149' E 018° 57.947'
The cache is located a short walk down from the communication towers, at the best viewing spot. The large container is placed behind a large rock under a large flat rock. Please replace as found.