Arangieskop

Arangieskop is a 2-day hike in the Dassieshoek Nature Reserve, outside Robertson, in the Western Cape. It is often referred to as the “Kilimanjaro of the Cape”, not because of its height, but due to the relentless uphill of the first day and downhill of the second. However, that should not deter any reasonably fit hiker from hiking Arangieskop, as the overnight hut is one of the best in the country and will make you forget all about your tired legs.

Beauty: 5/5
Difficulty (fitness): 7-8/10 (The distances per day aren’t massive, but the continuous, steep ascent and descent requires strong legs)
Technical rating of trail: Standard trail walking with steep ascents and descents over rocky terrain. Sections of the trail are very exposed or badly eroded, which require balance and sure-footedness.
Duration: 21km, 2 days

Less than a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, Arangieskop is a perfect weekend hike. You have the option of spending a night at the start of the hike, but we decided to drive through on the day we started hiking. Parking is available either on the side of the road, just before you enter the reserve, or by the old house on the right, where you can spend the night.

Day 1

The hike starts off nice and gentle, but as soon you hit the single track, you gaze up at the mountain and realise that the general nature of day 1 is UP.

It actually looks quite improbable from below, but the trail winds its way up the mountain along the path of “least resistance”, leading you past some beautiful swim spots that are a treat on a hot day.

The first day is only 9.5km, but it will take you a good 6-8 hours to get to the hut, depending on your pace and rest stops. The relentless uphill makes for slow going.

Once you reach the saddle, you get treated to amazing views all round, with Robertson behind you, Arangieskop to your right and the KOO valley below. The hard work is over as the amazing Arangieskop Hut starts coming into view.

Everyone who has spent a night here raves about it, because it really is something special. It has hot showers, thanks to the wood fired “donkey boiler”, the indoor fireplace heats up the whole house on cold nights and the outside braai area is well sheltered and lends itself to a very social night on the mountain.

Day 2

Day 2 starts off with a rather rude awakening as you march straight up to the summit. Once you recover from a mild heart attack and start looking around, the view is spectacular.

The descent gully looks almost as improbable as the ascent and a pair of good knees are required. We found our hiking poles to be invaluable on this hike and I have heard some other hikers say that they would have perished on this hill were it not for their hiking poles. So, bring some hiking poles…

Once you get into the swing of the steep descent, it is actually very beautiful and quite an experience to descend such a massive ravine.

Exiting the main ravine, the path winds in and out as it crosses a few buttresses along the contour path.

There are a few shaded rest spots with pools along the way, but it is highly recommended to get an early start because the descent route turns into a bit of an oven in the afternoon. There is also a natural bee hive in an old tree at about 7kms that needs to be treated with respect. They didn’t bother us, but if you are allergic to bees, carry the necessary medication in case of a sting.

Day-2 is 11.4km long and will take about 6 hours to complete.

Conclusion:

This is a must-do for all regular hikers. It is beautiful and challenging and the hut is loved by all that have spent a night in it. That being said, due to its challenging terrain and steep gradient, it can become very unpleasant if one is not fit enough. The steep terrain requires some strength and balance and a good sense of humour. Hiking poles are a massive help on the steep terrain. As always, being in a mountain environment, the weather can change without much warning, so always carry a warm layer, a beanie and a rain jacket.

How to book:

Bookings are made through the Langeberg Municipality
Tel: +27 23 626 8200
Email: trailbookings@langeberg.gov.za

About Arno van der Heever 54 Articles
Co-founder of Hiking South Africa, Arno loves the outdoors and finds joy in sharing it with others. He is a qualified mountain guide, a keen rock climber and has a "thing" for technical footwear and backpacks.

26 Comments

  1. So I’m going on this route with a few of my volunteers. We tried looking all over of what we should prepare other than our normal sleeping bags and equipment. Is there a woodfired stove? I know that there is the donkey boiler, but would we have to bring our own firewood?

  2. Hi Zaid, The last time I was there I think the wood-fired stove being out of order (I might be wrong), so definitely take your own gas stoves along. There is a very nice braai area and it has always been well supplied with wood when we’ve been there. There are also bunk beds with mattresses. Let me know if you have anymore questions.

  3. Hi. Is one able to be transported to the hut? I heard something about a farmer taking people up. If so, how could one make this arrangement?

  4. No. That’s not what I was referring to. I know of a farmer who takes up wine and meat to Arangieskop hut for overnight hikers, and I think the farmer, by arrangement, takes up hiking bags and “hikers”

    • Hi Barry
      were doing arangies 28+29 April; there is no mention of the farmer assisting with above; perhaps do try and reach the farmer at proteafarm and hear? what dates are you hiking or have you already hiked? as i understand you carry everything; just pack as light as possible.

    • Hi Barry, i just came across your post here. Did you manage to fond out who the person is who does what you were looking for?
      I am also looking at something similar

  5. Hi,

    I’m looking to do this hike with a few friends. We’re all reasonably fit. I just wanted to know if a guide is needed or recommended?

    Also, any pro tips you can provide? Suggested supplies?

    • Hi Craig, you don’t need a guide. You can pack as for any other two day hike. However, you have the option of a braai as there is a fire place and they provide wood. That being said, you need to think about how much extra weight you want to carry 😉

  6. Do you perhaps have an updated number to call, the 1 above does not exist?
    I have also tried sending a request through Montagu tourism and I am really struggling to get this arranged. Please advise.

    • Every season has it’s own magic on Arangieskop. Winter is freezing, but there’s always the possibility of snow and the fireplace is extra cozy. Summer can get extremely hot, but that makes the rock pools very enjoyable. The flowers in Spring are always a treat. So, any time really.

  7. To all doing the hike please be aware there is no water on the descent trail so my advice is to hike up and down the same trail. I hiked the trail yesterday and there is absolutely no water.

    • Hi Thobeka, unfortunately not. There are a few very steep sections that will seriously affect someone with a fear of heights.

  8. I would like to know how many people the overnight hut can accommodate?
    Thanks in advance.

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