Chasing Waterfalls, Orchids and Rivers

Lead photo credit: South African National Biodiversity Institute via Facebook

In this post, we look at some of Cape Town's lesser known, yet equally incredible natural attractions, from the famous Red Disa orchid to two beautiful Hout Bay hikes and/or walks in Disa River and Myburgh's Waterfall respectively.

Red, Red Blooms

The Red Disa (Disa uniflora) is the famous red emblem of the Western Cape province. And for good reason: it is the only orchid species of its kind that grows here, strictly in South Africa's Western Cape province.

It is considered one of Table Mountain's own natural wonders. Indeed, this vibrant red flower is actually, among other names, called the 'Pride of Table Mountain'.

Blossoming during summer, with its blooms peaking during February, the Red Disa grows along the stream banks, wet cliffs or waterfalls of Table Mountain and other Western Cape mountain localities.

Named after 'Queen Disa' (of Swedish legend) by botanist, Peter Jonas Bergius, in 1767, the Red Disa is a special part of Cape Town and the Western Cape's natural history.

It can be sighted on hikes during summertime, although, more often than not, hikers keep it secret to avoid anyone going after or damaging this special bloom. Why, you may wonder? Well, because it is a fiercely protected, rather rare and entirely amazing sight to see in our mountains - so let's please keep it that way!

One area that you may apparently chance to see them is at Myburgh's Waterfall Ravine in Hout Bay, which leads us to our next focal point for this post.

Wonderful Waterfalls and Rare Blooms

This beautiful, shady ravine trail isn't the easiest to hike but if you don't mind navigating a slightly challenging route (just download a map in advance as the trail is apparently not well-signed), it is well worth it.

Especially as you can see Red Disas along the ravine in February. (Actually, summer is possibly the best time to enjoy the hike too, as it can be quite slippery in winter with the flowing river and waterfall!)

Once you reach the top of the sunny mountain, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Grootkop and Judas Peak.

It is considered a moderate to challenging hike (depending on your fitness and hiking skills) that covers some +/- 4 km, give or take.

For safety, always hike in groups of 3-4 minimum and if you are inexperienced hikers or are unsure of the route, please consider booking a guided tour. Cape Town has wonderful hiking tour guides and tour companies for local hikes.

Start: Farrier's Way (above Hout Bay)

Hout Bay and the Disa River

Disa River flows from the Back Table (including Orange Kloof) into the Hout Bay river system through the Disa Gorge Region. Its upper catchments feed Table Mountain National Park's reservoir systems.

What is perhaps even more exciting is the fact that Hout Bay locals and visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk along this river thanks to the Disa River walk.

It is a 2.4-kilometre, dog-friendly (leashed only, with a valid SANParks permit) walk that is considered easy to moderate and which is highly popular among hikers and walkers alike.

Note: While you won't see any Red Disas on this river walk, if you visit Harold Porter National Botanical Garden and hike the Disa River trail, you may see the flowers blooming along the moist gorge cliffs in summertime (generally January - February).

Book a Hout Bay Stay Overlooking the River

While we at DK Villas have three great self-catering apartments, one of the best options for capturing the spirit of this post and Cape Town's natural wonders is our appropriately named Riverview option.

Our stylish, one-bedroom Riverview apartment is located in a secure, leafy complex, close to the beach and a short drive from Hout Bay's main attractions, shops and eateries.

As it sleeps two guests, Riverview is perfect for business travellers or couples needing a home-away-from-home in beautiful Hout Bay.

For more information or to book your next spring- or summer-stay in Hout Bay, please contact DK Villas directly or see here to book the relaxing Riverview.