Mountain Hike
(Minimum 2 persons)
The Lady’s Slipper Mountain Trail transforms into an exclusive wilderness experience under the stars. Closed to the general public at night, this green-flag-accredited route is permitted strictly to Next Escape, offering you a rare, crowd-free mountain adventure.
The trail moves through the crisp evening air, where you will have a unique chance to spot the highly endangered Smith’s Dwarf Chameleon. Found only in this local Fynbos, these tiny masters of camouflage are fascinating to track. Equipped with provided UV torches, you stand a good chance of spotting them as their pale night-time skin reflects the UV light.
The climb takes you all the way to the summit with views of the glittering Eastern Cape coastline and city lights. Although navigating in the dark means a slower pace, the terrain remains moderate, allowing you to take your time and experience the magic of the mountain by night.
ADVENTURE DETAILS
Trail Specifications and Difficulty
💪 Difficulty rating: Moderate Hiking
🥾 Walking Distance: ~ 5.2 km (3.2 miles) (Round trip)
📈 Elevation gain: ~ 317 meters (1,040 feet)
🏔️ Altitude: 603 meters (1,978 feet) MSL
🏋️ Energy required: ~ 4000kJ (956 kcal)
⏱️ Duration: ~ 4 hours (Including breaks)
🏞️ Terrain Type: Mountainous, Forest or Woodlands, Rocky, Beaten trail
Comfort
👣 Pace Style: Moderate, steady climbing with open rock platforms for resting
⚖️ Pack weight: Ultra-light daypack
🎒 What to pack: Water (750 ml), High-energy trail snacks
👖 Essential clothing: Hiking boots or sturdy shoes, Warm clothing (jacket, beanie, gloves)
Base Amenities
🍭 Trail café (exclusively open for last-minute snack purchases)
⛱️ Base Facilities: Picnic or braai (barbecue) spots
🚻 Bathroom Facilities: Flush toilets
Logistics
🧭 Guide: This tour is fully guided by a professional adventure guide
☕ Pre-booked stops: Optional add-on
🚙 Transport: Optional add-on
⌚ Travel: ~ 30 minutes from Gqeberha CBD
Inclusions
🎫 Permits: All permits are arranged beforehand and are included in the price
➕ Optional add-ons: See Value Added Services on the Next page
Destination and Scenery Value
📸 Unique photo opportunities to capture the contrast of glittering city lights with endless dark mountains, offering perfect low-light conditions for nocturnal wildlife and open-shutter celestial photography.
🏟️ Crowd Factor: None (Exclusive trail rights)
🌤️ Best Season: To ensure the best possible experience, it is best during Spring and Summer (September through February), as the weather is at its warmest, making the cold-blooded chameleon highly active. However, there are many other wonders to experience on this hike at night, and you can enjoy it all year round. Our full moon hikes are especially stunning!
Risk and Safety Information
🪁 Altitude risks: Acclimatisation is not required
🚁 Emergency: Qualified guides (first aiders), first aid kits, headlamps, full cell coverage, satellite mapping, paper mapping, escape routes, rescue procedures/responses, radio-linked guides
🧑🤝🧑 Group Size: Minimum 2 (12 hikers per guide for safety)
⛔ Not permitted: Drones, Pets, Dogs
