Dirtopia Trail Centre at Muratie wine farm are giving the public the opportunity to enjoy more mountain time on Friday February 26, with extended trail hours in the late afternoon just before sunset.
Permit tickets must be bought online in advance. The moon rises a bit earlier the night before the actual full moon and can be seen at the foot of Simonsberg at a Muratie look-out point. Here, hikers can enjoy a glass of wine on their picnic blanket with a stunning wineland view before sunset, and wine will be on sale.
Starting from the Dirtopia Trail Centre at Muratie, it will take approximately 30 to 40 min to reach the picnic area at the look-out, called Gilloolys. To ensure you have the full experience it is recommended to arrive by 5.30pm, and not start the climb later than 6.45pm.
The sun sets at 7.24pm, with the moonrise scheduled at 7.18pm, but to rise over Simonsberg around the same time as sunset.
This 3km hiking trail with over 200 steps was hand-built during the lockdown in August and September last year, and has signs along the way, as part of the Simonsberg trail network with the trailhead at the historic Muratie wine farm. The circular trail has stunning views of the Winelands and Cape Town and, of course, Simonsberg mountain.
The cost for this after-hour hike from Muratie is R100 for adults and R50 for children under the age of 10. This is a hike with steps to climb on some rocky terrain, so it is recommended that you wear hiking appropriate shoes.
You can be back at the Trail Centre between 8pm and 8.30pm, depending on your walking speed and the time you start going down. Snacks and cooldrinks are for sale at the Trail Centre, but you are welcome to take your own to enjoy on top of the mountain on your blanket.
Tickets should be bought in advance online at www.dirtpass.co.za, and for more information, send a message to 078 343 3572 or visit www.dirtopia.co.za