Cape Hike and Climb

Is A Locally Owned And Operated Company Based In The Suburbs Of Cape Town

Owner Kathy Leverton Has Been Hiking On Table Mountain For Almost 20 Years And Guiding Since 2013

Being outside and exploring our mountains is a passion and hobby turned “job”. She has a particular interest for the plant life that makes up the Cape Floral Kingdom, unique to the Western Cape.

Since 2018 Kathy has been joined on many mountain missions by her most faithful companion, Pondo puppy! They have spent many, many hours together hiking and exploring Table Mountain and the surrounding mountains, finding new trails and learning about the history, geology, animals, birds, insects and plants of the mountain. Kathy’s background in the science world has helped fuel this interest and desire for continuous learning.

The bonus of having your office be some of the most beautiful places is that the photographic opportunities are endless. This is also a favourite hobby, and the varied plant life and open views offered allow for many photograph stops. If you can actually get the sunbird to stay still long enough for your camera to focus, then please teach her your ways! All photos on this website are from her hiking adventures.

Pondo puppy is named for Kathy’s favourite place in the world, Pondoland on the Wild Coast. We have explored a small part of this paradise and would love to help you fall in love with it, too! It’s tranquil, wild, and rugged, filled with the most wonderful people who call it home. Growing up here on annual family holidays has given Kathy (and her family) the opportunity to become involved with local families and to watch their kids grow up. She’s witnessed the changes that “development” has brought and knows the potential for eco-tourism. The special bond she has created with the land and its people allows for trips here to be immersive and to work with the people who live here, not just pass through.

Image: photo of Kathy and Pondo

lso aQualifications:

  • Mountain Walking guide for overnight, off trail below 2700m
  • Single Pitch Sport climbing and Abseil guide
  • Level 3 First Aid qualification
  • Culture guide for Cape Town, Winelands, Overberg and the West Coast

In 2005 Kathy graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Science degree, specialising in Zoology and Ecology. In 2014 she received a Certificate in Environmental Education from the University of South Africa.

I am also a member of the South African Adventure Industry Association.

Qualifications

Hiking years

Years guiding

Pondo Puppy

Recent Blog Posts

Fynbos and Fire

Fynbos and Fire

Feature image: Fire above Vredehoek on Devil's Peak, March 2009. Photo by Richard Parry Harmful or Helpful? If you live in the Western Cape of South Africa, veldfires are nothing new. Every year, as the summer season approaches, fires break out in the vegetation....

Why You Should Hire a Guide

Why You Should Hire a Guide

What can a Guide Add to your Hike? Table Mountain National Park is unique. It is an urban national park. And it is mostly free access, barring a few locations (Boulders Beach, Cape Point, Silvermine Reserve). There are plenty of apps, maps and guidebooks available,...

HIKING 101 – The Beginner’s Guide

HIKING 101 – The Beginner’s Guide

What To Wear, Take and Know “The mountains are calling, and I must go” – thank you John Muir for that timeless quote. The sense of wilderness, adventure, accomplishment from summiting – it’s hard to match. Hiking is popular worldwide. Day hikes are accessible, cost...

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