AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH

A GROUP of 70 hikers from Cape Flats township Nyanga are determined to see how far and high they can go. 

Despite lacking of the fancy footwear, these laaities are enthusiastic about their monthly hikes, organised by the Nyanga Hiking Club. 

On Sunday, the group tackled Kalk Bay Peak, hitting the trail in flip-flops and broken shoes, took the winding path up to Kalk Bay Peak, past the amphitheatre, through the Echo Valley and the Old Mule Path back.

Organiser Dani Saporetti says these hikes stemmed from her always wanting to take people who do not always have access, the means or resources, to get on the mountain for the experience because she fell in love with hiking about 10 years ago. 

Depending on transport and the desire, they typically take up to 75 children.

Dani says: “I always thought even though the mountain’s free, a guide to do it safely, water, snacks, transport, all those things cost, and they all add up.

“These kids in Nyanga look at the mountain every single day, and now they have the opportunity to get onto it and really experience nature.”

Saporetti said they have also done beach cleanups and swim in tidal pools.

Saporetti said transport is the biggest cost. They rely on donations and sponsorships from kindhearted people. 

She adds: “I’ve got a huge dream to get sponsorship for new trainers for the kids, because not all of them have nice shoes.”