Diarise the last Friday of October to do a 3,5 km hike at the foot of Simonsberg before sunset and see the Full Moon rise, as you sip award-winning Stellenbosch wine.
The trail is marked from Dirtopia Trail Centre at Muratie Wine Estate, so hikers can walk at their own pace to start between 17:00 and 18:00. With the sun setting at just past 19:00, hikers who reach the look-out point can purchase Muratie wine per glass or per bottle and stretch out on their picnic blanket to enjoy their packed snacks with Wineland views.
Booking is essential for this popular event, and there are three ways to buy tickets:
Visit www.dirtopia.co.za for the links to Dirtpass.co.za; Entryninja.com or Quicket.co.za
After the moon rises over Simonsberg, all hikers must leave the top by 19:30 to hike back, where a coffee station is ready to serve before returning home. All ticket holders stand a chance to win a pair of Falke Hiking socks in the lucky draw at the Trail Centre. The Dirtopia home-base at the trail head also sells cooldrinks, trail essentials like snacks,outdoor clothing and accessories.
What to bring? Good walking/hiking shoes as the trail has over 200 hand-built steps. Torch for walking down on the darker forest trail. Picnic snacks and blanket to sit on and something warm to wear, as it gets chilly when the sun sets.
A view of Table Mountain in the distance adds to the outdoor magic. Dirtopia can be contacted via email info@dirtopia.co.za or text 078 343 3572.
