LANGEBAAN – Residents will have the opportunity to experience Langebaan’s natural beauty under the full moon when the first Sharkbay Full Moon Hike takes place on Saturday 24 October, starting and ending at Sharkbay Shack.
The initiative was started by Franciska and Ruben Meiring after they attended a full moon hike at Meerendal about a month ago.
“We loved seeing people of all ages enjoying the outdoors together,” Franciska said.
On their way home, they began wondering why they could not create a similar experience in Langebaan.
“We live in one of South Africa’s most beautiful places, so we wanted to give our community the chance to enjoy a special outdoor experience without travelling to Cape Town.”
The circular route is approximately 5.2km long, starting and ending at Sharkbay Shack. Participants will have the opportunity to experience Langebaan after dark and see their surroundings from a different perspective under the moonlight.
According to Franciska, the event is not a race but an opportunity to bring people together.
The organisers hope participants will leave with a smile, feel more connected to the community and look forward to future hikes.
The event will also support a good cause, with donations being collected for Langebaan Animal Care.
Participants are encouraged to bring pet food, blankets and other useful items. Sharkbay Shack will sell coffee, with all proceeds going to Langebaan Animal Care, while Rosco will also offer pet food for purchase on the evening.
“Langebaan Animal Care plays an important role in our community and needs ongoing support. We wanted the hike to be about more than walking, so we decided to use it to give back,” Franciska said.
Community interest has been encouraging, with approximately 120 people already in the event’s WhatsApp group.
The organisers have put several safety measures in place to ensure the after-dark hike runs smoothly. Groups of approximately 20 participants will set off at intervals from around 19:30 to prevent congestion along the route.
Parkrun volunteers and Langebaan Animal Care representatives will assist at various points along the route, and participants will receive a briefing before setting off.
Hikers are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and pack a light jacket, torch or headlamp. The route is suitable for people who are comfortable walking approximately 5.2km and being outdoors after dark.
Franciska said they hope the first full moon hike will develop into a regular community event that also supports local causes.
“We would also like to continue supporting local causes, so each hike can have a positive impact beyond the evening itself. Langebaan has so much to offer, and bringing people together to appreciate it is worth continuing,” she said.
“This is our first Full Moon Hike, but we certainly hope it won’t be our last,” she added.
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