Bear Grylls tackles the treacherous India Venster trail

World-renowned survivalist Bear Grylls has successfully navigated India Venster, one of Table Mountain’s most technical and treacherous hiking routes, proving that even the world’s toughest adventurers must respect the volatile South African terrain. 

While many would aim for the summit, he instead chose to find reprieve in a cave with a small intimate group.

The group set out at around 9am and was led by Steve Newman, a private local qualified Western Cape Cultural and Adventure Guide, along the route.

The wind was brutal and picked up as they scaled the face of the mountain. There were many instructional signs as hikers progressed along the trail, often warning of dangers and safety concerns along with handy SOS numbers to call in an emergency. Wild Medix (a specialised first aid and rescue company for wilderness, tactical, and urban situations) was also on hand for the morning hike.

The India Venster trail is no easy feat, the turns are sharp and there are some sheer drops along the winding path. Some of the rocks are not secure and one step could lead to a perilous fall. Along the way hikers will stumble upon some crevices in which water can be found dripping gently down the mountain, or perhaps past a chain to assist those brave enough to climb the precipitous drop-off along the mountain ridge.

Some of the sights along this trail included beautiful Fynbos plants, native to Cape Town and the surrounding Western Cape region. These plants were in various stages of their life cycles, from the charred husk of the flowers to the fresh blooms sprouting from the ashes. 

The view was also quite spectacular, offering a panoramic view of the ocean, with Robben Island positioned between Lion's Head and the steep slopes of Table Mountain looming above them. There was also a birds-eye view of the busy metropolitan area of Cape Town's CBD.