The Umvoto Foundation (TUF) is currently involved in a geoheritage and geotourism initiative that incorporates the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves embarking on a series of guidebooks and guided hiking trails that will explore the unique and fascinating geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, climatology, and environmental history of the southwestern Cape (with aims to expand into other parts of southern Africa in the future). The aim of the geoheritage series is for readers of the guidebooks and walkers of the trails to gain a better appreciation and greater feeling of ownership for the natural history of the city or town they live in, and who will then play a role in preserving this geoheritage for future generations.
Working in collaboration with app developer Forge and funded by the 35IGC Legacy Fund, TUF has embarked on the first of its geoheritage series and hikes, namely the “Table Mountain Dams Trail”, which follows the five dams on the top of Table Mountain. The trail is brought to life with an interactive app and guidebook, which details the story of repeated water shortages throughout the history of the Cape Town, and the infrastructure feats that were undertaken to provide water to residents. Hikers can now book their spot on a guided tour through this form.
TUF are now partnering with the Overberg Geoscientist Group in Hermanus to develop the second geoheritage guidebook and trail, titled the “Hermanus Water Walk”, describing the formative years and development of this southern Cape coastal town in relation to its surface and groundwater resources.
Other future trails in development include:
1) The wetlands and coastal geology of the Noordhoek Basin and Chapman’s Bay.
2) Cape Point, wrecks, caves, the lighthouse and the southwestern tip of Africa.
3) Water supply history of the South Peninsula.
Hikers can now explore the Table Mountain Dams Trail virtually by downloading the Forge app here and by downloading the free guidebook below. Navigate to our trail on the app: Specialty Maps > Events. App tutorials and guides are also available.
