live it | love it

SHAEN ADEY: Qualified mountain guide, photographer, floral enthusiast and coffee connoisseur

Growing up in the Drakensberg mountain wilderness of KwaZulu-Natal, I have always had a passion for nature and outdoor adventures. Even as a child I loved exploring, then showing friends and family spectacular, out of the way places that they would never otherwise get the chance to visit.

For the last 30 years I have lived in Cape Town working as a photojournalist and mountain guide while pursuing my hobbies of hiking, mountaineering, cold water swimming, diving and adventure racing in my ‘playground’ – Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. I was the photographer and contributor to various guide books including Table Mountain Activity Guide and Hike Cape Town and know the mountain like the back of my hand.

I’ve travelled extensively both for work and leisure, researching articles for adventure magazines and leading hikes and mountain adventures throughout southern Africa and overseas. Highlights include expeditions to Mount Kenya, Kilimanjaro, Atlas Mountains, UK, USA and the European, New Zealand and Japanese Alps.

I’ve also completed numerous ultras including the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (260km), Grand Raid de la Réunion (162km), IRONMAN 70.3, Himalayan Run (100 miles) and the Expedition Africa (500km Adventure Race).

But don’t let that put you off! While I have the speed and stamina to guide fit, strong hikers and peak baggers, I gain as much pleasure from slowing down and smelling the flowers. My motto is ‘live it, love it’. I live life to the full, am patient and delight in helping my guests step a little bit out of their comfort zone as I introduce them to the wonders of the Cape.

Hikes range from easy 2-hour walks to challenging hikes to Maclear’s Beacon, the true summit of Table Mountain. They can be geared to different interests and levels of fitness and experience, and I’ll share some tips on where and how to take the best selfies and scenic pics.

Specialist tours include Full Moon, Wild Flower and Photographic Walks.

Transfers, accommodation and longer hikes and tours on request.