12 Apostles Off Camps Bay
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The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, which forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, extends from Table Mountain above Camps Bay, towards Llandudno. Before 1795, when the Cape was under the Dutch, this mountain range’s name was Kasteelbergen or Castle Mountains and Gewelbergen. The name Twelve Apostles was coined by Governor Sir Rufane Donkin in 1820 because of its twelve easily distinguishable buttresses. Each peak has its own name: Kloof, Fountain, Porcupine, Jubilee, Barrier, Valken, Kasteel, Postern, Wood, Spring, Slangolie, Corridor, Separation, Victoria, Grove, Llandudno Peak, Llandudno Corridor, and Hout Bay Corner.
This impressively steep line of sandstone buttresses serves as a backdrop to the scenic drive along Victoria road. It runs along the entire length of the series of mountains, alongside the Atlantic Ocean. Driving along Victoria Road either with your own car or taking a ride on the City Sightseeing bus offers a breathtaking view of magnificent granite rock formations, towering cliff faces, deep ravines, ridges, and gorges. On your other side lies stunning beaches and the most scenic stretch of Camp’s Bay. The drive will take a minimum of 30 minutes.
The hiking routes of the Twelve Apostles make for some of the best hikes in the city. There are a number of areas to hike, one of which is the Pipe Track. Since this mountain range is not as high as Table Mountain, the trail is relatively flat and offers great views of Camp’s Bay and the Twelve Apostles. This trail can take up to 4 hours as a round trip.
The Twelve Apostles surely makes for an iconic Cape Town landmark! Find out more about the best hiking routes up Table Mountain.
