Best Sunset Hikes in Cape Town
An extraordinary and exhilarating hiking adventure paired with some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever encounter makes for an unforgettable bucket-list worthy experience.
Cape Town is the ultimate hiking mecca. Boasting a variety of beautiful and thrilling hiking trails, ranging from beginner to advanced, there is something for every avid hiker at heart. Even if you’ve never hiked a day in your life, Cape Town’s thriving hiking scene welcomes you with open arms.
To take it to the next level, the Mother City is home to some seriously sensational sunset spots. Known for her stunning sherbet-colored sunsets that set the sky alight in a beautiful celebration of colors going on the ultimate sunset chasing adventure and sunset hike has become one of the top things to do in Cape Town all year-round.
To ensure you have the absolute greatest experience, here are some of the best sunset hikes in Cape Town to add to your Cape Town hiking bucket-list!
#Kloof Corner
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Low – moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Tafelberg Road | Kloof Corner parking area
- Average time to the top: About 20 – 40 minutes each way (depending on your fitness level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 1.5 km
- Best time to hike: Sunset
- Child-friendly: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes. However, Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks. This requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R305 per year).
The iconic Kloof Corner is by far one of the best sunrise and sunset hikes in Cape Town. If you’re eager to tick something amazing off your Cape Town hiking bucket-list, going on a sunrise or sunset hike up Kloof Corner is an absolute must.
Kloof Corner has also fast become one of the most popular spots for sundowners amongst Cape Town locals. Paired with a beautiful view of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, the City Bowl, and Atlantic Ocean, its pure magic and guaranteed to knock your hiking socks right off!
Considered one of the easiest hikes on the Table Mountain chain, as well as one of the most popular and beautiful trails in Cape Town, Kloof Corner is definitely worth all the hype and praise it’s getting.
While the Kloof Corner hiking trail definitely includes a few steep sections, making you work for it just a tiny bit, overall it is a simple and short hike with a wide and stable path. This makes it a great hiking trail for kids eager to explore the outdoors, beginners and hikers of all ages, fitness, and experience levels.
Check out our ‘Kloof Corner’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town hiking trail.
#Pipe Track
- Difficulty: Easy level of difficulty
- Level of fitness required: Low – Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: The junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek (you can park your car in the Kloof Nek parking lot)
- End point: Camps Bay
- Average time to the top: 2 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness and experience level) | The route is easy-going, although it becomes slightly tougher after passing by Slangolie Ravine.
- Approximate route distance: +/- 6km
- Best time to hike: Sunset or sunrise
- Pet-friendly: Yes. However, Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks. This requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R305 per year).
- Child-friendly: Yes
With incredible views over Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the Pipe Track is a definite hiking fan favorite. As the Pipe Track hiking trail is a pretty effortless and easy-going route (as its generally all on the flat) – It is the perfect hiking trail for hiking first-timers, kids, and absolutely everyone in between.
Following a path adjacent to Table Mountain between Kloof Nek and Kasteelpoort, the trail does not go all the way to the summit, but rather hugs the side of Table Mountain’s sandstone cliffs and travels through the western slope ravines.
Regarded as one of Cape Town’s most rewarding hiking trails, the Pipe Track’s stunning surrounding scenery and sensational sunrise and sunset views over the Cape Peninsula makes hiking the Pipe Track trail a not-to-be-missed experience.
Check out our ‘Pipe Track Hiking Trail’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town hiking trail.
#Lion’s Head
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate
- Fitness level required: Mild – Moderate
- Start point: The Lion’s Head hiking trail starts at the car park on Signal Hill Road. Follow the trail which circles around the mountain to get to the top.
- End point: The end point of the hike is the Lion’s Head Summit. Once you reach the summit, make your way down the same way until you reach the initial starting point.
- Approximate route distance: The total length of the trail is 5,5 km (3,4 miles) both ways
- Average time to the summit: Between 1 – 3 hours (depending on fitness level)
- Total elevation: 669 meters (2,195 feet)
- Best time to hike: Sunrise & sunset
Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, showcasing a beautiful panoramic view over the glorious Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and beyond, Lion’s Head is not only one of the most popular hiking trails among avid local and global hikers, it is also one of the very best and most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots in the entire Western Cape. In fact, we may go as far as to say that Lion’s Head is quite possibly the most iconic sunset hike in Cape Town.
It’s no surprise that going on a sunrise, sunset, and even a moonlight hike up the renowned Lion’s Head is one of the most highly sought-after experiences amongst locals and tourists alike.
Click here to find out everything you need to know about hiking Lions Head.
#Signal Hill
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Mild
- Start point: Signal Hill parking lot
- Average time to the summit: 20 minutes
- Approximate Route Distance: .5 km
- Best time to hike: Sunrise and sunset
The infamous Signal Hill, which connects Kloof Nek to Lion’s Head, is one of the most sought-after attractions and best sunset hikes in Cape Town for people of all fitness and experience levels. While it may be one of Cape Town’s easiest hiking trails, do not underestimate it for its beauty – It may just surprise you.
The view of the glorious Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, vibrant Atlantic coastline, and lively City Bowl from the 350m high summit is nothing short of spectacular, particularly at sunset and sunrise. Signal Hill is one of Cape Town’s best and most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots after all. Not to mention a great place to enjoy a few sundowners with friends, family, and loved ones. To make things even better, by walking around the loop trail on Signal Hill you will be able to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and / or sunset view from various different vantage points – How amazing is that?!
In addition to being one of the Mother City’s most sought-after sunrise and sunset spots and hiking trails, Signal Hill has become an increasingly popular night time / evening destination amongst locals and tourists alike. In fact, Signal Hill is a little like ‘lovers’ lane’ in the evening – popular among couples looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Mother City’s lights shining and sparkling in the distance against the beautiful Table Mountain backdrop.
**Tip: Reaching Signal Hill is as easy as driving up Kloof Nek Road from the city and then taking a right at the top of the hill.
#Lion’s Head Loop Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low level of fitness required
- Start point: Turn left at the Lion’s Head base
- Average time to the top: Approximately 75-minute walk (depending on your fitness and experience level) | Extremely fit individual can easily conquer it in record time
- Approximate route distance: +/- 5.26km
- Child-friendly: Yes
- Pet-friendly: Yes
The Lion’s Head Loop hiking trail is not only one of the best sunset hikes in Cape Town, but the perfect hike for beginner / novice hikers as well as hikers and adventurers of all fitness and experience levels. This means absolutely EVERYONE can join in on the sunset hiking fun!
Mostly flat with very little uphill, the Lion’s Head Loop is an easy hike which circles the base of Lion’s Head, passing through veld, pine forests, and protea forests. This gives avid nature lovers the incredible opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and flora the base of Lion’s Head and the Table Mountain National Park has to offer. Paired with a stunning sunset view – what more could you ask for?
To start your Lion’s Head loop hiking adventure simply turn right NOT left at the base of Lion’s Head. The path is fairly self-explanatory as it basically follows the base of the mountain. This makes for an easy and relaxing hiking experience.
The most important thing to be mindful of when hiking the Lion’s Head Loop trail is the abrupt descent to the road in the last quarter section of the hike. Be sure to exercise sufficient caution, especially if you have young kids or dogs accompanying you on your hike. Other than that, it promises to be an enjoyable and exciting hiking experience and fun-filled family day out exploring the beautiful Cape Town outdoors.
#Table Mountain Contour Path
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low level of fitness required
- Start point: Numerous entry points on Tafelberg Road / Kloof Corner
- Average time to the top: +/- 1 hour
- Approximate route distance: About 5km from Kloof Corner to Platteklip Gorge
The Table Mountain Contour Path is a pleasant, low effort, easily accessible hike. Besides being a lovely outdoor hike that can be enjoyed by hikers of all fitness and experience levels, the Table Mountain Contour Path boasts beautiful sweeping views of the glorious Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, and Lion’s Head, which is only amplified at sunset.
You can join the Contour Path hiking trail from numerous entry points along Tafelberg Road. One of the best routes is to park at Kloof Corner, hike the 20-minute trail up the path to the contour path then turn left and carry on for as long as you like. This flat path will eventually join up with the famous Platteklip Gorge Table Mountain hiking trail. It also continues all the way to Newland’s Forest and beyond.
When hiking the Table Mountain Contour Path, how long you want to hike and how far you want to venture is entirely up to you. This means you can turn back at any point and simply retrace your steps or descent to Tafelberg Road.
#Elephant’s Eye Cave
Photo credit: Willem Van Zyl
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low level of fitness required
The Elephant’s Eye Cave is located within the Table Mountain National Park, just outside Cape Town in the Silvermine Nature Reserve. It is one of Cape Town’s more accessible caves, making it perfect for an adventure-filled day out with friends and family.
Named Elephant’s Eye because of its shape, which, from the right angle, reveals something similar to the eye of an elephant. This cool Cape Town cave is not only relatively easy to reach but offers hikers and adventurers spectacular views all the way through.
While the Elephant’s Eye Cave may not be one of South Africa’s most majestic or historically significant caves, it is one of Cape Town’s most fun and exciting caves to visit as you can embark on your own cave adventure without the guidance of an expert guide.
The hike to reach the cave is relatively easy, except for the last part which is fairly steep. However, it is still very do-able, and no expert hiking skills or experience is required. Even though you may be panting a bit, you will be well rewarded for your hiking efforts with a spectacular view from inside the cave.
Another great thing about the Elephant’s Eye Cave Hike is that it’s big enough to sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderful cave picnic paired with a stunning sunset view over the vibrant False Bay coast.
**Tip: The Elephant’s Eye Cave hike is a pleasant hike, provided that you do not start your hike in the mid-day summer heat as there is limited shade along the way. Make sure you take sunscreen, a hat, and enough water along, as well as a picnic basket to make the most of this Cape Town cave and hiking adventure. Good hiking shoes and attire is also important.
#Devil’s Peak
- Difficulty: High
- Fitness: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Tafelberg Road / Rhodes Memorial / Newlands Forest
- End point: Tafelberg Road / Rhodes Memorial / Newlands Forest
- Average time to the top: Approximately 2 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3.5km (the route distance is dependent on the route you take)
- Child-friendly: No
- Pet-friendly: Yes. However, Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks. This requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R305 per year).
- Best time to hike: Start two hours before sunset
If you’re up for a more difficult, yet wildly thrilling hike, pack your things and set your sights on the iconic Devil’s Peak Table Mountain Hiking Trail. While Devil’s Peak is one of the more strenuous hikes on Table Mountain, it is certainly equally as rewarding. Making it totally worthwhile!
There are three main routes to reach the top of Devil’s Peak:
- Tafelberg Road Route on the city side: This is considered the easiest route and is best suited to beginners and less experienced hikers. It is a well-marked route which starts at the end of Tafelberg road about 2 km passed the lower cable station.
- The Mowbray Ridge route which starts at Rhodes Memorial: This route is considered a more challenging ascent to its counterparts.
- Newlands Ravine from Newlands Forest: Challenging route, but well shaded from the blazing sun.
Depending on your fitness level, you can reach the saddle in +/- 2-4 hours – But don’t expect it to be an easy breezy walk in the park, oh no, some die-hard dedication, real deal effort, and top-notch fitness and commitment is required to reach the summit – So be prepared! You are hiking the all-mighty Table Mountain after all!
Once you reach the top you will be sufficiently well rewarded with one of the most epic views of the Atlantic Ocean, captivating coastline, the beautiful city of Cape Town below, as well as the majestic Lion of the Mother City skyline – Lion’s Head – undoubtedly making Devil’s Peak one of the very best sunset hikes in Cape Town as well as one of the top sunset spots in the city.
Because of the length of the trail, Devil’s Peak is best enjoyed at golden hour, just before making your way down. Be sure to descend on the trail before the sun sets to ensure you have enough time to make it back before nightfall.
**Tip: As its regarded as one of Table Mountain’s more grueling and challenging hiking trails, it should only be attempted by fit and highly experienced hikers.
**Click here to find out everything you need to know about the Devil’s Peak Table Mountain hiking trail.
#Maiden’s Cove & Tidal Pools
- Location: Maiden’s Cove | Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
- Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool 1: Located between Glen Beach & Camps Bay Beach
- Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool 2: Located between Glen Beach & Clifton4th Beach
- Distance from Cape Town: +/- 7.5km | +/- 17 – 20 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Starting point: Maiden’s Cove Parking Area
- Duration:20-30 minutes on the rocks
- Distance: varies
- Best time to hike: Sunset
- Braai facilities: Maiden’s cove offers designated public braai and picnic spots with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, 12 Apostles Mountain Range. and Table Mountain – This not only makes Maiden’s Cove one of the best tidal pools in Cape Town, but the perfect place for an ocean-front braai with family and friends
- Contact details: 021 438 8212
Although it is less of a hike and more of a scramble on rocks and boulders, Maiden’s Cove is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches, lookout points, tidal pools, and sunset spots in Cape Town. The tidal pools offer a stunning still reflection for photography enthusiasts and there is no end to your creativity as you climb the boulders in search of the best sunset spot.
Boasting breath-taking views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Atlantic Ocean, the back end of the famous Table Mountain, Glen Beach, Camps Bay, and the captivating Clifton Beach, it’s no surprise Maiden’s Cove has fast become one of the most sought-after destinations in Cape Town.
With such a spectacular view, complimented by the cool and refreshing ocean water, there is nothing quite like being sun-kissed, salty-haired, and blissed-out while soaking up the glorious Cape Town sunshine as you spend the day at Maiden’s Cove.
To top it off, Maiden’s Cove is by far one of the most magnificent sunset spots in the entire Western Cape. Not to mention a popular choice for sundowners who park themselves at the Maiden’s Cove parking lot.
Check out our ‘Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool’ blog to find out everything you want / need to know about Maiden’s Cove and its amazing tidal pools.
