Boomslang Cave Hike
Difficulty
Easy
Fitness Level
Low – Moderate level of fitness required
Route distance
+/- 3.9 km
Start point
Boyes Drive | Echo Valley
End point
Boomslang Cave above Kalk Bay
Average time
+/- 2 – 3 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
LOCATION
To get to the starting point of the Boomslang Cave hike, you can either drive or take the train to the Kalk Bay Train Station and head up Boyes Drive where you will find the sign for Echo Valley. This marks the start of your Boomslang Cave hiking adventure. From there it is a relatively easy climb as you simply follow the path through Echo valley for about an hour until you reach Boomslang Cave.
HIKE OVERVIEW
The famous Boomslang Cave hike is considered one of Cape Town’s more adventurous hikes. As it’s a relatively easy hike, it is perfect for novice hikers, families with kids, or adventure seekers looking for something exciting to do in Cape Town. As long as you don’t mind dark enclosed spaces of course.
Found above Kalk Bay, Boomslang Cave tunnels right through the mountain – making it quite a thrilling experience to tick off your bucket-list.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Once at the Kalk Bay Train Station, head up Boyes Drive where you will find the sign for Echo Valley – This marks the start of your Boomslang Cave hiking adventure. From there it is a relatively easy climb as you simply follow the path through Echo valley for about an hour until you reach Boomslang Cave.
This is where the real fun and games begin! You will need to get down on your hands and knees to enter the cave – this might be the perfect time to mention that the right hiking attire is paramount when taking on Boomslang Cave, mini skirts, white pants, and dresses are most definitely not ideal for this adventure – you are hiking and crawling through a cave after all!
After a bit of shuffling and navigating your way around, the cave will open up into a larger chamber. As it can get pretty dark inside the cave, taking a headlamp or torch along is a great idea to help you explore the labyrinth of tunnels within the cave before coming out the other side.
Once you make your way through the cave you will be well rewarded for your efforts and daring adventurous spirit with a breath-taking view over the Noordhoek valley and the vibrant False Bay Coastline.
TIPS FOR HIKING THE BOOMSLANG CAVE HIKING TRAIL
- Even though the Boomslang Cave hiking trail is a quick and easy hike, you still need to ensure you are fully prepared in order to make it a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. This includes wearing good hiking shoes and proper hiking attire as well as taking plenty of water, sunblock, a hat, and something warm along. Cape Town is notorious for its unpredictable weather – even if it looks like a sunny day, take that jacket with you anyway.
- Besides being one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking trails, the Boomslang Cave hike boasts breath-taking views over the Noordhoek valley and the vibrant False Bay Coastline. It is also one of the best Cape Town sunset and sunrise spots.
- If you’re going on a sunrise or sunset hike, make sure you take a torch or headlamp with you just in case. Trying to navigate a trail in the dark can be dangerous.
- Child-friendly: Yes
