Top 5 Full Moon Hikes In Cape Town
Going on a full moon hike in Cape Town is every bit as exhilarating as it sounds! There is no denying that Cape Town’s hiking scene is thriving, thrilling, and like nothing you’ve experienced before. It is also the BEST way to explore all the scenic beauty, landscapes, mountain ranges, fauna and flora, and natural gems the Mother City has to offer.
Here are the top 5 full moon hikes in Cape Town – Each of which deserves a prime spot on your Cape Town hiking bucket-list!
#Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike
- 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 | Full Moon
Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, showcasing a beautiful panoramic view of the beautiful Mother City, incredible Atlantic Ocean, renowned Table Mountain and beyond, Lion’s Head has established itself as one of the most popular Cape Town hiking trails for both hiking first-timers and avid hikers.
While Lion’s Head is undoubtedly one of the best and most highly sought-after sunrise, sunset, and any-time-of-the-day hiking trails, it is particularly popular for its full moon hikes – Some may say its Lion’s Head’s claim to fame. Going on a Lion’s Head full moon hike is also somewhat of a Cape Town rite of passage / tradition – so you have no choice but to join in on the Lion’s Head full moon hiking adventure!
The Lion’s Head full moon hike is a monthly Capetonian tradition. The essence / idea of the famous full moon hike is to hike up Lion’s Head to watch the beautiful sunset and the full moon rising, all while enjoying a lovely picnic on the Lion’s Head summit. This is followed by an exciting descent as you make your way down the mountain following the same path – but this time it’s under the magical Mother City moonlight and starry night sky. The full moon Hike up Lion’s Head at night truly is a once in a full moon experience!
The full moon hike up Lion’s Head typically starts around 6-8pm on a full moon night, depending on the time of year. Be sure to reach the top of Lion’s Head before the sun sets to avoid missing out on this incredible bucket-list worthy experience.
To the left, facing the ocean, a magnificent sunset view over the glorious city of Cape Town awaits you. The Mother City is known for her stunning sherbet colored sunsets that set the sky alight in a beautiful celebration of colors after all. Getting to witness one of her sensational sunsets 669 meters above sea level is pure sunset bliss – there truly is nothing quite like it – trust us!
When the darkness starts creeping in, move over to the right side of the mountain for a spectacular glimpse of the full moon, which is further amplified by the twinkling city light.
Check out our ‘What you need to know about hiking up Lion’s Head for the full moon’ blog to find out more about the Lion’s Head full moon hike.
For everything you need to know about hiking Lion’s Head, check out our ‘Hiking Lion’s Head Cape Town: Everything you need to know’ blog.
#Full Moon Hike at Rhebokskloof
Looking for an exciting hiking event in Cape Town with a difference? This is it!
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate regularly hosts an extremely popular Full Moon Hike, which gives an exclusive group of up to 50 people the amazing opportunity to enjoy the stunning unapologetic beauty of the Paarl Valley under the glowing light of the full moon.
**Important Note: It is absolutely vital to book as quickly as possible, as these are sold out each time!
The hiking trail / route taken is created and guided by Paarl Adventure trails and is between five and six kilometres long.
The Full Moon Hike at Rhebokskloof starts as the sun sets and ends when you reach the Flatrock viewpoint as the full moon appears. Here you will have the incredible opportunity to admire the beautiful view of Paarl and the Du Toitskloof Mountains. All the appetizers and drinks will be ready for you to indulge in once you reach the Flatrock viewpoint.
You will stay at the Flatrock viewpoint for about 2-3 hours before hiking back down. The guide will tell you all about the terroir and surroundings and if you’re lucky you will even spot some interesting night animals!
The Full Moon Hike at Rhebokskloof truly is a unique experience which you can enjoy with friends, family, your partner, or fellow hikers and adventurers. Book quickly, as these are sold out each time!
- Place: Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
- Time: 6pm for 6:30pm
- Price: R250 per person (only 50 spots available)
- Contact details: [email protected] | 021 869 8386 | [email protected]
**Ticket includes: Snacks and selected drinks.
**PLEASE NOTE: You need to bring your own headlight and wear appropriate hiking gear.
**Visit the Rhebokskloof Wine Estate website to find out more about their full moon hiking experience.
#Meerendal’s Full Moon Hike
Every month during summer Meerendal Wine Estate hosts an action-packed monthly full moon hike. Only 5 kilometres long, this family-friendly hiking trail snakes through the beautiful Meerendal Vineyards, boasting breathtaking views of the stunning Cape Town night sky throughout the hike.
On occasion, Meerendal Wine Estate will go the extra mile and pair their exciting full moon hikes with an incredible picnic on the lushes lawns of the estate. Thereby ending your bucket-list worthy full moon hiking adventure with an amazing light meal under the Cape Town stars and Mother City moonlight.
- Location: Vissershok Road, Durbanville, Cape Town
- Website: www.meerendal.co.za
#Dirtopia Full Moon Hike | Klapmutskop | Stellenbosch
If you’re looking for a less crowded full moon hiking experience, this marked trail on Delvera Wine Farm showcases spectacular views of one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain, Cape Town, surrounding vineyards, and the majestic Cape Winelands from Klapmutskop.
The full hike to the top and back is approximately 9,75 kilometres. However, shuttles are available at various points along the route, specifically at the half way mark. This means you can opt to catch a shuttle to the half-way point if you’re not up for the full hike just yet. This is also great for the little kiddies! Regardless of what you choose to do, it is essential that you make it all the way to the end of the hike – It will most definitely be well worth your while, we promise!
While the spectacular sunset views will undoubtedly sweep you right off your feet (in a matter of speaking of course), there is so much more to look forward to. Once the sun has dipped away the moon will show its face above the Hottentots Holland Mountains – It truly is one of the most remarkable and breathtaking sights! Whether you believe us or not, the Dirtopia Full Moon Hike should absolutely be on everyone’s Cape Town bucket-list.
The 9.75 km hiking trail starts from the Dirtopia Trail Centre on Delvera Farm and is a circular route through the vineyards. The trail will take you through a Yellowood forest and Renosterveld to the peaks of KIapmutskop which is part of the Simonsberg Conservancy.
To make this full moon hiking adventure even better, picnics from Simonsberg Café can be arranged on request.
What are you waiting for? Put on your hiking boots and gear, grab your torch (this is absolutely essential), and pack / take something warm along (this is Cape Town after all – which means the weather can do a whole 180 degree switch in a matter of minutes – You NEVER know what to expect, all you can do is be prepared for anything and everything that comes your way).
- Location: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Agri-Tourism Complex, R44, Klapmutskop, Stellenbosch
- When: Every month between September & April | Booking essential | Meet there between 4pm and 5:15pm
- Contact details: 021 884 4752 | [email protected]
- Cost: Adults: R50 | Kids under 10: R20 | Bookings are essential
- Website: www.dirtopia.co.za
- Total hike distance: +/- 9,75 kilometres
- What to bring: Torch, good hiking shoes, comfortable hiking attire, something warm in case the weather decides to turn on you.
