Hiking Trails In Cape Town
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.
Whether you’re a hiking first-timer or looking to take on one of Cape Town’s more challenging and adrenalin-filled hiking trails, it is important to be fully prepared for what lies ahead.
We’ve put together a guide to hiking in Cape Town, filled with all the need-to-know information and hiking tips and guidelines. This way you’ll not only be properly prepared but enjoy every second of your Cape Town hiking adventure.
Here are some of the top hiking trails in Cape Town.
TABLE MOUNTAIN
#Platteklip Gorge Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Easy -Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Lower Aerial Cableway Station / Tafelberg Road
- End Point: Upper Aerial Cableway Station
- Approximate route distance: The Platteklip Gorge hiking trail is approximately 2 – 2.5km
- Average time to the top: Approximately 2.5 – 3 hours one way
- Child-friendly: The Platteklip Gorge hiking trail is child friendly. However, it is essential that you are well prepared and informed of what the hike entails. If you don’t feel it is safe and suited to your child, do not take them on the hike.
- Pet-friendly: Bringing dogs is not recommended on this trail, as they struggle in the heat
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the Platteklip Gorge Table Mountain hiking trail.
#Skeleton Gorge Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Hard
- Fitness level required: Medium – high
- Start point: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- End Point: Maclear’s Beacon / Upper Cableway Station
- Approximate route distance: 3km
- Average time to the top: Approximately 3 – 6 hours (depending on your fitness)
- Pet-friendly: No
- Child-friendly: No
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the Skeleton Gorge Table Mountain hiking trail.
#Kasteelpoort Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate – high level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Top of Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay / Top of Kloof Nek Road
- End point: Top of Table Mountain / The Woodhead and Helly-Hutchinson Reservoirs
- Average time to the top: Approximately 3 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
- Child-friendly: This trail is not recommended for children or novice hikers, as rock-scrambling can be quite challenging at certain points.
- Pet-friendly: No
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the Kasteelpoort Table Mountain hiking trail.
#India Venster Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: High level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Lower Aerial Cableway Station
- End point: Upper Aerial Cableway Station
- Approximate route distance: The India Venster hiking trail is approximately 2.5km
- Average time to the top: Approximately 3 – 4 hours one way
- Child-friendly: No
- Pet-friendly: No
#Tranquility Cracks Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Start at the Pipe Track above Camps Bay | The start point can either be accessed from the Theresa avenue trail in Camps Bay or the one at the base of Tafelberg Road.
- End Point: Tranquillity Cracks | Top of Table Mountain
- Average time to the top: 2 – 3 hours (one way)
- Need to know: SANParks does not recommend attempting this trail in cloudy or misty weather, as it becomes more difficult to find your way in such conditions. When embarking on your Tranquillity Cracks Table Mountain hiking adventure DO NOT HIKE UP SLANGOLIE RAVINE! The route has been officially closed by SANPARKS due to rockfalls which have deemed it extremely unsafe.
#Maclear’s Beacon Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Upper Cableway Station
- End point: Maclear’s Beacon
- Average time to the top: 2 hours (approximately 1 hour each way)
- Dog-friendly: No
#Devil’s Peak Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate – High level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: 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 3 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 5km
- 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).
There are three main routes heading up to 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.
#The Pipe Track Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- 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
- 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
Click here to find out everything you need to know about the Pipe Track Table Mountain hiking trail.
#Kloof Corner Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Low – moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Tafelberg Road
- Average time to the top: About 20 – 40 minutes each way (depending on your fitness level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 1.5 km
- 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).
#Diagonal Path Up Table Mountain | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate – difficult level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Kloof Nek and walk along the Pipe Track / Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay
- End point: Upper Cableway Station
- Average time to the top: Approximately 3 -4 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3.5 km
#Constantia Nek To Kirstenbosch | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Low – Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Constantia Nek
- End point: Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Average time to the top: 2 hours
- Child-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: Dogs are not allowed in Kirstenbosch Gardens
#Woodstock Caves | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Tafelberg Road / Rhodes Memorial
- End Point: Upper Aerial Cableway Station
- Average time to the top: 1.5 – 2 hours one way starting from Tafelberg Road | 2 – 3 hours one way starting from Rhodes Memorial.
#Woody Ravine | Table Mountain
- Moderate – difficult level of difficulty
- Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Kloof Nek via the Pipe Track / Top of Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay
- Upper Cableway Station
- Approximately 2 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness and experience level)
- +/- 7.6km
How To Get There:
As with all hikes on the Twelve-apostles side of the mountain, you have two options for getting to the start of the trail:
- Kloof Nek via the Pipe Track: Start at Kloof Nek and walk along the Pipe Track for about 40 minutes. Although this is a slower option, it’s a great choice for admiring and soaking up all the spectacular views along the way. It will also allow you to get a really good pre-hiking warm-up in.
- Top of Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay: Follow the fairly steep jeep track for about 20 minutes – this will lead you onto the Pipe Track. Make sure to stick right. Once you reach the Pipe Track, continue heading right, past the old stone water pump house, until you reach the start of Woody Ravine. You will find a sign indicating the start of the trail.
#Nursery Ravine | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens / Cecilia Forest, a little further along Rhodes Drive.
- End point: Upper Cableway Station
- Average time to the top: Approximately 3 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness and experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3km
#Table Mountain Contour Path | Table Mountain
- 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
C
LIONS HEAD
Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, showcasing a beautiful panoramic view of the Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, 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.
As Lion’s Head forms part of the renowned Table Mountain National Park, it boasts a rich biodiversity and diverse fauna and flora display – Making it the ultimate nature lover’s paradise.
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that the roaring Lion of the Mother City skyline is regarded as one of the top hiking trails in Cape Town.
#Lions Head Hiking Trail
- 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
There are two routes that lead to the Lions Head summit – The left route, also known as the spiral route, and the right route, which is the steeper, more challenging route.
Left Route: The easier, safer spiral route
The left route is also known as the spiral route. This route is considered the safest and easiest way to reach the Lion’s Head summit. The trail going up Lion’s Head is referred to as a screwtop / spiral, which essentially means that you will be circling the mountain in order to get to the top. Not only does it make for an easier hike, but it provides you with incredible panoramic views all the way throughout. Lion’s Head isn’t known as one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Cape Town for nothing.
If you choose to take the gentler spiral route on the left, you will follow a roundabout footpath that will lead you to the summit, avoiding all the challenging climbs, steep ascents and descents as well as the chains and ladders altogether. The Lion’s Head spiral trail is the recommended route for first-time hikers, anyone that’s afraid of heights or has a below average level of fitness, as well as families with young kids and / or dogs.
Right Route: The more challenging route
The route to the right is perfect for avid hikers, thrill seekers and adventurous souls looking to experience an exhilarating hike up Lion’s Head. This route is far more challenging than the spiral route and is not recommended for the faint-hearted or those afraid of heights. As it’s a faster, steeper, and more challenging hike to the top, you will need to conquer a variety of steps and make use of chains and ladders to reach the summit.
You will also need to negotiate with a few sheer rock faces, which is bound to get all the thrill seekers excited! Once you reach the summit, you will have the opportunity to roam free at your own leisurely pace, take it all in, enjoy the fruits of your labour and admire the spectacular view – it is truly sensational.
Click here to find out everything you need to know about hiking Lions Head.
CAPE POINT
Cape Point is undoubtedly one of Cape Town’s most magnificent natural wonders and sought-after attractions. Located approximately 60km south west of the city of Cape Town, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is the ultimate mecca for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Besides its natural beauty, rich diversity of fauna and flora, secret beaches, and endless variety of adventure experiences, it boasts some of the most thrilling hiking trails in the Western Cape.
Here are some of the best Cape Point hiking trails you absolutely must add to your Cape Town hiking bucket-list!
#Cape Of Good Hope Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Cape Point main parking area | Follow signs towards Cape of Good Hope
- Distance: +-3.5km | 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
Boasting unsurpassed views over the pristine Diaz Beach and rugged western shoreline, the Cape of Good Hope Trail is undeniably one of the best Cape Point hiking trails. It’s accessibility and easy-going nature makes it a popular hiking trail among beginner and avid hikers alike.
The Cape of Good Hope Trail takes you along a well-maintained and marked boardwalk towards the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, located on the rocky shoreline below. We highly recommend you hike all the way to the very end of the trail as it leads you right to most southern point of the Cape Peninsula.
Not only will you be well rewarded with sensational views, but the fact that you reached the most South Western corner of Africa means you’ll proudly be able to tick something thrilling off your Cape Town adventure bucket-list.
#Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Behind upper funicular station |Park at the Cape Point main parking area and walk to the station or save energy and take the funicular.
- Distance: +-2km | 1 hour return
- Difficulty: Easy
As most visitors to Cape Point are eager to see the renowned old lighthouse atop Cape Point, the Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is often overlooked. Little do they know they’re missing out on one of the most beautiful trails in the reserve.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is a relatively short and easy-going hike that runs just below the Cape Point lighthouse. The trail starts behind the upper funicular station. From there you will follow a narrow, but well-established walkway that will lead you along a path and a sheer cliff-face towards the lesser-known new Cape Point lighthouse.
On your trail you will pass plenty of historical bunkers and fortresses which were used as strategic observational points throughout Cape Point. The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail also boasts a fascinating perspective of the old Cape Point lighthouse which towers several meters above, as well as beautiful Cape fynbos scattered along the trail.
#Gifkommetjie Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Gifkommetjie parking area | Follow signposts upon entry into Cape Point
- Distance: +-5.5km | 2 hours return
- Difficulty: Easy
Following the south western shores of Cape Point, the Gifkommetjie Trail boasts beautiful views of Cape Point’s unspoilt shoreline, lush green dune vegetation, open pans, and marshes.
The versatility of the trail makes it a fantastic option for the moderately fit looking to enjoy a good hike while still covering a fair amount of distance. It is also great for beginner hikers eager to get out and explore the vast beauty of Cape Point.
As the Gifkommetjie Trail is in an often-overlooked region of the nature reserve, it offers hikers the ultimate hiking escape away from large crowds.
#Antoniesgat Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Traffic circle south of Buffels Bay Beach
- Distance: 3.5km | 2-3 hours return
- Difficulty: Moderate
Starting off near one of Cape Point’s most beautiful secret beaches, Buffels Bay Beach, Antoniesgat Trail is jam-packed with unparalleled scenic beauty, adventure, and a few hidden gems and amazing stops along the way.
Besides enjoying an epic hiking experience, you will have the opportunity to cool off in one of the tidal pools along the trail as well as enjoy a braai at the well-maintained facilities located at the end of the hike.
Antoniesgat Trail’s thrill-seeking appeal is by far one of its main allures among avid hikers. The trail takes you right to the action where powerful waves pound the peninsula – This is bound to get every adrenalin junkie’s heart racing. The adventure doesn’t end there – hikers and adventurers can also choose to explore several caves and tunnels en-route.
This is one Cape Point hiking trail that will definitely not disappoint!
#Kanonkop Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Cape Point visitor centre
- Distance: +-5.5km | 3 hours return
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Kanonkop Trail is one of the most popular Cape Point hiking trails among hiking enthusiasts. As the name suggests, the trail was named after the old canon located at its peak. The Kanonkop Trial is a 3-hour circular route departing from the Cape Point visitor centre. It boasts some of the most magnificent panoramic views over the vibrant False Bay coastline, Cape Point, Buffels Bay Beach, and the prominent Da Gama monument. The trail also passes an interesting old lime kiln along the way.
While this exhilarating Cape Point hiking trail only requires a moderate level of fitness, there is an easier and more accommodating route for those that are not quite in tip-top hiking shape. To get there, follow the road to Venus Pools and park close to the signs directing you up Kanonkop, a few hundred metres after the turnoff at Bynes. Once you’re there, it’s time to start your Kanonkop hiking adventure.
#Phyllisia Circuit | Cape Point
- Starting point: Gifkommetjie parking area | Follow signposts upon entry into Cape Point
- Distance: +-7km | 3 hours return
- Difficulty: Easy
Although the Phyllisia Circuit is a slightly longer hike than all the other Cape Point hiking trails, it’s worth every extra km. The Phyllisia Circuit trail departs from the Gifkommetjie parking lot. From there, you will follow a circular route that takes you parallel to the western Cape Point coastline, showcasing spectacular panoramic views right throughout, and returns along the shore.
As with many of Cape Point’s bucket-list worthy hiking routes, the Phyllisia Circuit trail is another sensational hike that is too often-overlooked. However, this is great news for avid hikers, keen adventurers and explores, as it gives them the perfect opportunity to escape the large crowds and immerse themselves in the unapologetic natural beauty of Cape Point and discover everything it has to offer. Even on some of Cape Point’s busiest days, the Phyllisia Circuit trail offers hikers the ultimate sense of tranquilly and peace in one of the most beautiful settings.
#Shipwreck Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: The trail starts and ends at the Olifantsbos parking area
The Cape Point Shipwreck Trails are undoubtedly some of the most popular and best Cape Point hiking trails for hikers from all walks of life. These unique trails depart from the Olifantsbos parking area, with each one offering a different perspective and enthralling insight into the early days of the many Cape Point maritime events. Cape Point has an intriguing, albeit somewhat sombre, maritime history, and the shipwreck trails at Cape Point take you right to the heart of the action. The shoreline is littered with wrecks from years gone by, and still to this day their presence on the peninsula’s beaches make for a mesmerising journey into an altogether different era.
There are two main variations of the famous shipwreck trail:
#1 Thomas T. Tucker Trail | Shipwreck Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: The trail starts and ends at the Olifantsbos parking area
- Distance: If you opt to retrace your steps from the Nolloth, the route is an easy 3km & should take approximately 90 minutes | The inland route is 5km & will take approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy – moderate
The Thomas T. Tucker Trail is the most accessible and shortest of the Shipwreck Trails. Staring at the Olifantsbos parking lot, you will follow a well-marked trail outlined with yellow markers. This trail will guide you through the endemic Cape fynbos, all the way down to the beach. We highly recommend that you make a few stops en-route to the beach to search for untouched marine life in the jagged rock pools.
Once you reach the beach, continue along the pristine, yet often isolated stretch towards the prominent wreck of the SS Thomas T. Tucker. Boasting a prominent history, the SS Thomas T. Tucker is possibly the most photographed wreck at Cape Point, and the birdlife that has taken up residence on the hull of the old ship makes for great photo opportunities.
After making your way past the Thomas T. Tucker wreck, you will find the Nolloth. The Nolloth was wrecked in 1965 and makes for a great resting point. If you still have some hiking energy left in your tank and you’re keen to continue your thrilling Cape Point Shipwreck hiking adventure, you can choose to follow the inland ridge past the Nolloth wreck and make your way back to the Olifantsbos parking area, or continue on to Sirkelsvlei.
#2 Sirkelsvlei Trail | Shipwreck Trail | Cape Point
- Starting point: Olifantsbos parking area or by proceeding past the Nolloth and following the signs from the inland ridge
- Distance: 7.5km return walk should take approximately 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
If you’re a shipwreck enthusiast, the Sirkelsvlei trail is perfect for you. You can make your way to the Sirkelsvlei Trail in two main ways – You can either reach it by proceeding past the Nolloth and following the signs from the inland ridge or from the top of the Olifantsbos parking area alongside the boom. The path from this direction will quickly split into two, with each of these routes leading back to the original starting point at the Olifantsbos parking area.
The Sirkelsvlei Trail is a pristine and rugged hiking route that has successfully braved the harsh Cape Point elements over several years. This sought-after Shipwreck trail takes you along a stunning loop all the way up to the Sirkelsvlei pan, which is the largest body of water in the region still fed by fresh underwater springs.
The stark Cape fynbos found along the Sirkelsvlei Trail makes way for reed flats, which are often punctuated by sightings of the rare red hartebeest, bontebok, and a multitude of birdlife. If you’re keen for another adventure, you have the option of visiting the Staavia Edge which is located along the route. From there, you will be able to spot the Olifantsbos Cottage.
CHAPMAN’S PEAK
#Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail | Chapman’s Peak
- Difficulty: Moderate level of difficulty
- Fitness level required: Moderate – high level of fitness required
- Start point: Chapman’s Peak toll booths
- End point: Chapman’s Peak toll booths
- Average time: Approximately 7 – 8 hours (on average +/- 6 hours) | Depends on your fitness and experience level
- Approximate route distance: +/-8km
- Terrain: Single rocky track | Jeep track |Stone steps
