Kid friendly hikes and walks 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.
Here are some of the best kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town that you should absolutely add to your Cape Town hiking adventure bucket-list.
#Pipe Track Hiking Trail
- 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!
The Pipe Track hiking trail is one of the best kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town. 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. This gives you and your kiddos the awesome opportunity to enjoy one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking trails, all while admiring the vast, varied, and beautiful surrounding scenery and array of fauna and flora scattered about.
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.
#Newlands Forest
- Location: Off the M3 highway, Newlands Forest, Newlands, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town
- Entry fee: Daily Conservation fees for 1 November 2021 to 31 October: South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): R36 per adult per day; R18 per child per day | SADC Nationals (with passport): R72 per adult per day; R36 per child per day | Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): R144 per adult per day; R72 per child per day | Additional Fee: R25 per vehicle
- Contact details: 021 712 0527 | 021 712 2337
As part of the Table Mountain National Park, Newlands Forest is the perfect nature lover’s escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Newlands Forest is one of the best family-friendly destinations filled with an endless variety of things to do, see, discover, and experience.
Boasting an exciting array of amazing hiking trails to explore, ranging from beginner to more advanced, Newlands Forest also offers both the young and young at heart a fairly moderate, enjoyable, and easy-breezy walk through its beautiful and serene forest.
In addition to being one of the top natural gems featuring some of the best kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town, Newlands Forest is the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful day out in nature with friends and family.
Boasting an amazing array of shaded picnic spots that are not only spacious and fairly private, but has ample tables, chairs, and fire pits for braaiing, Newlands Forest is one of the best picnic and outdoor braai spots / destinations in Cape Town. But that’s not all! While meandering through this stunning forest and natural gem, you will also come across an incredible waterfall, river, and plunge pool. Complemented by beautiful surrounding scenery, a vast diversity of flora and fauna, and plenty of outdoor space and grassy areas, a visit to Newlands Forest promises to be tons of fun for the whole family.
**Important Note: The picnic site at Newlands Forest is closed from June 1st until the 30th of September. This happens every year. It opens again on October 1st but works on a first come, first serve basis. However, when the area is closed off, it can be booked for private functions and photo shoots. For more info on how you can reserve this place for events, contact the Filming and Events office on 021 712 0527.
#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 kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town. Kloof Corner is also one of the top sunrise and sunset spots and hiking trails in the Mother City. So 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.
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 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.
Paired with a beautiful view of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, the City Bowl, Atlantic Ocean, and beyond its pure magic and guaranteed to knock your hiking socks right off! Not to mention a fun and thrilling family friendly adventure that will undoubtedly be enjoyed by all.
Check out our ‘Kloof Corner’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town hiking trail.
#St James Coastal Walk
- Difficulty: Easy
- Approximate time: +/- 40 – 90 minutes
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3.4km
Stretching between Muizenberg and St James, the lovely St James Coastal Walk is without a doubt one of the coolest kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town. It sure gives the famous Sea Point Promenade a run for its money!
The entire path is concrete, ensuring a secure and stable walkway for all, especially for the little ones that decide to venture and wander off and run around as they get more and more excited.
Once known as Cape Town’s Golden Mile, this stunning walkway boasts sensational views right throughout. To make it even better, the vibrant False Bay coastline is renowned for its plethora of thriving marine life. Be sure to keep a look out for some spectacular sightings of Cape Town’s beloved ocean locals and Marine Big 5 – African Penguins, dolphins, Mola Mola Sunfish, Southern Right Whales, and of course the wonderful Cape Fur Seals.
Feel free to enjoy the St James coastal walk barefooted (if you so desire), however, as a word of warning, the fishermen tend to leave their tackle on the path from time to time whilst fishing. Make sure you take extra precaution when necessary and be extra vigilant.
**Note: While taking a walk along the ever-beautiful St James coastal walk promises to be a fantastic and fun experience for all regardless of the time of day, the very best time to do this walk is during low tide.
**Extra Note: The St James Coastal walk path begins just behind Muizenberg’s railway station. It is highly recommended that you park up that end, rather than at the beach.
#Tokai Forest Walk
- Approximate route distance: +/- 4km
- Elevation gain: 70m
- Route type: Loop
The Tokai Forest Walk is another great kid friendly hike and walk in Cape Town. This stunning forest walk is an easy, fun, and thrilling 4km loop trail which will take an average of 58 minutes to complete.
In addition to its amazing walking / hiking trail, the Tokai Forest is a very popular area for mountain biking, horse riding, and trail running, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
#Elephant’s Eye Cave
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low level of fitness required
- Approximate route distance: +/- 5.3km
- Elevation gain: 238m
- Route type: Out & back
The Elephant’s Eye Cave is located within the Table Mountain National Park, just outside Cape Town in the Silvermine Nature Reserve. As one of the Western Cape’s more accessible caves, Elephant’s Eye is one of the most exciting kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town. Plus, the fact that it’s a cave gets the kiddos extra excited!
This cool Cape Town cave is not only fairly easy to reach – making it a great hike for kids and dogs as well as perfect for enjoying an adventure-filled day out with friends and family – but offers hikers and adventurers of all ages a fantastic hiking experience with spectacular views all the way through.
The hike to reach the cave is relatively easy, except for the last stretch up to the cave which is fairly steep in comparison to the rest of the route. 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 magnificent view from inside the cave.
While the Elephant’s Eye Cave hike is open year-round, it can get rather busy on the weekends with people eager to explore and experience this incredible cave gem. However, that certainly doesn’t stop it from being one of the most exhilarating family favourite adventures in Cape Town.
**Bonus: One of the many great things about the Elephant’s Eye Cave is the fact that it is big enough for your entire hiking group. This gives you (and everyone you’re with) the awesome and unique opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy a wonderful cave picnic paired with stunning views over the False Bay coastline.
**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.
#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 Hike is the perfect Cape Town hiking trail for novice hikers, beginner trail runners, and kids eager to explore the great outdoors. As the Lion’s Head Loop trail consists of mostly flat sections, with very little uphill, it is regarded as one of Cape Town’s more effortless and easy hiking trails. This in turn makes it one of the best hikes in Cape Town for beginners as well as families looking to do something fun, active, and exciting.
The Lion’s Head Loop Hiking Trail is a great hike for any and all avid nature lovers. As the trail circles the base of the famous Lion’s Head, you will pass through veld, pine forests, and protea forests. This gives nature enthusiasts the amazing opportunity to experience and explore the rich and vibrant biodiversity and vast and varied flora at the base of Lion’s Head as well as the Table Mountain National Park.
**BONUS: Sensational ocean views awaits you on your Lion’s Head Loop Hiking Trail.
#Boomslang Cave Hike
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low – Moderate level of fitness required
- Start point: Boyes Drive – Echo Valley
- End Point: Boomslang Cave above Kalk Bay
- Average time to the top: Approximately 2 – 3 hours (depending on your fitness and experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3.9km
- Child-friendly: Yes
The infamous Boomslang Cave Hike is one of the Mother City’s more thrilling and adventurous hiking trails. As it’s a relatively easy hike, it is perfect for hiking first-timers, families with kids, or adventure seekers looking for something invigorating to do in Cape Town.
Boomslang Cave is located right above Kalk Bay and tunnels all the way through the mountain, undoubtedly making it an exhilarating bucket-list worthy experience in every way. Not to mention one of the most exciting kid friendly hikes and walks in Cape Town.
Echo Valley 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 the legendary Boomslang Cave. Once you reach the cave, the REAL fun and games begin! In order to enter Boomslang Cave you will need to get down on your hands and knees – this is a real highlight for kids of all ages. After a bit of crawling, shuffling, and navigating your way around, the cave opens up, leading to a larger chamber.
As the Boomslang Cave is pretty dark with very little light coming through, taking a torch or headlamp with you on your hike is highly recommended in order for you to properly explore the labyrinth of tunnels that exist within the cave. Once you make your way through the cave and come out on the other side, you will not only be able to tick a down-right thrilling adventure off your Cape Town hiking bucket-list, but you will be extremely well rewarded for your hiking efforts and daring adventurous spirit with a breath-taking view over Noordhoek and the vibrant False Bay Coastline.
**BONUS: As the glorious False Bay coastline is one of the best places in the Western Cape to see Cape Town’s magnificent marine life as well as the renowned Marine Big5 – Cape Fur Seals, African Penguins, dolphins, Southern Right Whales, and the Mola Mola sunfish – be sure to keep an eye out for some sensational marine life sightings.
Check out our ‘Boomslang Cave Hike’ blog to find out everything you need to know about this incredible Cape Town hiking trail.
