Hikes

Cape Town hikes offer the perfect mix of active pursuits, breathtaking views and a good dose of nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned adventurer, there is a route to suit you!

Tip: Always wear good footwear, bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and check the weather before you go. Some of these hikes can be tough, but the rewards in the form of views are definitely worth it! We also recommend hiking early, as temperatures in the afternoon are often too hot for hiking.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is of course the absolute must-do in Cape Town! You can climb the mountain via different routes, such as the popular Platteklip Gorge or the slightly more adventurous Skeleton Gorge. The latter goes via the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, so you have to pay an entrance fee for the park (approximately R230 per person). Please note that access to the park only starts at 08:00. If you prefer an easy way up, you can take the cable car. The ride only takes a few minutes and offers fantastic views over the city and the ocean. The cable car costs approximately R350 for a return ticket.

Platteklip Gorge

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours up.
Difficulty: Moderate
Accessibility: Good for intermediate hikers.

Skeleton Gorge

Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours up.
Difficulty: Difficult
Accessibility: Experienced hikers.

Tip: after a tough hike, it's nice to take the cable car down. You can buy your e-ticket in advance via the official website, so you can immediately queue for the cable car down.

Lion's Head

The great thing about the Lion Head's hike is that you basically walk around the mountain in circles, giving you 360 degree views of Cape Town. It's a beautiful hike with a tough last part, but worth it for the view. The hike is completely free, and it's one of the best places to see the sunset or sunrise. So it's definitely worth getting up early for the sunrise, because the view of Cape Town and the ocean is magical.

Duration: About 1 hour up (depending on your pace, we did it in 50 minutes the last time).
Difficulty: Average, but the last part is tough.
Accessibility: Good for most hikers.

The Pipe Track

The Pipe Track is eigenlijk meer een prachtige wandeling dan een echte hike, maar absoluut de moeite waard als je even geen zin hebt in een intense work-out, maar behoefte hebt aan een ontspannen wandeling. Je ziet daadwerkelijk overal pijpleidingen tijdens de route, dus je begrijpt waar de naam vandaan komt. Hele leuke wandeling met prachtige uitzichten over de stad. Met name het licht tijdens zonsondergang is prachtig.

Duur: Ongeveer 1 uur heen, en 1 uur dezelfde weg terug (of je pakt de Uber terug naar huis)
Zwaarte: Zeer licht (goed te doen voor beginners).
Toegankelijkheid: Prima voor beginners of degenen die een kortere, rustige hike zoeken.

Kloof Corner

The Kloof Corner hike is a great option for a short, easy hike that rewards you with beautiful views of the city and the ocean. The trail starts from Tafelberg Road and is well marked, making it an ideal choice for hikers who don’t want to spend too much time but still want to enjoy beautiful views. It’s a great hike for beginners or if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour uphill.
Difficulty: Easy (good for beginners).
Accessibility: Good for beginners or those looking for a shorter, more leisurely hike.

Devil's Peak

This hike offers stunning views of Cape Town and the ocean, and is a good choice for those who want a bit of adventure without the intensity of some other trails. The climb is steep, but the trail is well marked and manageable for most hikers in reasonable condition.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours uphill.
Difficulty: Moderate (steep climb, but manageable for most hikers).
Accessibility: Manageable for experienced hikers, but not extremely difficult.

Uitkyk Hike

The Uitkyk hike is a bit further from Cape Town, in the beautiful Franschhoek, with a drive of +/- 1.5 hours, but is perfect to do as a day trip. After the hike you can have a delicious lunch at Glenwood Sushi or Noble Hill. Even more fun is to make a weekend of it in Franschhoek and combine the hike with some wine tours.

The route is easy, with a clear path, and offers beautiful views over the valley. Ideal for beginners or for those who are just looking for a relaxing walk.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy (perfect for beginners).
Accessibility: Suitable for anyone looking for an easy hike.
Admission: R70 entrance fee.

Kasteelkop

This hike is relatively unknown and offers beautiful views. It is a quiet and difficult climb, perfect if you want to avoid the crowds of the other hikes.

Duration: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Difficulty: Difficult (long climb).
Accessibility: Suitable for experienced hikers.

Elephant's Eye

This walk in the Tokai Forest offers stunning views over False Bay and is one of the more accessible hikes in Cape Town.

Duration: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
Difficulty: Medium (longer walk, but well-marked path).
Accessibility: Good for beginners and average hikers.