Hikes in & around Cape Town

Some of my most incredible memories I have in South Africa have been on hikes. It really is a country full of stunning scenery and so diverse. A hike should definitely be on your list when visiting South Africa. If you can only squeeze in the one hike I would definitely recommend Lions Head and Table mountain. Check out below to see what hikes suit you.

Lion's Head

Table Mountain

Jonkenshhoek

Silvermine

Cape of Good Hope

Lion's Head

Distance:

Time:

Difficulty:

Table Mountain

You have so many different options for climbing up table mountain and these are so varied so depending on time and fitness level you can chose the right one for you.

Hiking options:

Kasteelspoort

My favourite!! Good mix of not too challenging and stunning views. You are walking up the sea side of the table so you always have a stunning view - always an excuse to catch your breath while you soak up the view. The hike also gets to the table near the diving board (pictured above) which makes for some stunning photos so make sure you do the 5 min detour to this spot. I would highly recommend combining this with the pipe track as to get to the trail head you either need to do the jeep track from camps bay which is steep and boring or the pipe track which has easy parking and is a beautiful route (adds 2km on).

Distance: 7km

Time: 2.5-3hrs

Difficulty: Moderate

Platteklip Gorge

Trail head starts from the car park area for the cable car. This is the most popular walking route with tourists and I have no idea why! I will always tell people to do a different route. You walk up the city side of the mountain and it's basically stairs the whole way up. Very boring if you ask me.

Distance: 5.8km

Time: 2-2.5hrs

Difficulty: Easy - Moderate

Diagonal

Skeleton Gorge

India Venster

Additions to consider

Pipe track

Devils Peak

Echo Valley

Distance:

Time:

Difficulty:

Table Mountain Tip

My table mountain recommendation would be to do the pipe track as it is just stunning and then climb up the mountain at Kasteelspoort . Half way up there is a lovely stopping point with a big boulder you can sit on and enjoy the view over the sea and Lion's head. Tip: take a breakfast picnic and enjoy it here before continuing the climb. When you get to the top do the detor to the diving board and get some amazing photos (if it's not too windy) and then you have 2 options depending on how fit you are/how exhausted you feel. 1. for those not feeling up to any more inclines - walk across the table via the resevoir and acorss to Skeleton gorge. Come down Skeleton gorge and into Kirstenbosch gardens. This route took up 3.5hours with a long stop at the diving board. 2. for those still itching for more of the leg burn - after visiting the diving board head to the cable car area through echo valley and then after a well deserved beer at the pub on table mountain head down by cable car (you could also walk down Platteklip if you don't want to pay for the cable car. This route took us 5 hours with a breakfast stop.

Panorama Guided Hike, Jonkenshhoek

Swartboskloof

Not as well signposted as the others so make sure you pick up a map or download one. All day hike that meets up with the panoramic route and finishes with waterval 1&2. You will then spend the last section walking up the road back to your car.

Distance: 18km

Time: 8 hours

Route: Circular

Difficulty: Challenging

Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof

Again this hike is less well signposted so make sure to download a map or take some with you. An easier version of the above

Distance: 6km

Time: 3hrs

Route: Circular

Difficulty: Easy

Jonkenshhoek

There are a few different options in Jonkershhoek depending on time and skill level. It is a stunning area and if you are renting a car I would highly recommend. This is about an hour outside of Cape Town near Stellenbosch. If you do have the time I would highly recommend the panorama route, which if you feel more comfortable with a guide, check out the button to the left.

There is a R70 entry fee per adult, or free with a wild card (check out the link at the bottom of the page).

Hiking options:

Waterval 1 & 2

Easy, short, beautiful hike, you walk up the valley along the river, you can then follow the signs up to the waterfalls. Check the second waterfall is open when you get to the reception as it is quite steep and sometimes is very slippery. Make sure to take a towel as the waterfalls are beautiful for a wild swim.

Distance: 6.4km

Time: 2 hours

Route: Out & back

Difficulty: Easy

Panorama

Challenging hike but my-oh-my are you rewarded with the most stunning views. It incorporates the waterval 1&2 hike so you either start or end with this section. Definitely my recommendation if you have the time for just 1 hike!

Distance: 17km

Time: 6 hours

Route: Circular

Difficulty: Challenging