Cape Town is the ultimate hiking mecca. The Mother City’s hiking scene is thriving, thrilling and like nothing you’ve experienced before, and you better believe it encourages absolutely EVERYONE to get in on ALL the hiking action.
Going hiking in Cape Town is by far one of the top things to do in the Mother City. Let’s be honest, there is no better way to explore all the scenic beauty, landscapes, mountain ranges, and natural gems the Mother City has to offer than by going on the ultimate hiking adventure.
It’s no secret that the Western Cape is known and celebrated for its vast variety of beautiful and exciting hiking trails. Suited to ALL fitness and experience levels – the Western Cape has something for every avid hiker at heart – that means YOU too! Even if you’ve never hiked a day in your life, Cape Town’s hiking scene welcomes you with open arms.
Here are some of the best hiking trails in Cape Town that you should absolutely add to your Cape Town hiking adventure bucket-list!
Beginner – Intermediate Hiking Trails in Cape Town
1. 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
With incredible views over Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, and the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, the Pipe Track is a definite hiking favourite. The Pipe Track hiking trail is a pretty effortless and easy-going route as its generally all on the flat. This is a major bonus for first timers, undeniably making the Pipe Track trail one of the best hiking trails in Cape Town for beginners as well as those looking to enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back hiking experience. However, if you choose to start your Pipe Track hike from Camps Bay, the initial climb does require some effort. Irrespective of the steeper start, it is still an extremely doable hike perfectly suited to novice hikers as well as avid hikers of all fitness and experience levels.
The Pipe Track follows a path adjacent to Table Mountain between Kloof Nek and Kasteelpoort. While the trail does not go all the way to the summit, it hugs the side of Table Mountain’s sandstone cliffs and travels through the western slope ravines. This not only gives you the opportunity to enjoy one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking trails, but admire the vast, varied, and beautiful surrounding scenery and array of fauna and flora.
**Extra Note: Did you know that the Pipe Track hiking trail follows a pipeline that was built for the sole purpose of servicing another pipeline used to supply 19th-century Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge? It is also where the trail got its name.
2. 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
While it may be one of Table Mountain’s lesser-known hikes, the Table Mountain Contour Path hiking trail is an incredibly pleasant, laid-back, and easily accessible hike and/or trail run (for the fitter bunch). Boasting stunning sweeping views of the beautiful Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, and Lion’s Head, the Table Mountain Contour Path is an exciting hike that will be thoroughly enjoyed by people / hikers of all fitness and experience levels.
You can join the Contour Path hiking trail from numerous entry points along Tafelberg Road. One of the best routes / entry points is to park at Kloof Corner, hike the 20-minute trail up the path until you reach the contour path. From there, turn left and continue to follow the path for as long as you like. This flat path will eventually join up with the famous Platteklip Gorge Table Mountain hiking trail, but it also extends all the way to Newland’s Forest and beyond.
As the Table Mountain Contour Path has numerous entry points as well as extends and joins up with several other trails, how far you want to venture on your hiking adventure is entirely up to you. Once you’ve reached your limit, you can turn back at any point and simply retrace your steps or descent to Tafelberg Road
3. 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 as well as beginner trail runners eager to take it to the next level. 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.
4. Boomslang Cave Hike | Kalk Bay
- 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 Cape Town’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 exciting 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.
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, 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.
5. 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).
The iconic Kloof Corner Hiking Trail is by far one of the best hiking trails in Cape Town for beginners eager to kick-off their Cape Town hiking journey. 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 Kloof Corner hiking 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.
**BONUS: Kloof Corner is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Cape Town. If you’re looking to experience something extra special, going on a sunrise and/or sunset hike up Kloof Corner is a bucket-list worthy experience in every way. Paired with a beautiful view of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, the City Bowl, and Atlantic Ocean, its pure magic and guaranteed to knock your hiking socks right off!
Best sunrise & sunset hiking trails in Cape Town
1. Lion’s 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
Standing tall at 669 meters above sea level, showcasing a beautiful panoramic view over the glorious Mother City, Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula and beyond, Lion’s Head is not only one of the most popular hiking trails among avid local and global hikers, it is also one of the very best and most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots in the entire Western Cape. In fact, we may go as far as to say that Lion’s Head is quite possibly the most iconic sunset hike in Cape Town.
It’s no surprise that going on a sunrise, sunset, and even a moonlight hike up the renowned Lion’s Head is one of the most highly sought-after experiences amongst locals and tourists alike. In fact, going on a sunrise, sunset, and/or moonlight hike up Lion’s Head is considered somewhat of a Cape Town rite of passage.
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. Besides being one of the most sought-after hiking trails in the Mother City, Lion’s Head forms a vital part of Cape Town’s topography – Standing loud and proud amongst Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
The Lion’s Head hiking trail is really easy to spot. All you need to do is look across the parking lot on Signal Hill road for a wide red gravel trail. The route is clearly marked, ensuring you won’t easily get lost along the way, making for an enjoyable and exciting hiking experience.
An interesting fact that most people don’t know, especially if it’s your first-time hiking Lion’s Head, is that there are actually two routes that lead to the 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
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, allowing for an easier hike overall.
This route follows a roundabout footpath that leads to the top of Lion’s Head, avoiding all the challenging climbs, steep ascents and descents, and daunting chains and ladders altogether. The Lion’s Head spiral trail is the recommended route for first-time hikers, anyone that’s afraid of heights, hikers / individuals with 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 adventurers eager to conquer the Lion’s Head summit and tick a thrilling hiking adventure off their Cape Town hiking bucket-list. 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 make your way up several steep steps and make use of chains and ladders to ultimately reach the summit. You will also be required to navigate a few sheer rock faces – which will undoubtedly get all the daring, adventurous, and thrill seeking hikers excited!
Once you reach the summit, you will have the opportunity to roam free at your own leisure, take it all in, enjoy the fruits of your labour, and admire the spectacular panoramic view – it is truly sensational!
**BONUS: Lion’s Head is one of the best sunrise and sunset spots in Cape Town. If you’re looking to experience something extra special, going on a sunrise and/or sunset hike up Lion’s Head is a bucket-list worthy experience in every way. For an extra dose of excitement, you can also opt to go on a moonlight hike up Lion’s Head – How incredible is that?
2. Signal Hill
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Mild
- Start point: Signal Hill parking lot
- Average time to the summit: 20 minutes
- Approximate Route Distance: .5 km
- Best time to hike: Sunrise and sunset
The infamous Signal Hill, which connects Kloof Nek to Lion’s Head, is one of the most sought-after attractions and best sunset hikes in Cape Town for people of all fitness and experience levels. While it may be one of Cape Town’s easiest hiking trails, do not underestimate it for its beauty – It may just surprise you.
The view of the glorious Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, vibrant Atlantic coastline, and lively City Bowl from the 350m high summit is nothing short of spectacular, particularly at sunset and sunrise. Signal Hill is one of Cape Town’s best and most beautiful sunrise and sunset spots after all. Not to mention a great place to enjoy a few sundowners with friends, family, and loved ones. To make things even better, by walking around the loop trail on Signal Hill you will be able to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and / or sunset view from various different vantage points – How amazing is that?!
In addition to being one of the Mother City’s most sought-after sunrise and sunset spots and hiking trails, Signal Hill has become an increasingly popular night time / evening destination amongst locals and tourists alike. In fact, Signal Hill is a little like ‘lovers’ lane’ in the evening – popular among couples looking to sit back, relax, and enjoy the Mother City’s lights shining and sparkling in the distance against the beautiful Table Mountain backdrop.
**Tip: Reaching Signal Hill is as easy as driving up Kloof Nek Road from the city and then taking a right at the top of the hill.
3. Maiden’s Cove & Tidal Pools
- Location: Maiden’s Cove | Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
- Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool 1: Located between Glen Beach & Camps Bay Beach
- Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool 2: Located between Glen Beach & Clifton4th Beach
- Distance from Cape Town: +/- 7.5km | +/- 17 – 20 minutes
- Cost: Free
- Starting point: Maiden’s Cove Parking Area
- Duration:20-30 minutes on the rocks
- Distance: varies
- Best time to hike: Sunset
- Braai facilities: Maiden’s cove offers designated public braai and picnic spots with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, 12 Apostles Mountain Range. and Table Mountain – This not only makes Maiden’s Cove one of the best tidal pools in Cape Town, but the perfect place for an ocean-front braai with family and friends
- Contact details: 021 438 8212
Although it is less of a hike and more of a scramble on rocks and boulders, Maiden’s Cove is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches, lookout points, tidal pools, and sunset spots in Cape Town. The tidal pools offer a stunning still reflection for photography enthusiasts and there is no end to your creativity as you climb the boulders in search of the best sunset spot.
Boasting breath-taking views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range, Atlantic Ocean, the back end of the famous Table Mountain, Glen Beach, Camps Bay, and the captivating Clifton Beach, it’s no surprise Maiden’s Cove has fast become one of the most sought-after destinations in Cape Town.
With such a spectacular view, complimented by the cool and refreshing ocean water, there is nothing quite like being sun-kissed, salty-haired, and blissed-out while soaking up the glorious Cape Town sunshine as you spend the day at Maiden’s Cove.
To top it off, Maiden’s Cove is by far one of the most magnificent sunset spots in the entire Western Cape. Not to mention a popular choice for sundowners who park themselves at the Maiden’s Cove parking lot.
4. Elephant’s Eye Cave Hiking Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Fitness level required: Low level of fitness required
The Elephant’s Eye Cave is located within the Table Mountain National Park, just outside Cape Town in the Silvermine Nature Reserve. It is one of Cape Town’s more accessible caves, making it perfect for an adventure-filled day out with friends and family.
Named Elephant’s Eye because of its shape, which, from the right angle, reveals something similar to the eye of an elephant. This cool Cape Town cave is not only relatively easy to reach but offers hikers and adventurers spectacular views all the way through.
While the Elephant’s Eye Cave may not be one of South Africa’s most majestic or historically significant caves, it is one of Cape Town’s most fun and exciting caves to visit as you can embark on your own cave adventure without the guidance of an expert guide.
The hike to reach the cave is relatively easy, except for the last part which is fairly steep. 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 spectacular view from inside the cave.
Another great thing about the Elephant’s Eye Cave Hike is that it’s big enough to sit back, relax and enjoy a wonderful cave picnic paired with a stunning sunset view over the vibrant False Bay coast.
**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.
5. Devil’s Peak Hiking Trail | Table Mountain
- Difficulty: High
- Fitness: 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 2 – 4 hours (depending on your fitness & experience level)
- Approximate route distance: +/- 3.5km (the route distance is dependent on the route you take)
- 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).
- Best time to hike: Start two hours before sunset
If you’re up for a more difficult, yet wildly thrilling hike, pack your things and set your sights on the iconic Devil’s Peak Table Mountain Hiking Trail. While Devil’s Peak is one of the more strenuous hikes on Table Mountain, it is certainly equally as rewarding. Making it totally worthwhile!
There are three main routes to reach 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.
Depending on your fitness level, you can reach the saddle in +/- 2-4 hours – But don’t expect it to be an easy breezy walk in the park, oh no, some die-hard dedication, real deal effort, and top-notch fitness and commitment is required to reach the summit – So be prepared! You are hiking the all-mighty Table Mountain after all!
Once you reach the top you will be sufficiently well rewarded with one of the most epic views of the Atlantic Ocean, captivating coastline, the beautiful city of Cape Town below, as well as the majestic Lion of the Mother City skyline – Lion’s Head – undoubtedly making Devil’s Peak one of the very best sunset hikes in Cape Town as well as one of the top sunset spots in the city.
Because of the length of the trail, Devil’s Peak is best enjoyed at golden hour, just before making your way down. Be sure to descend on the trail before the sun sets to ensure you have enough time to make it back before nightfall.
**Tip: As its regarded as one of Table Mountain’s more grueling and challenging hiking trails, it should only be attempted by fit and highly experienced hikers.
Other incredible sunrise & sunset Cape Town hiking trails are:
- Kloof Corner Hiking Trail
- The Pipe Track Hiking Trail
- Lion’s Head Loop Hiking Trail
- Boomslang Cave Hiking Trail
- All Table Mountain Hiking Trails
- Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail
