Space to Breathe: Hiking Trails We Can All Enjoy

From Knife’s Edge and Lion’s Head to Pipe Track and Krom River, secluded and lesser-known trails, plus hikes further afield in the Western Cape

Last Update: Tuesday, 15 February 2022

In a city where the most famous landmark is a mountain, it's only fitting that in this picture comes a wide selection of hiking and walking trails to discover and enjoy.

SPEND THE DAY HIKING AT THE JONKERSHOEK

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed day that’s budget friendly, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for you. Situated just outside of Stellenbosch, this nature reserve offers loads of outdoor activities for the whole family. For R60 you can hike or cycle to gorgeous picnic spots and picturesque waterfalls, where you can swim, too.

Difficulty level: Differs

Jonkershoek Nature Reserve | Stellenbosch | 021 866 1560 | Image: Lara van Zyl

HIKE TO A MYSTICAL WATERFALL IN CECILIA FOREST

Unwind by hiking to a waterfall in Cecilia Forest. There are many routes to choose from: starting from Cecilia car park, Newlands Forest, Constantia Nek and Kirstenbosch Gardens. They differ in duration and difficulty, but all lead to the breathtaking water gushing over hanging ferns and green mosses. Pets are allowed. Plus hiking is free (unless you start from within Kirstenbosch) to Cecilia Waterfall.

Difficulty level: Differs

Waterfall at Cecilia Ravina | Cecilia Forest | Constantia | Image: Carmen Lewis (@bohemian_sky)

FRANSCHHOEK VALLEY AND WINE 

Just an hour's drive out of Cape Town, this route leads you past the picturesque vineyards of La Motte and up through the surrounding mountain range where you can see the indigenous plant and wildlife that the winery is making a concerted effort to protect. Every Tuesday morning, La Motte hosts a guided hike, which starts at the Tasting Room. It’s a short hike of five kilometres and takes 2 to 3 hours. A knowledgeable guide leads and informs hikers about the flora and fauna of the Franschhoek Valley. Hikers also receive a hiking trail map, water and light refreshments when stopping for a breather at the lapa. Self-guided hikes are also possible at La Motte.

Difficulty level: Moderate (not recommended for children under 10)

R45, Franschhoek | +27 (0) 21 876 8000 | info@la-motte.co.za

HIKING IN TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

TRANQUILITY CRACKS

There are caverns and caves called Tranquility Cracks in Table Mountain. The safest and easiest route is via Corridor Ravine. Begin at the Theresa Avenue entrance to the Pipe Track. Make your way to the single track. After the entrance to Slangolie Ravine (don't take this route), start looking out for Corridor Ravine. Just around the corner from the cave, in the next ravine is the steep Corridor Ravine. When you get to the top, turn left onto the hidden path at the large pile of rocks. If you can see Lion's Head peeking out the top, you've gone too far. Head along the narrow and bushy path until you can turn left into another overgrown path leading to the caves where you can explore. You can return along the same path or alternatively, return via Kasteelpoort.

Difficulty: Moderate

THE BEACH ATOP SKELETON GORGE

This hike begins from Kirstenbosch Gardens. Skeleton Gorge is a scenic trek that's ideal in dry conditions. During the summer months, there is shade along the Afromontane forest nearly all the way up Skeleton Gorge. Bear in mind that this hike can get quite strenuous, so be prepared to really work those muscles; and take the necessary safety precautions. Pack some refreshments to enjoy at the white-sand beach on top at the far end of the Hely-Hutchinson Dam. The water is a bright, clear orange colour thanks to tannins that leach into the water from the fynbos. The white sandy beach developed over the course of more than 100 years by the wind and water weathering the natural sandstone on the mountain.

Difficulty: Moderate

SUNSET AT KLOOF CORNER

Only a 20-minute walk up from the Kloof Corner Parking, it's easy to squeeze in sundowners after work. Follow the winding Tafelberg Road up to the cable car until you find Kloof Corner parking, which is on the last bend before reaching the cableway. From the signpost, some stairs take you up to a path up the hillside. Keep an eye out on your right for a chain hanging down the cliff. This is the start of the climb up chains and through a narrow chimney until you find the ledge where you can relax and enjoy the views of Camps Bay. 

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

WOODSTOCK CAVE

You may have spotted this cave from Philip Kgosana (formerly De Waal) Drive, it’s a crack in the mountain that invites exploration. You can reach it from either Rhodes Memorial or from Tafelberg Road; both routes offer expansive views of the city below. Read more about Woodstock Cave.

Difficulty: Moderate

BRIDLE PATH AND NURSERY RAVINE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN 

This hike above Cecilia Forest takes you past different types of flora: you’ll spot sundews on the wet rocks alongside Bridle Path, grasses and bushes on the plateau and the occasional red disa near the reservoirs. This hike takes you all the way to the top of the other side (the “back” side) of Table Mountain; it’s quieter than the front side and has the added beauty of large water reservoirs. There are various routes to the top, but they are all fairly strenuous, so if you’re not used to hiking then rather start with something a bit shorter. Read more about Bridle Path and Nursery Ravine.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

LION’S HEAD SUNSET OR SUNRISE HIKE

This short summit offers panoramic views of Cape Town and unbeatable sunsets. It’s popular for after-work hikes and on nights when there’s a full moon. There’s a little bit of climbing involved, but there are handholds and chains to help you on your way up and down. You can also take the roundabout way, which skips the climbing part, making it suitable for hiking with children or dogs. Read more about the Lion's Head hike.

Difficulty: Moderate

ZIG-ZAG UP DEVIL’S PEAK

This path zig-zags up from Tafelberg Road (where the Cableway station is) and then takes a steep route up to the peak. There are fantastic views of Table Mountain and the city below once you reach the top. Read more about Devil's Peak.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

BREATHTAKING CITY VIEWS FROM KASTEEL POORT

The climb up Kasteel Poort is not for the unfit; from the top, you can see all the way across the Twelve Apostles mountain range, and once you reach the front of the mountain, the city views are incredible. Read more about Kasteel Poort.

Difficulty: Easy to difficult 

WALK YOUR DOGS IN DEER PARK

If you’re in the city and craving a nature fix, then this small reserve on the lowest slopes of Table Mountain is your solution. You can walk your dogs or just go for a stroll in this forested area. Once you’ve walked up a bit, you’ll have a clear view of the mountain right ahead, and here you can choose to link up to a longer hike if you’re up for it. Read more about Deer Park.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate 

THROUGH THE ELEPHANT’S EYE

Elephant's Eye is a large cave in the Silvermine Nature Reserve that resembles the head of these majestic creatures. Though all the way across the city from Table Mountain itself, the reserve is still part of the park and has great picnic spots next to the reservoir where you can have a braai. Read more about Elephant's Eye.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

STEENBERG PEAK AND SILVERMINE EAST

This is also in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, but on the side overlooking Muizenberg. It offers fantastic views, interesting rock formations and plenty of untouched fynbos. The slopes on the east side are covered in ericas in various shades of pink, depending on the season, while leucadendrons and Asteraceae provide a splash of yellow in spring. Read more about Silvermine East and Steenberg Peak.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

PIONEER THE PIPE TRACK

The aptly named Pipe Track follows a pipe that passes along the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The pipeline was built to transport water from Disa Gorge (in Table Mountain’s Back Table) to Molteno Reservoir in Oranjezicht in the late 19th century. Once you are parallel with the Twelve Apostles Hotel, the otherwise mostly horizontal route then loops upwards towards the top of Table Mountain. Along the way, peculiar-looking windswept trees depict the force at which gusts sweep down the mountains. The unobscured views of the Atlantic, along with benches, bridges, the exposed industrial pipe, waterfalls, caves and sheer drops make for great photo opportunities and picnic spots along the way.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

ECHO VALLEY AND A BOUNTY OF BATS IN BOOMSLANG CAVE

The Boomslang Cave lies above Kalk Bay. From Boyes Drive, head to the sign indicating Echo Valley. This is the start of the trail to the caves. The cave should be marked on Google maps, but it's your choice which entrance to use. Bring one headlamp for every hiker in your group because the cave is dark, but don't shine the headlamp straight at the bats that live in the cave. If it's been raining, be prepared to get wet and dirty. 

Difficulty: Moderate

AT KNIFE'S EDGE

Park at Rhodes Memorial, and follow the signs to the Kings Block House. From there climb up Mowbray Ridge before moving along Knife’s Edge. Keep going to the minor summit of Devils Peak. If you’re not an experienced climber, go with someone who has done the route before, as it can be steep and tricky.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

BEACH WALKS IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS 

NOORDHOEK BEACH SS KAKAPO SHIPWRECK TRAIL

The beach walk follows a stretch of white sand to the rusty wreck of the SS Kakapo. The massive SS Kakapo steamship was en-route to Sydney when she ran aground on 25 May 1900. From the parking lot on the Chapman’s Peak side of the beach, follow the boardwalk and turn left on the beach named Long Beach. It’s best to time this walk at low tide.

Difficulty: Easy

CAPE POINT OLIFANTSBOS SHIPWRECK TRAIL

This isn’t your average stroll along the beach, but the scenery makes it all worth it. Set in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, this route may have you hiking next to a herd of bontebok or a troop of monkeys foraging in the rock pools. If that’s not enough excitement for a seaside stroll, there are shipwrecks dotted along the wild beaches for you to explore. Read more about Olifantsbos Shipwreck Trail.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

THE SHORELINE OF SANDY BAY

This beach walk offers vistas of rocky outcrops and expansive shoreline, and it’s the only designated nudist beach in Cape Town. Sandy Bay is a gorgeous stretch of beach with soft white sand, rock formations and interesting seaside plants. Read more about Sandy Bay.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

ST JAMES COASTAL WALK ON THE MUIZENBERG MILE

This gorgeous, seaside walkway winds its way along the beach and rock pools in Muizenberg. You’ll want to time your walk with the tide, as the breaking waves can get a bit too close for comfort at high tide. Read more about Muizenberg Mile or the St James Coastal Walk.

Difficulty: Easy

ACTIVITIES GALORE AT MACASSAR DUNES 

Macassar Dunes Conservation Area offers many activities paired with views across False Bay and extends all the way to Kogelberg and Hangklip. The latter includes wonderful picnic spots, fishing in designated areas (permit required), hiking, swimming and bird watching.

Difficulty: Easy

FOREST WALKS IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS

CHILD-FRIENDLY NEWLANDS FOREST CONTOUR PATH HIKE

Trees stretching up high above the shady paths, streams to splash in, and plenty of paths leading through the forest and up onto the mountain slopes above it can all be found in Newlands Forest. The routes we’ve chosen take you up onto these slopes, but if you just want a quick walk this is an ideal spot to take your children for a walk and to walk your dogs. Read more about the Newlands Forest contour path hike.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate 

WALK IN THE FOREST OF GOOD HOPE

You’ll need to hike up through the lower slopes of a fynbos-covered mountain near Kalk Bay before you reach the Spes Bona forest, but it’s worth the trek. A raised wooden walkway winds its way in among the old gnarled trees that are kept alive by the constant dripping of water running down the mossy cliff on the right. Read more about the Spes Bona Forest walk.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult 

FOREST FROLIC AT TOKAI ARBORETUM

Popular with cyclists, this forest is also great for a quick stroll or a steady climb up to the mountain slopes above it. The majority of the trees aren’t indigenous, but they still shade the paths. Read more about the Tokai Arboretum walk.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

DOG-FRIENDLY DE HEL

This dense green belt in Constantia is surprisingly large; the path leads down into the valley leaving you feeling as though you’ve been swallowed up by the forest. It’s a dog-friendly, kid-friendly haven of nature in the suburbs. Constantia has a number of green belts to walk in throughout the suburb. Read more about De Hel.

Difficulty: Easy

SWIMMING HIKES IN CAPE TOWN AND SURROUNDS

SUMMERS AT KROM RIVER

Save this one for summer as the path leads up a river to two spectacular rock pools, which can be icy even when it’s warm. The walk itself isn’t too long, so you can spend plenty of time swimming in the mountain pools. Read more about the Krom River hike.

Difficulty: Moderate

SUICIDE GORGE EXTREME HIKE

Not one for the fainthearted, this is an extreme hike with very high jumps down the river into the pools below. We recommend doing this with a guide as it can be dangerous.

Difficulty: Difficult 

RIVER MEANDER IN THE BONTEBOK NATIONAL PARK

Take a dip in the designated swimming spots along the Breede River, the body of water that runs through this park. Choose one of the paths alongside the river, or save your swim for after the hike.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

OTHER HIKES AND WALKS 

SPECTACULAR VIEWS FROM CHAPMAN’S PEAK

You can see ericas, proteas and indigenous trees in the thick fynbos covering this peak. You also have the added bonus of breathtaking views of Hout Bay, Fish Hoek and Gordon’s Bay. Read more about the Chapman's Peak hike.

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

THE GRAVE OF JUST NUISANCE

It’s a short, steep climb up this Simon’s Town hill to the grave of Cape Town’s most beloved historic canine, Just Nuisance. The Great Dane is the only dog to ever be enlisted in the Royal Navy back in 1939. The walk to his grave is moderate but very scenic. From the top you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the seaside suburb below, and if your timing is right, you may even hear the sound of naval trainees and their marching chants. Read more about the hike to the grave of Just Nuisance.  

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

WEST COAST MAMRE NATURE GARDEN

Situated along the West Coast in the little town of Mamre, this National Heritage Site has picnic spots, short trails and a 1.5-hour trail walk. The 254ha reserve has an abundance of vegetation and small animals such as caracals and various reptiles. Pack your picnic basket and make a day of it.

Difficulty: Easy

CHILL IN THE MEADOWRIDGE COMMON

Situated in the heart of the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, Meadowridge Common is a small protected area of about eight hectares. The common boasts endangered fynbos, which is indigenous to Cape Town. During September and October, you can expect gorgeous floral displays, as well as a number of insects, birds and amphibians – the endangered Cape Rain Frog has also been spotted here. The Common offers a relaxing environment suitable for anyone looking to just enjoy being outside.

Difficulty: Easy

TYGERBERG NATURE RESERVE

Less than half an hour from Cape Town, and a short drive from the northern suburbs, this nature reserve is a great place for a walk or jog. This piece of nature is home to quite a few birds of prey, as well as small striped mice scurrying through the undergrowth. It’s not an expansive reserve, but it does offer a great view across Cape Town from the various picnic spots.

Difficulty: Easy

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Here you’ll find all sorts of indigenous fynbos, as well as an Afromontane forest. There are sections devoted to fragrant plants, edible plants, medicinal plants and other interesting sub-categories. It’s also a great place to learn a bit more about indigenous species as plenty of information is available. Read more about Kirstenbosch hikes.

Difficulty: Easy to difficult

HIKES OUTSIDE OF CAPE TOWN

WATERFALLS AND RUGGED MOUNTAINS IN STELLENBOSCH

This Stellenbosch nature reserve is home to the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking and are rich in plant and animal life.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

FYNBOS FOR DAYS AT FERNKLOOF NATURE RESERVE

You’ll find ericas, watsonias and plenty more in a dazzling display of fynbos finery. The reserve is home to some 1600 mountain and coastal species of plant. 

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

PROMINENT PAARL ROCK

The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is about an hour’s drive from Cape Town. Rock climb to the top of Bretagna Rock, a granite outcrop, for fantastic views (you can see as far as Table Mountain on a clear day).

Difficulty: Moderate 

Would you like to contribute?

If you know of an incredible hiking spot or a great place to take a walk, please let us know; DM us on instagram @capetownmag. 

P.S.

• End every month with a Wine & Climb Fun Hike at Cape Point Vineyards
• You’ll find waterfalls, rock pools and a breathtaking view at Krom River.

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