12 Epic Cape Town Hiking Trails + Essential Tips

Hanging out in the Mother City and looking to do some hiking? Well, you’re in luck, because Cape Town is one city that is awash with great hiking trails. With massive Table Mountain at the city’s door, not to mention multiple other peaks around, Cape Town is made for hiking.

Whether you’re looking for a quick jaunt up Table Mountain or wanting to spend the entire day hiking in Cape Town, there’s a Cape Town hiking trail for you. Read on for our list of the most epic Cape Town hiking trails, plus all the essential tips you’ll need to make the most out of your Cape Town hiking experience.

Hiking Trails in Cape Town

Hiking trails in Cape Town can be split into two categories: those on Table Mountain and those not on Table Mountain. 

First, we’ll go through the best hikes Cape Town not on Table Mountain and then we’ll detail the best Table Mountain hikes.

Related: The Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods in Cape Town

Devil’s Peak – via Tafelberg Road

• Distance: 2.5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2.5 – 4 hours return
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Great views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain

The Devil’s Peak hike is short, sharp and to the point! If you’re short on time but still want to do one of the best hikes in Cape Town, look no further. It’s a nice, quick hike that offers good views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. 

Out of the big three hiking trails in Cape Town (Table Mountain hike, Lion’s Head hike and Devil’s Peak hike), this one has the least amount of traffic. It’s a steep uphill walk, but there’s nothing technical about it, with no climbing or scrambling required at all. 

Note: we encountered an aggressive puff adder on the trail, so it’s a good time to remind you all out there to always be snake-aware and pack a snake bite bandage in your first aid kit. 

There are two additional routes up Devil’s Peak: the Mowbray Ridge Route and via the Newlands Ravine. Both of these are significantly more challenging than via the traditional Tafelberg Road route. 

Looking for more hiking in the Western Cape? Check out the Wolfberg Arch and Wolfberg Cracks in the Cederberg

Lion’s Head

• Distance: 5 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 2.5 – 4 hours return
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Excellent views of Table Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the western ridge of Table Mountain

Of all of the hiking trails in Cape Town, this has got to be one of our favourites. And we’re clearly not alone: it’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Cape Town. 

We actually enjoyed the Lion’s Head hike more than the Table Mountain hike and thought it was more beautiful too. From the summit, the views of the western ridge of Table Mountain are mind-blowing. 

We consider the Lion’s Head hike to be moderate because there are some steep, exposed edges, some scrambling and the use of rungs and ladders. 

The Lion’s Head hike is particularly popular to do on a full moon. It’s also one of the most epic spots in Cape Town to enjoy the sunset – just be sure to bring a headlamp for the way down and a bottle of your favourite tipple to enjoy at the summit!

Due to its popularity (at least in summer), the Lion’s Head hike is pretty safe to do, even for sunset (probably the biggest safety concern would be tripping in the dark). There are many people on the trail – expect mini traffic jams!

Muizenberg Peak and St James Peak

• Distance: 6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Time: 3 – 4 hours 
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Incredible views of the peninsula, some cool rock formations and the opportunity to explore the Muizenberg Caves 

Muizenberg Peak and St James Peak is another great hike in Cape Town and one that allows you to enjoy the surfer side of town. 

Setting off on the trail, the first 100m are very challenging on a steep and sandy track. It does get easier, finally relenting to a short contour path, then a climb up the valley. 

The Muizenberg Peak hike features great views of Surfer’s Corner and False Bay. Average fitness is required and there are no technical sections. 

As a heads-up, this Cape Town hiking trail is not well marked, so be sure to download a trail in advance to help you navigate. 

Read: Off the Beaten Track – Uncover South Africa’s Hidden Gems

Table Mountain Hiking Trails

A day out on Table Mountain should be on any Cape Town itinerary. There are many, many Table Mountain hiking trails – far too many for this blog to try to write out!

There are four popular hiking trails to the summit of Table Mountain: the Platteklip Gorge Route, the India Venster Route, the Skeleton Gorge Route and the Kateelspoort Route. 

Read: Is South Africa Safe to Visit in 2024?

Table Mountain Hiking Trail #1: Platteklip Gorge Route

• Distance: 2.5 km (one-way)
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 2-3 hours one-way (to ascend)
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: A direct and non-technical route straight up Table Mountain 

Platteklip Gorge is the most direct, and most popular, Table Mountain hiking trail. The trail literally just goes straight up Table Mountain. 

There is absolutely nothing technical about this Table Mountain hiking trail as the stones in the gorge form a natural staircase, making it relatively easy (if not strenuous) to ascend. 

It is very steep, however, so some fitness is required. That said, we’ve seen a lot of people do this hike – we’re talking people in denim skirts and jeans, or wearing sketchy footwear. We don’t advise hiking like this, but it gives you a picture of how doable it is. 

Admittedly, this is one of the least scenic Table Mountain hiking trails as it goes through a gorge – meaning there’s not much to see on the way up. But if you’re just looking for a way up the mountain, this is it. 

Table Mountain Hiking Trail #2: India Venster Route

• Distance: 3.5 km (one-way)
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Time: 2.5 – 4 hours one-way (to ascend)
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Great scenery and some adventurous scrambling 

The India Venster route is quickly becoming one of the most popular Table Mountain hiking trails. And for good reason: of all the Table Mountain hiking trails, it combines some adventurous scrambling and climbing with unparalleled scenery. It’s a really fun and really beautiful Table Mountain hike. 

While it does require a moderate amount of scrambling, there are good holds and ledges to use. Some previous scrambling experience is desirable, but that said, we know of a group who did it that included a woman who had never hiked before! 

The strength of the India Venster Table Mountain hiking trail is that you get to see all the different sides of Table Mountain. And also, scrambling is fun! 

Note: We don’t recommend descending on this Table Mountain hiking trail. It’s best to go down the Platteklip Gorge Table Mountain hiking trail. 

Table Mountain Hiking Trail #3: Skeleton Gorge Route

• Distance: 3.5 km (one-way)
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 2 – 3 hours one-way (to ascend)
• Cost: 100 ZAR for SA Citizens, 220 ZAR for international visitors 
• Highlights: Evergreen forest and icy cold streams to cool down in 

This Table Mountain hiking trail starts from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, which has a fee to access (see above).

Unlike the other Table Mountain hiking trails, this one goes through the forest canopy and is quite shaded, making it the best Table Mountain hike on scorching summer days. 

Table Mountain Hiking Trail #4: Kasteelspoort 

• Distance: 6.5 km (jeep track) or 11 km (Pipe Track)
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 3-5 hours one-way (depending on which route)
• Cost: Free
• Highlights: Great scenery and fewer crowds than the other Table Mountain hiking trails 

This is one of the less popular Table Mountain hiking trails and as a result, is one of the more peaceful. While it’s longer than some of the others, it’s also one of the easiest, with no technical skills required at all. It traverses the Western side of Table Mountain, so provides epic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head. 

The Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail has two starting points. You can either start your hike from the top of Theresa Avenue or from Kloof Nek via the popular Pipe Track Hiking Trail (another popular Table Mountain hiking trail that hikes along the side of Table Mountain). 

There are many other Table Hiking mountain trails that aren’t summit hikes: for example, the Pipe Track is a popular trail that skirts the edge of the mountain and Maclear’s Beacon is a hike on the plateau top of Table Mountain. 

Hiking Trails Near Cape Town

Some of the best hikes in Cape Town are not exactly in Cape Town but are located just a short drive away, but hey, who’s keeping track?

Chapman’s Peak

• Distance: 4.5 km
• Difficulty: Easy
• Time: 2 – 3 hours return
• Cost: 61 ZAR if paired with a drive along the Drive, otherwise free
• Highlights: Great perspectives of the Cape Peninsula

This is an easy hike in Cape Town and one you don’t want to miss. 

The Chapman’s Peak hike is best paired with a drive along the very scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive (which costs 61 ZAR via a toll fee). 

However, if you’re not interested in the drive and just want to do this Cape Town hike, then you can ask for a day pass from the toll booth so you don’t have to pay the toll. Shortly after the toll booth, there’s a signposted day pass limit area, where you park your car. 

The start of the Chapman’s Peak hike is slightly steep, but the trail is very clearly defined. At the intersection, take the right trail. From this point, it’s a moderate gradient until you reach the foot of the summit. Then the climb begins again! 

The Chapman’s Peak hike offers great views of different sides of the peninsula and can be done by anyone with a reasonable degree of fitness and with no technical skills required. 

The trail is mostly clear, but it’s still a good idea to have maps.me downloaded so you can double-check in a few confusing spots. 

Panorama Circuit, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

• Distance: 15 km
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Time: 6 hours
• Cost: 60 ZAR
• Highlights: Beautiful green valleys, rugged mountains and a waterfall or two

The Panorama Circuit in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve isn’t for the faint of heart: of all the hiking trails in Cape Town, it’s long, with a lot of elevation change (around +/- 1000m), but the stunning panoramas, waterfalls and beautiful valley views make it one of the best hikes in Cape Town. 

The trail can be hiked in either clockwise or counter-clockwise directions, but we recommend counter-clockwise. 

There are other great hiking options in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, which is located in the Western Cape, 65 km due east of Cape Town, very close to the town of Stellenbosch.

Pro tip: although you can visit Jonkershoek Nature Reserve as a day trip from Cape Town, it’s worthwhile staying the night at one of the many guesthouses and exploring the beautiful Stellenbosch region. While you’re in the area, why not head to Aquila Game Reserve for the best safari from Cape Town.

Read more about Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Uitkyk Trail, Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

• Distance: 7 km
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 2 – 4 hours
• Cost: 70 ZAR
• Highlights: Panoramic views of the Wemmershoek Valley and Wemmershoek Dam

The Uitkyk Trail is a very popular hiking trail just outside of Cape Town. Uitkyk means ‘lookout’, which is a very fitting name for one of the best hikes in Cape Town. The end is a stunning lookout over the Wemmershoek Valley and Wemmershoek Dam, which can only be seen as you approach the end. 

The trail is both well maintained and well marked and although somewhat steep at parts, is very doable to anyone with an average level of fitness. If you want some more challenge, add in the Perdekop Trail for some extra pizzazz. 

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is located about an hour from Cape Town. 

Kogelberg Trail, Kogelberg Nature Reserve

• Distance: 23 km
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 6 – 8 hours
• Cost: 60 ZAR
• Highlights: Incredible biodiversity along a relatively easy loop with the opportunity to swim in the river

The Kogelberg Trail is one of the best-kept secret hiking trails in Cape Town. Although long, the trail is not hard and consists of mostly pleasant walking. Located within the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the Kogelberg Trail is diverse and beautiful and you can expect views of pristine mountain pools, surrounded by rocky sentinels. 

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Cape Town and want to get out of the city, this is it!

Kogelberg Nature Reserve is around 1.5 hours drive from Cape Town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail 

• Distance: 34 km
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Time: 2 days
• Cost: 370 ZAR + Conservation Fee (94 ZAR per day for SA citizens / 376 ZAR per day for international visitors)
• Highlights: White sand beaches and dramatic cliffs 

The Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail is probably one of the most famous hiking trails in Cape Town. It’s a circular, two-day, one-night trail that skies the Cape of Good Hope, taking in all the dramatic coastal scenery along the way. 

Day 1 is just over 23 km and takes around 9 hours. Hikers are treated to a night in a relatively flash hut overlooking the Cape Peninsula (cooking supplies provided!). This means you’ll be well-rested to conquer the second day!

This Cape Town hiking trail must be booked in advance through SANParks.

Pro tip: if your international card gets blocked when booking things on foreign websites, try using a Wise card. It’s what we do and it’s never let us down!

Further Cape Town Hiking Trail Resources

For more information on these trails (and beyond) we highly recommend the book Hiking Trails of South Africa. It’s a great resource for exploring South Africa on foot!

Cape Town Hiking Trails: Safety

Safety in South Africa is always a hot topic and this is no less so for the hiking trails in Cape Town. 

• On the more popular routes (i.e. Platteklip Gorge and Lion’s Head), it’s safe to hike alone during popular times, as there are a lot of people around. On the more obscure routes, you’re best finding a friend to pair up with (groups of 3 – 4 are ideal).  
• If you’re travelling solo, many hostels and guesthouses arrange group hikes, and there are meetups and hiking groups you can find if you poke around. And of course, joining a tour is always an option!
• When hiking in Cape Town, remain aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear earbuds or anything else that can distract you. 
• If parking your car at a trailhead, never leave any valuables in sight. Smash and grabs are unfortunately very common, as evidenced by the broken glass found everywhere in parking lots. 

Despite being smack bang in the city, Table Mountain is still a mountain to be reckoned with.

In case of any emergencies on any Table Mountain hike, call 086 110 6417. 

Travel insurance, as always, is essential. If something goes wrong, you want to be covered. We use and recommend SafetyWing. Trust us, we’ve used a lot of travel insurance and they really are the best.

Responsible Hiking in Cape Town 

When taking advantage of the best hikes in Cape Town, be sure to be a responsible hiker! This includes not feeding any wildlife and always, always packing out all your rubbish. 

How to get to Cape Town hiking trails

By far, the easiest and most convenient way to access all of these Cape Town hiking trails is to rent a car. Renting a car in Cape Town is relatively affordable and convenient, especially since there’s so much beauty to explore out of the city limits. 

If you don’t have your own set of wheels and just want to get to some of the Cape Town hiking trails in the city, you can always get a ticket for the Hop On Hop Off Bus. It hits up all the big spots and is a surprisingly convenient mode of transportation! 

And finally, Uber and Lyft are always an option! 

What to Pack for Hiking in Cape Town

The weather in Cape Town is unpredictable (think wind and rain), especially paired with a hike up Table Mountain! Be sure to bring adequate clothing – aka lots of warm and waterproof layers. 

When setting out on any Cape Town hiking trail, we recommend bringing:

• Daypack
• Hiking pants (there’s a lot of blister bush on Table Mountain, so pants are best)
• Merino t-shirt
• Merino fleece
• Rainjacket
• Buff
• Hat
• Proper shoes
• Hiking poles (depending on the difficulty of the Cape Town hiking trail)
• Sunscreen
• Snacks
• Water
• Camera (you’ll want to take a lot of photos!)

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Being such a big tourist hotspot, Cape Town is awash with great accommodation options. Here are a few of our favourites. 

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