Hiking – Cape Town

Cape Town offers hikes to iconic peaks like Table Mountain and Lion's Head right beside the city. Weather changes fast, so carry water and layers.

Map

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Places

  1. Lion's Head

    A 669 m peak climbed by a spiral path with views over the city and ocean.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Sunrise or sunset
    Distance
    5.5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Lion's Head car park on Signal Hill Road
    Elevation gain
    370 m

    Tip: Full-moon hikes are popular; bring a headlamp.

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  2. Platteklip Gorge

    The shortest, steepest direct route up Table Mountain.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring-summer morning
    Distance
    3 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Platteklip trailhead on Tafelberg Road
    Elevation gain
    700 m

    Tip: Start early; the afternoon sun is draining.

    ⚠️ Hard route: sturdy footwear, enough water, proper equipment and hiking experience are required. Check the weather first.

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  3. Cape Point

    Outside the city – about 1.25 hours

    A coastal walk at the tip of the Cape Peninsula with lighthouse and ocean views.

    Category
    Coast
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    Morning
    Distance
    6 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Cape Point park entrance and funicular car park
    Elevation gain
    180 m

    Tip: Do not show food to baboons; keep your bag closed.

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  4. Skeleton Gorge

    A path from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden up a forested ravine to Table Mountain.

    Category
    Forest
    Duration
    4 h
    Price
    $
    Best time
    Spring-summer morning
    Distance
    6 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3.5 h
    Starting point
    Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden entrance
    Elevation gain
    560 m

    Tip: Ladders and chains can be slippery, especially after rain.

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  5. Devil's Peak

    A sharp peak east of Table Mountain with sweeping views of the city and Table Bay.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    4.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring-summer morning
    Distance
    7 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
    Time
    4 h
    Starting point
    Mowbray Ridge start on Tafelberg Road
    Elevation gain
    700 m

    Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky sections near the top.

    ⚠️ Hard route: sturdy footwear, enough water, proper equipment and hiking experience are required. Check the weather first.

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  6. Chapman's Peak

    Outside the city – about 0.5 hours

    The peak above the famous road dropping to the Atlantic between Hout Bay and Noordhoek.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Sunrise or sunset
    Distance
    4 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2 h
    Starting point
    Parking on Chapman's Peak Drive
    Elevation gain
    300 m

    Tip: Bring a torch if you will return after sunset.

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  7. Sentinel Peak

    A rocky peak above Hout Bay with views over the bay and Chapman's Peak.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring-summer morning
    Distance
    5 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    2.5 h
    Starting point
    Sentinel Peak trailhead in Hout Bay
    Elevation gain
    420 m

    Tip: It is windy, so bring a windbreaker.

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  8. Cecilia Forest

    A calm forest trail in Constantia leading to a waterfall.

    Category
    Forest
    Duration
    2 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    After the rainy season
    Distance
    4 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.5 h
    Starting point
    Cecilia car park on Spaanschemat River Road
    Elevation gain
    150 m

    Tip: Dogs can run free, and it suits children.

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Last updated:

Please verify with official sources before your visit.

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