Cape Town, South Africa, is a wonderful place for outdoor activities. The Mother City has beaches that you can enjoy during the warmer months, parks that are perfect for picnics and, of course, the mountain which is more than just something pretty to behold. Table Mountain is home to a number of different hiking trails, while other surrounding mountain ranges have plenty to offer, too. Whether you’re new to hiking or an old hand at it, there’s a route for everyone. Here are some of the top ones to try as recommended by Cape Town Tourism – all of which are Instagram-worthy.
Lion’s Head
Possibly one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town is Lion’s Head. The peak of Lion’s Head sits 669 metres above sea level and looms over the city, visible to many who live throughout Cape Town. Hiking this iconic trail rewards hikers with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, the City Bowl and beyond and the flat top of Table Mountain.
The hike itself will take between two and three hours, depending on your fitness level. There is clear signage along the way and, while some parts can leave you a bit out of breath and look somewhat intimidating, it’s a relatively hassle-free hike. There’s a chain section that requires you to climb but, if that looks a bit too much, there’s also a footpath around to avoid it. If you don’t want to hike to the top, you can do the 5.26km loop that circles the base of Lion’s Head.
For more information: https://www.capetown.travel/hike-up-lions-head-in-cape-town/
The Pipe Track
This is a great hike for the whole family. In fact, it’s more of a walk on the mountain than a hike up it. This route gives hikers a chance to take a closer look at the fynbos on the mountain and there are points along the way that provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the areas of Camps Bay and Clifton.
Access to the route is also easy. You simply park at the very first parking lot on Tafelberg Road and head to the right, up the concrete stairs where you’ll find the Pipe Track leading toward the Twelve Apostles. The route is about 6km long and will take anywhere between one-and-a-half to three hours to complete, depending on your pace and fitness levels. You can turn around at any point though.
For more information: https://www.capetown.travel/easy-hikes-cape-town/
Kasteelspoort
This scenic hiking route takes you up the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain and rewards you with serene views of the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay. It’s a less congested route than many others, so great if you’re looking to take on a route less travelled. The hike up can take anywhere between two to four hours depending on your pace.
The route starts off at the Pipe Track entrance in Camps Bay.Once you reach the top, there are various ways to get back down. You can use the same way you got up or you could opt to cross the Valley of the Red Gods and Echo Valley to get to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which could take between one-and-a-half and three hours depending on speed and fitness. Then you could use a hiking route down the mountain from the Cableway or simply take a cable car.
For more information: https://www.capetown.travel/five-table-mountain-hikes-to-try/
Helderberg Nature Reserve
If you want to hike outside of the main routes of Table Mountain, then definitely give Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West a try. This beautiful reserve sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain.
If you’re hiking on a clear day, there are spectacular views of False Bay to take in. There are a few trails to choose from. For those wanting a brisk and short walk, the 2.2km Sugarbird trail is perfect. The more experienced hikers can try the 7-hour West Peak trail if they’re up for it. There are other walks and hikes, too. Distances vary from 400m, to 4km, to 8.2km and more.
For more information: https://www.capetown.travel/member/helderberg/
Durbanville Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is loved by locals in the area and sits in the heart of Durbanville. There are a number of different hiking and walking trails to explore here, many of which lead to great picnic spots and birdwatching sites. If you’re doing this route, look out for the rare Aristea lugens and Serruria bronii plants in the area, as well as animals such as the Angulate Tortoise, Small Grey Mongoose and Cape Rain Frog.
Lookout points in this reserve give you a gorgeous view of Cape Town and Table Mountain in the distance. The walks are not overly strenuous and there are also wheelchair-friendly paths.
For more information: https://www.capetown.travel/member/durbanville-nature-reserve/
Of course, if you are out hiking in Cape Town or anywhere in fact, there are some hiking tips and etiquette to be aware of. You can find all of this information here, but as a first step, be sure to save the following emergency numbers on your phone:
Emergencies: +27 (0)21 480 7700
Table Mountain National Park: +27 (0)21 957 4700
Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 (0)21 937 0300
Cape Town Tourism: +27 (0)861 322 223
Download the Namola Safety App. Namola pinpoints your location, immediately gives you an emergency operator to talk to, and gets you the help you need and does so speedily.
Whichever route you take, know that Cape Town is a stunning city and will reward you with views, yes, but memories to treasure for a lifetime.
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