Written by Shanaaz Ziervogel
The early bird side of me loves to get my trainers on and hit the mountains of Cape Town.
I live in one of the most enchanting cities in the world, and so I have the best of both worlds, a bustling city and nature on my doorstep. Oh, my goodness, the beauty is especially obvious here in Cape Town! Hitting the hiking trails is so good for my mind, body and soul.
Table Mountain is dotted with many hiking spots all over, with ravines, rugged cliffs, forests, natural waterfalls, and of course sensational ocean views all part of the experience.
I have a great deal of experience with hiking as it is one of my favourite things to do. It’s rewarding, challenging and never disappointing. I get to spend time in the Mother City with my friends in Nature, what could be better than that?
Here are my favourite hiking spots in and around Cape Town.
Lions Head Hiking Trail
Duration of hike 2.5 hours
Lions Head is a short duration hike that starts on Signal Hill. The scenery from the top of the mountain is nothing short of spectacular. The best time to hike Lions Head is sunrise or sunset. This hike circles around Lions Head, giving you panoramic views of the city and seascapes. The path does become incredibly steep as you will need to climb rock faces and boulder. Alternatively, there is another route if you feel uncomfortable with climbing the metal rungs and ladders.
Fitness Level: Moderate
Platteklip Gorge:
Duration of hike 2.5 hours
This is the most direct route to Table Mountain’s summit, Platteklip Gorge, and is known as one of the most popular routes to summit Table Mountain. This hike is well maintained and is quite busy, you will climb many steps to reach the top, but when you are not looking at the path you are looking at the magical views over the City Bowl. When you reach the ledge of Table Mountain, you will be thrilled by the views of Camps Bay Beach and beyond. Once you have caught your breath, you will be able to explore Table Mountain and head down by the Aerial Cableway and taking the cable car down.
Fitness level: Moderate
The Pipe Track
Duration of hike: 3 hours
Here is where you will find fresh air and gorgeous landscapes of Cape Town without breaking a sweat! You will experience nature at its best. The Pipe Track is super tranquil and is great for a relaxed walk with your family. It is found below the western slopes of Table Mountain, mostly flat with a few inclines and declines. Here you can get up close and personal with the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. Keep an eye out for the wild flowers!
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Woodstock Cave
Duration of hike: 1.5-2 hours
This trail is easy to moderate. The hike takes you up to a large cave with a beautiful view over the city. During winter, you will enjoy lots of waterfalls. There are two starting points, the shorter route starts via Tafelberg Road which is where the start of the Aerial Cableway is. The second is at Rhodes Memorial at the base of Devil’s Peak. Along the hike you can enjoy birdwatching, beautiful fynbos and so much nature!
Fitness Level: Low to Moderate
Devil’s Peak
Duration of hike: 3-4 hours
Sitting to the left of Table Mountain is the summit known as Devil’s Peak; this hike is bound to get your heart rate up! It’s uphill for the first 20 minutes where you will navigate uphill zigzagging before it levels out. Then you will head towards the saddle of Table Mountain. Views are incredible, so catch your breath and turn around every now and then.
Once you summit Devils Peak you will be able to find a boulder and sit in pure paradise overlooking a 360-degree view of the Mother City.
Fitness level: Moderate+
Tips from Shanaaz
Before taking on the mountain, you must know and understand the various routes. I don’t think anyone wants to take a longer route when you can take a more scenic route! Always remember your safety, it’s ALWAYS best to hike in a group.
We are so lucky having this beauty on our doorstep. When you book your Cape Town vacation speak to one of our travel planners, as we would love to incorporate one of these amazing hikes into your itinerary.
