Hiking in Cape Town: 10 Best Day Hikes for All Fitness Levels

May 4, 2025
ABS, Africa travel

Discover the 10 best day hikes in Cape Town—from Table Mountain to coastal trails. Fitness levels, trail tips, and what to expect on every route.

Hiking in Cape Town: 10 of the Best Day Hikes for All Fitness Levels

Cape Town hiking trails offer breathtaking views, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking to summit iconic peaks like Table Mountain, stroll through indigenous forests, or take in ocean views from mountain ridges, the Mother City’s best hikes cater to all levels of fitness and adventure.

From tourist-favorite climbs like Lion’s Head to hidden gems in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, here are the top 10 day hikes in Cape Town—perfect for exploring the natural beauty of one of the world’s most scenic cities.

1. Platteklip Gorge

One of the most popular Table Mountain hikes, Platteklip Gorge is a challenging 3km zigzag trail leading hikers straight up to the top. Starting near the cableway station on Tafelberg Road, this hike rewards the effort with sweeping views of Cape Town and the Atlantic coastline.

The stone steps are strenuous but safe. Once at the top, enjoy refreshments and panoramic vistas—and take the Table Mountain cable car down for a relaxing finish.

Key Details:

Distance: 3km | Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Fitness level: High (5/5)
Warnings: No shade—avoid hiking during peak summer heat. Hike early and bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and check cable car times to avoid getting stranded.

2. Maclear’s Beacon

Located at the highest point on Table Mountain, Maclear’s Beacon is an easy extension for those who’ve reached the summit via Platteklip Gorge or cableway. The route is marked by yellow footprints and leads to a pile of rocks built in 1844 by astronomer Thomas Maclear.

It’s a gentle out-and-back trail offering spectacular plateau views—perfect for families or casual walkers.

Key Details:

Distance: 5.5km | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
Fitness level: Low (1/5)
Warnings: Avoid during fog or mist—it’s easy to get disoriented. Be cautious along the short section with chains near the edge.

3. The Pipe Track

Tracing a historic 1887 water pipeline, the Pipe Track is one of the easiest and most scenic hikes in Cape Town. The mostly flat trail starts at the Kloof Nek parking lot and follows the Twelve Apostles, overlooking Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Perfect for casual walks or sunset hikes, you can turn back whenever you wish or complete the full 6km out-and-back route.

Key Details:

Distance: Up to 6km | Duration: 4–6 hours (round trip)
Fitness level: Medium to Low (2/5)
Warnings: Very little shade—bring sun protection and water. Avoid hiking alone.

4. Lion’s Head

Arguably Cape Town’s most iconic hike after Table Mountain, Lion’s Head is a spiraling trail that offers 360° views over the Cape Town city bowl, Table Bay, Camps Bay, and Table Mountain itself. A popular full-moon hike, it’s also a great sunrise trek.

The trail includes chains, ladders, and minor scrambling—but an easier alternative path is available.

Key Details:

Distance: 4km | Duration: 2–4 hours
Fitness level: Moderate (3/5)
Warnings: Petty crime has occurred—avoid carrying valuables. Bring a headlamp for night hikes, and always check conditions beforehand.

5. Skeleton Gorge

Starting in the lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Skeleton Gorge is one of the most rewarding hikes in Cape Town. The trail climbs through dense indigenous forest, passing waterfalls and moss-covered rocks, and opens onto the Table Mountain plateau.

Adventurous hikers can visit Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir or continue to Maclear’s Beacon or the upper cableway station for the descent.

Key Details:

Distance: 14km round trip | Duration: 5–7 hours
Fitness level: High (5/5)
Warnings: Steep and slippery after rain; includes ladders and rock scrambles. Entry fee required at Kirstenbosch.

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6. Newlands Forest Contour Path

The Newlands Forest contour path offers one of the best shaded hikes in Cape Town—ideal for summer mornings or family outings. The trail follows the eastern slope of Table Mountain and is part of a network of routes connecting to Skeleton Gorge, Rhodes Memorial, and Kirstenbosch.

The thick forest canopy, mossy rocks, and occasional views of the city make it a serene escape from urban life.

Key Details:

Distance: 3–5km | Duration: 1.5–3 hours (varies by route)
Fitness level: Moderate (3/5)
Warnings: Slippery in wet weather. Cell signal can be poor—download maps or walk with a local guide.

7. Devil’s Peak via Tafelberg Road

Offering dramatic views and fewer crowds, the Devil’s Peak hike is a great Table Mountain alternative. Starting from Tafelberg Road near the cableway station, the trail gains elevation quickly and offers panoramas of the city bowl, harbor, and northern suburbs.

It’s slightly more challenging than Lion’s Head but far less trafficked—perfect for those seeking solitude.

Key Details:

Distance: 6km | Duration: 3–4 hours
Fitness level: High (4/5)
Warnings: Exposed to wind and weather changes. The final scramble can be tricky—don’t attempt in fog or rain.

8. Chapman’s Peak Hike

Above the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive, this lesser-known hike rewards climbers with incredible views of Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a short, steep trail that starts near the tollgate and ascends quickly to the summit.

It’s a great choice for golden hour or sunset hikers looking for epic photography and solitude.

Key Details:

Distance: 3.5km | Duration: 2–3 hours round trip
Fitness level: Moderate (3/5)
Warnings: Steep, unshaded terrain—avoid midday heat. Be cautious near cliff edges.

9. Cape Point Lighthouse Trail

Located in the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park, this short trail leads to both the old and new lighthouses, offering unbeatable views of the rugged coastline and meeting point of two oceans.

Though more of a walk than a hike, it’s one of the most scenic coastal trails in Cape Town, with regular wildlife sightings including baboons, antelope, and seabirds.

Key Details:

Distance: 1.5km | Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Fitness level: Easy (1/5)
Warnings: Entry fee required for Cape Point. Watch out for aggressive baboons—do not carry visible food.

10. Constantia Nek to the Dams (Back Table Route)

This is one of the most rewarding Table Mountain hikes for those seeking a peaceful full-day trek. Starting at Constantia Nek, the trail winds upward through shaded paths, pine forests, and sandstone outcrops to reach the Table Mountain reservoirs—Hely-Hutchinson and Woodhead Dams.

You can descend via Skeleton Gorge or return the same way. It’s ideal for seasoned hikers looking for solitude and Cape fynbos landscapes.

Key Details:

Distance: 12–14km | Duration: 6–7 hours
Fitness level: High (5/5)
Warnings: Bring layers for changing weather and lots of water. No facilities at the top—carry all supplies.

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From rugged mountain summits to coastal paths and indigenous forests, Cape Town’s hiking trails offer something for everyone. Lace up your boots, check the weather, and let nature guide your next adventure on the slopes of Table Mountain and beyond.