This one really had our heads swirling, guys! There is such an abundance of spectacular hiking trails in Cape Town, that it’s pretty challenging to choose just five...What a problem to have, right?

Cape Town’s beauty is endless making any hike an unforgettable one, so you really can’t go wrong. However, after careful thought and consideration, we have found 5 hikes said to be the most popular, scenic, invigorating, and magnificent by Capetonians and hikers from all over the world!

Get ready for an adventure with our 5 favourite Cape Town hiking trails!

 

1. Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an iconic flat-topped mountain drawing sightseers from across the globe to the marvellous Mother City of South Africa. This magnificent mountain has a vast variety of hiking trails to choose from. Ranging from easy and moderate to challenging, there is a route to satisfy hikers of all levels.

If you’re up for a challenge, why not try all of them, starting with these highly rated
trails:

Tranquility Cracks, on the 12 Apostles side of the mountain.

Elephant’s Eye, quite possibly one of the most popular and busiest, so go early.

Kasteelpoort with the famous, ‘Instagram worthy’ diving board for the brave (only safe if it’s not windy).

Then there is Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge - both of which boast phenomenal views, but are on the more challenging side of hiking trails so be prepared to sweat!

2. Kogelberg Biosphere - Crystal Pools

Situated about 40km from Cape Town, this breathtaking biosphere reserve was a first for South Africa and is now listed as a World Heritage Site. It covers about 103 629 hectares of which 80% is mountainous landscape. From high peaks to deep valleys, choose from a variety of day hikes or overnight trails under the stars.

We recommend a reasonably easy route known as the Crystal Pools hike. A permit is required for this hiking trail so make sure you have one before arriving.
We suggest hiking for 1 hour, taking in the gorgeous indigenous fynbos and large
boulders, until you hear the whispers of the waterfall at the second pool. Enjoy a
thrilling natural shower under the waterfall, cool down in the icy water, or enjoy an
exhilarating jump off the rocks into the crystal pools below - but please be sure you’re jumping in deep enough water before taking the leap!

3. Lion’s Head

This hike is an absolute must in our books! It’s relatively easy, so much so that many families hike together with their dogs to the summit. With sensational views from all around, this hike is one of the most popular hikes in Cape Town! We recommend hiking on a clear morning, before sunrise, to witness the glorious glow of the sun filling the sky as it ascends from Durbanville Hills. Is there a better way to begin your day?

If you’re not a morning person, not to worry, the sunset hikes are equally extravagant. Wrap up the day with a soul-fulfilling hike up this beautiful peak and observe the fierce vibrance of a Cape Town sunset - a memorable sight worth experiencing again and again!

4. Jonkershoek

 

Allow us to introduce a UNESCO World Heritage Site to you, Jonkershoek. Referred to as a hiker’s paradise, this is a hiking destination not to miss out on. Expect magnificent views of mountains and valleys, lush sections of Ericas and the famous King Protea, and endless visions of splendour!

Once you reach a certain point, you will notice that there are various trails to choose from and continue hiking. Our favourite Jonkershoek route is undoubtedly the Panorama Circuit. This trail truly lives up to its awe-inspiring reputation with the most sensational views to fill any adventure hiker’s heart! We must warn you to please be careful along any of these trails as some sections may have loose rocks and/or ground.

5. Cape Point

 

Why is Cape Point so special? Some people refer to this southern-most tip of South Africa as “the end of the earth”, with its edgy cliffs, gorgeous views of two oceans meeting together, white sandy beaches, breathtaking bays, native fynbos, and wild coastal weather...The list can continue but we think you get the just of it - Beauty abounds in this iconic place.

We must mention the mischievous baboons on the prowl for anything shiny,
interesting, and delicious, so please keep your car keys safe, backpack on your
person, and any other belongings tucked safely away.

Once again, you have an array of hiking trails to choose from. However, we do
suggest you explore like never before with one of these two trails - The Cape of
Good Hope Trail and Hoerikwaggo Trail. Both are long, overnight trails for moderately fit hikers. The Cape of Good Hope is a breathtaking two days, one-night hike, whilst Hoerikwaggo is a legendary trail that will have you hiking for 5 days and 4 nights, but we promise, it will be well worth it!

If you’d like to see what the rest of South Africa has to offer visit Veldskoen Travel.