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Cape Town is a haven for hikers, offering hundreds of trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly paths or challenging all-day hikes to test your skills and endurance, this city has it all. With trails nestled in lush forests, along rugged scenic coastlines, and atop majestic peaks, the hiking opportunities are as unique as its landscapes.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the top 10 hiking trails you can’t miss.
1. Pipe Track
Hiking in Cape Town is a great way to find inexpensive entertainment that will help you have fun while keeping living costs down. The Pipe Track is a perfect day activity: a 6km trail along Table Mountain’s western side with a gorgeous ocean view.
The route is mostly flat and easy, but there are some slightly more challenging sections after passing the Slangolie Raive. It’s kid-friendly and dog-friendly with a dog permit. Use caution on hot days, as there are large sections without shade, so pack lots of water and wear a sunhat and sunscreen.
2. Platteklip Gorge
Pattleklip Gorge is a 3-hour hike for experienced hikers straight up the front face of Table Mountain for those who want the challenge. It is a strenuous hike, so wear good hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, a sun hat, and a windbreaker since the summit can get cold. Hot days are not advisable since there is little shade.
While dogs are allowed, they are not recommended since they struggle in the heat and cannot ride down in the cable car. Also, SANParks says this site receives many rescue calls for people who cannot make it or miss the last cable car down, so this is not for beginners.
3. Maclear’s Beacon
Maclear’s Beacon sits above Platteklip, but it’s much gentler and kid-friendly if you take the cable car to the Upper Cableway Station. For really adventurous and athletic types, you can do Platteklip and Maclear’s in one day and hike from the bottom to the top!
The trail to Maclear’s is 5.5km to the official highest point on Table Mountain, 1,088m. It takes about two hours to get there and back, where you will enjoy amazing views. While relatively easy, a short section of rocky steps requires chains and handholds, so strollers are not advised, and it may be challenging for toddlers. Cloudy or misty weather can also be challenging, although yellow footprints mark the trail.
4. Skeleton Gorge
Skeleton Gorge is another one for fit hikers only. No dogs are allowed. This 2-3 hour (one way) 7km hike takes you across Table Mountain. You will go through Skeleton Gorge, which has beautiful forests, streams, and fynbos vegetation. At the top, you can see the gorgeous white sand beaches below. Take the Nursery Ravine down, or head to Maclear’s Beacon, then to the Upper Cableway Station and take the cable car down.
5. Lion’s Head Summit
This 4.5km (2.8 mile) hike takes you to the popular Lion’s Head Summit. It is not a long hike but a bit difficult since you will climb up 348m (1141ft) to the top of Lion’s Head. You can enjoy the gorgeous Southern Ocean and Cape Town views there. It’s on the northern edge of Table Mountain National Park, so you must pay an entrance fee.
6. Silvermine River Walk
For an all-ages, family-friendly, and dog-friendly (with a permit) stroll, take the 2-hour Silvermine River Walk through the spectacular Silvermine Nature Reserve. There are wooden boardwalks, trails, and some manageable rocky sections. The reserve has a fantastic diversity of shrubs, wildflowers, a keurboom forest, and even a small waterfall.
If you go in the winter, you can enjoy a family picnic with a provided barbecue area. Bring an EcoFlow GLACIER Portable Refrigerator to keep your snacks and meals at food-safe temperatures. It has a separate fridge, freezer compartment, and even a built-in ice maker.
7. Orange Kloof
This trail is for fit hikers only, and no dogs are allowed. But if you want seclusion in nature, this is the only trail with restricted access requiring a free permit that must be booked with a registered mountain guide. This 8 km route heads up Disa River Gorge past waterfalls and river pools through mossy mountain forests to the top of Table Mountain.
If you book in advance, you can stay at the cottage on Table Mountain. Otherwise, there are campgrounds and caravan parks nearby. If you plan to camp overnight, be sure to pack all of your travel essentials. Bring an EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro Solar Generator (PV220W) to keep all your devices powered up and run lights or small kitchen appliances.
8. Newlands Forest
For a nice shady walk to escape the summer heat, try the Newlands Forest walk, which is just a short drive from the city centre. Plan on spending about 1-4 hours hiking the network of paths. You will find wooden boardwalks, streams, bridges, waterfalls, rocky patches, and a lovely picnic area. The trails are easy, family-friendly for all ages, and dog-friendly with a permit. Note that it’s closed from June to September for the winter rainy season.
Bring your EcoFlow RIVER Solar Generator to recharge your phone or camera after you drain your battery from taking all those pictures! They come in a range of compact, highly portable sizes that you can fit in your backpack.
9. Elsie’s Peak
Elsie’s Peak is a sandstone mountain with cliffs, boulders, dunes, seasonal swamps, and grottos found at the southern end of the Cape Peninsula. It is an easy, kid-friendly and dog-friendly 2-3 hour circular hike that goes up towards the radio mast atop a peak named for its Indigenous rooiels trees.
The trail is clearly defined and easy to access, with some steeper sections and rock steps. Be prepared for cold winds on top, but you will enjoy panoramic views of False Bay and the beautiful fynbos vegetation.
10. Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail
This kid-friendly destination offers a funicular (rail car) ride with an easy 3.4km walk through a narrow path with historical bunkers, lighthouses, fynbos vegetation, and views of rocky cliffs, the Southern Ocean, and crashing waves below.
There are also plenty of baboons. But take caution, never approach or feed them, and slowly back away if you encounter one. There is an entry fee, and they do not accept cash, so bring your cards. Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
This one is nearly two hours out of Cape Town, so plan for a short road trip. Be sure to bring an EcoFlow River 2 Max to keep all your devices powered up on your adventure! Campgrounds are nearby, so if you are on a multi-day adventure, you can recharge your power station with DC car plugs or EcoFlow Portable Solar Panels for a clean energy option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lion’s Head Summit is the most popular hike in Cape Town, followed by the Platteklip Gorge, both of which are part of Table Mountain National Park. Both are for more experienced hikers.
There are nearly 400 hiking trails in the Cape Town area, many around Table Mountain, but others at Cape Point. Trails are available for all skill levels.
Final Thoughts
Cape Town’s hiking trails offer something for everyone—relaxing forest walks, thrilling mountain climbs, and incredible views. Whether exploring with family, hiking solo or adventuring with friends, preparation is key to making the most of your experience. Don’t forget to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and an EcoFlow River 2 Pro Portable Power Station.
Its compact design and reliable energy ensure your devices stay powered throughout any adventure. Gear up, hit the trails, and make lasting memories in the breathtaking landscapes.