Best dayhikes in Cape Town

Our Local Expert Says:

Although the most popular route up Table Mountain is Platteklip Gorge, there are numerous trails to enjoy. Of course there are also a number of ways down- hiking, the cable car, or an abseil off the mountain!

Description:

Standing guard over Cape Town, Table Mountain defines the city. For early seafarers, the Mountain signified arrival at this port of call. For the original inhabitants of the area, the Mountain was the source of myth and intrigue. For modern day Cape Tonians, Table Mountain is the heart of daily life. At 1086 meters and home to 1400 species of flora, Table Mountain is a spectacular nature reserve surrounded by a city. With hundreds of routes to ascend, the Mountain can keep an avid hiker and climber busy for years.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the best views of Cape Town and surrounds come from the trail that winds its way around Lions Head. Beautiful at any time of the day, a walk up Lions Head is an essential part of enjoying Cape Town’s natural beauty.

Description:

Guarding the western edge of Cape Town, Lion's Head offers hiking with views over the Atlantic Seaboard, Robben Island, the Cape Town city bowl, and Table Mountain. For those who prefer having their feet off solid ground, tour companies operate tandem paragliding from Lions Head's slopes to the Atlantic coast. Locals can be found hiking Lions Head daily but full moon evening is often popular for sunset drinks on the summit.

Description:

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, Cape Town's Chapmans Peak Drive is a spectacular 10 km coastal drive linking Noordhoek to Hout Bay. In spring (Sept-November) Southern Right Whales can be spotted in Hout Bay. Year round there are stunning views from numerous viewpoints and picnic spots. A trail to Chapman's Peak itself starts just before the highest viewpoint on Chapman's Peak Drive. If the road is closed or if one only wants to access the portion of the road closer to Hout Bay, a complimentary day pass can be acquired from the toll booth.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you want to enjoy a sunset horseback ride on the beach, this is the place to do it. Also great surfing near the Chapman's Peak side . If you are going to take a long walk, check with the locals about safety.

Description:

Based at the southern end of Chapman's Peak Drive, Noodhoek beach is well known to locals, horseriders, kite flyers, and the like. The longest of any of the Atlantic Seaboard beaches, Noordhoek offers great sunset views and hours of walking. Watch out for windy days though, the beach is exposed and the sand can whip up.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Cape Peninsula is home to some of the world’s greatest floral diversity. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is host to numerous examples and provides a great venue for walking, picnicking, and playing.

Description:

Settled along the eastern slope of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens hosts over 22,000 indigenous plants. Just 15 minutes away from Cape Town city centre, the Botanical Gardens are extraordinarily natural in design and blend straight in to the mountain. There is a tea shop and picnic sites for those wanting to enjoy a leisurely visit and paths from the Garden leading straight onto Table Mountain for the more active. In summer, there are Sunday Summer concerts on the lawn; arrive early, enjoy the Garden, set up a picnic spot and enjoy the music.

Description:

Overlooking the Cape Flats, False Bay, and Noordhoek, the two sections of Silvermine offer hiking, mountain biking (in one section only), rock climbing, and bouldering. Part of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine feels like it should be hours from any city yet is in the middle of it all.