Cape Town, with its dramatic landscapes, cultural diversity, and rich history, is home to some of the world’s most iconic trails. From the pathways created by indigenous people to modern trails designed for both hiking and mountain biking, Cape Town’s trails are woven into the social and cultural fabric of the city. At OutActive, a non-profit nature foundation based in Cape Town, we’re passionate about the transformative power of trails and the rich histories they carry. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of trails in Cape Town and the evolution of hiking and mountain biking paths that connect us to nature, each other, and the past.
Following the Footsteps of Indigenous Peoples
Long before formal trails existed, indigenous groups like the Khoi, San, and other Khoisan communities used natural pathways to navigate the region. They travelled the land for hunting, gathering, and trading, creating informal trails across the Cape’s mountains and coastal areas. These early trails served as essential routes for movement and survival, linking the people of the Cape to resources like water, food, and shelter.
Many of these paths followed natural landforms like ridgelines and valleys, and some evolved into the trails we still use today. As Cape Town developed into a European colony in the 17th century, many indigenous trails were adapted by colonial settlers, who relied on these established pathways to access remote areas for farming, military operations, and exploration. These early interactions with indigenous pathways laid the groundwork for the future trail networks that now crisscross the Cape Peninsula.
Table Mountain’s Iconic Hiking Trails
Cape Town’s signature landmark, Table Mountain, has a long history of hiking that dates back to the colonial era. The first recorded hike up Table Mountain was in 1503 by Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha, who ascended what is now known as Platteklip Gorge. This historic route remains one of the most popular trails to the mountain’s summit, offering a direct, rugged path that’s challenging yet rewarding. By the late 1800s, hiking had become a popular activity for locals and visitors alike. In 1891, the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) was established to support and promote mountain exploration.
The club played a key role in mapping routes on Table Mountain and preserving the area’s natural beauty. Over the years, MCSA members created trails such as the Pipe Track, which follows an old pipeline route on the mountain’s western side, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Table Mountain hosts numerous trails catering to all levels, from beginner hikes like the Contour Path to more advanced routes like Skeleton Gorge and India Venster. Each trail reflects a piece of Cape Town’s history and natural diversity, connecting hikers with a heritage of exploration and awe for the mountain’s landscapes.
Expanding Trail Networks: Lion’s Head, Devil’s Peak, and Beyond
While Table Mountain is undoubtedly Cape Town’s most famous hiking destination, nearby peaks like Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak have their own rich trail histories. Lion’s Head, with its iconic spiral trail, offers hikers a relatively short yet scenic route with panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains. The peak’s popularity has soared in recent decades, especially with the rise of “Full Moon Hikes,” where locals and tourists gather to ascend Lion’s Head under the moonlight. Devil’s Peak, situated to the east of Table Mountain, provides a more challenging trail experience. Like Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak holds historical significance, as its slopes were used for military purposes during the colonial period.
Today, hiking Devil’s Peak allows visitors to enjoy stunning vistas of Cape Town, while reflecting on the area’s layered history of conflict and cultural diversity. As Cape Town’s population grew, the demand for accessible trails increased, leading to the development of more official hiking routes within the Cape Peninsula. Today, many of these trails are managed by Table Mountain National Park, whose conservation efforts help maintain and protect these paths for future generations, preserving both their ecological and historical value.
The Rise of Mountain Biking in Cape Town
While hiking has deep historical roots in Cape Town, mountain biking is a more recent addition to the city’s outdoor culture. The sport began gaining traction in the 1980s when mountain biking first emerged globally as an adventure activity. Initially, mountain bikers used existing hiking trails, but as interest in the sport grew, so did the need for dedicated bike trails to accommodate different riding styles and skill levels. One of the earliest dedicated mountain biking areas in Cape Town was Tokai Forest, located on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. Tokai quickly became a hotspot for local riders, with a variety of trails winding through pine forests, fynbos, and rugged terrain. Managed by Table Mountain National Park, Tokai Forest offers a mix of routes for beginners and advanced riders, making it a key destination for the city’s mountain biking community.
An especially remarkable feature of Cape Town’s mountain biking scene is the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club, which is as far as we know the largest mountain biking club in the world. Founded in 2007, the Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club began with just a handful of members and has since expanded to include thousands of enthusiasts from across the globe. The club is based in the Tygerberg Hills, just outside Cape Town, and manages over 170 kilometers of trails on private land.
The club has been instrumental in developing a vast network of trails that cater to all levels of riders, from beginner-friendly paths to technical routes with challenging gradients. Its commitment to responsible trail development and environmental sustainability has made Tygerberg Mountain Bike Club a model for other clubs worldwide. The club also actively engages the local community, organising events, races, and youth programs that help build skills and foster a love for the sport. Through the dedication of its members, Tygerberg has transformed the area into one of the premier mountain biking destinations in South Africa.
Adding further prestige to Cape Town’s mountain biking legacy is the annual ABSA Cape Epic, widely regarded as the world’s most challenging and prestigious mountain biking stage race. Established in 2004, the Cape Epic draws elite mountain bikers from around the world, as well as dedicated amateurs seeking an extraordinary challenge. This eight-day race covers roughly 700 kilometers, with approximately 16,000 meters of climbing, across the Western Cape’s diverse terrain.
Held annually in March, the race attracts top international teams, and it has become known as the “Tour de France of mountain biking” for its scale, difficulty, and scenic, but demanding, landscapes. Each year, participants navigate rugged mountains, technical single tracks, and open plains, testing their physical and mental endurance to the limit. The Cape Epic’s presence has been transformative for Cape Town, shining an international spotlight on the region’s world-class trails and attracting tourism that supports the local economy.
Trail Use Today: A Blend of Tradition and Adventure
Today, Cape Town’s trails reflect the city’s diverse outdoor culture, blending traditional hiking routes with modern mountain biking paths. Trail management efforts by Table Mountain National Park, community organisations, and advocacy groups have made Cape Town a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
As trails around Cape Town grow in popularity, the importance of sustainable trail use becomes ever more critical. At OutActive, we support responsible trail use, encouraging hikers and mountain bikers to respect nature, stay on designated paths, and participate in conservation efforts. By working together, we can protect these trails so that they remain accessible and enjoyable for everyone, now and in the future.
Cape Town’s trail history is a story of exploration, preservation, and community. From ancient indigenous pathways to modern biking tracks, the trails of Cape Town are more than just routes—they’re connections to nature, history, and each other. Whether you’re a hiker or a mountain biker, Cape Town’s trails invite you to explore and celebrate the city’s incredible landscapes, one path at a time.
