At Out Active, we’re passionate about connecting adventurers with the incredible landscapes that await right outside. If you’re a hiking enthusiast seeking spectacular views, Cape Town is an ideal destination. With breathtaking vistas of mountains, coastline, and cityscapes, the Mother City offers scenic routes for every skill level. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trailblazer, this guide will introduce you to some of the most rewarding panoramic trails that showcase the best of what Cape Town has to offer.
- Beginner-Friendly Trails
- Intermediate Trails
- Advanced Trails
- 7. Lion’s Head Summit Trail – Iconic Views and a Rewarding Challenge
- 8. Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station Trail – A Steep Ascent to Spectacular Views
- 9. Platteklip – Maclear's – Grootkop Trail – A Demanding Hike with Majestic Views
- 10. Devil's Peak Trail – A Challenging Ascent with Stunning Views
- BONUS TRAIL:
Beginner-Friendly Trails
1. Signal Hill Trail – Scenic Views with a Gentle Ascent
The Signal Hill Trail offers a leisurely hike with stunning views of Cape Town, the ocean, and surrounding mountains. This easy trail is perfect for those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience with beautiful panoramic vistas.
Distance: 5.0 km (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best views and cooler temperatures
Highlights: Views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the trailhead, close to the city center
Trail Link: Signal Hill
Advice: This is a great trail for a leisurely walk or run. Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for stunning light and to avoid the heat.
2. Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest – Scenic Forest Escape
The Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest trail takes you through lush forest paths, offering peaceful surroundings and a moderate challenge. The 4.3 km loop is perfect for those who enjoy a nature-filled hike with a bit of elevation gain.
Distance: 4.3 km (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though mornings are ideal for cooler temperatures and a quiet experience
Highlights: Forest views, Cecilia Waterfall, and peaceful surroundings
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the trailhead, close to Constantia Village for refreshments
Trail Link: Cecilia Waterfall Trail
Advice: This trail is ideal for a peaceful outdoor escape. The forest offers a cooling atmosphere, making it a great choice on warmer days.
3. Pipe Track from Kloof Nek – Scenic Route with Views
The Pipe Track trail from Kloof Nek is a popular route offering stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. This 8.9 km out-and-back trail is moderately challenging with a steady incline and a scenic atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for hikers seeking a bit of adventure without tackling steep climbs.
Distance: 8.9 km (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: October through April for the best weather and views
Highlights: Views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Amenities: Parking at Kloof Nek, close to cafes and restaurants
Trail Link: Pipe Track via Kloof Nek
Advice: A great route for those who enjoy a moderate hike with beautiful vistas. Be prepared for the popular nature of the trail, and consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Intermediate Trails
4. Lion’s Head Summit Trail – A Sunrise Must-Do
Lion’s Head is one of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes, offering a moderately challenging route with stunning 360-degree views of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean. This loop trail is especially popular at sunrise and sunset, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors.
Distance: 5.3 km (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for the best experience and to avoid crowds
Highlights: 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the Lion’s Head trailhead
Trail Link: Lions Head Summit Trail
Advice: Arrive early to enjoy a peaceful sunrise hike. The views as the city wakes up are breathtaking.
5. Silvermine Reservoir Trail – Nature’s Tranquility
The Silvermine Reservoir Trail offers a serene out-and-back route through the Silvermine Nature Reserve, featuring gentle inclines and stunning views of the False Bay coastline. The peaceful setting, surrounded by fynbos vegetation, is perfect for those seeking a quiet nature escape.
Distance: 5.1 km (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to enjoy the cooler weather and peaceful atmosphere
Highlights: Views of False Bay, serene reservoir reflections, and abundant birdlife
Nearby Amenities: Picnic areas and restrooms
Trail Link: Silvermine Reservoir Trail
Advice: Don’t forget your camera to capture the still waters of the reservoir. It’s an ideal spot for quiet moments and nature appreciation.
6. Newlands Forest Trail – A Tranquil Forest Escape
The Newlands Forest Trail is a peaceful loop trail that takes you through lush, shaded forest paths with gentle inclines. Ideal for those looking for a moderate challenge, this trail offers a relaxing escape with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forested areas.
Distance: 3.4 km (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially during the cooler mornings or late afternoons
Highlights: Dense forest, mountain views, and peaceful surroundings
Nearby Amenities: Parking area at the trailhead
Trail Link: Newlands Forest Trail
Advice: This trail is a great spot for a quick nature getaway; enjoy the serenity and fresh forest air.
Advanced Trails
7. Lion’s Head Summit Trail – Iconic Views and a Rewarding Challenge
The Lion’s Head Summit Trail is one of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, and the ocean. With a challenging ascent, this out-and-back trail is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those seeking a bit of adventure and stunning scenery.
Distance: 4.5 km (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset for the best views
Highlights: 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the Lion’s Head trailhead
Trail Link: Lion’s Head Summit Trail
Advice: Arrive early to catch the unforgettable sunrise—watch as the city and the bay slowly come to life.
8. Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station Trail – A Steep Ascent to Spectacular Views
The Platteklip Gorge Trail is one of the most direct and challenging routes to the top of Table Mountain, offering hikers an intense climb with breathtaking views. This point-to-point trail takes you through the rugged gorge, gaining elevation quickly, and rewards you with panoramic vistas once you reach the Upper Cable Station.
Distance: 2.9 km (point-to-point)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the midday heat
Highlights: Stunning views of Cape Town and the surrounding areas from the top of Table Mountain
Nearby Amenities: Cable Car Station at the top of Table Mountain
Trail Link: Platteklip Gorge to Upper Cable Station Trail
Advice: Be prepared for a steep climb and bring plenty of water. The summit offers stunning photo opportunities, so don’t forget your camera!
9. Platteklip – Maclear’s – Grootkop Trail – A Demanding Hike with Majestic Views
The Platteklip – Maclear’s – Grootkop Trail offers a demanding loop through the heart of Table Mountain. This challenging hike takes you across rocky terrain and steep ascents, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, and surrounding areas. It’s a perfect route for experienced hikers looking to push their limits while enjoying the beauty of the mountain.
Distance: 19.5 km (loop)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
Highlights: Panoramic views from the top, including Cape Town, the Twelve Apostles, and the Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the trailhead
Trail Link: Platteklip – Maclear’s – Grootkop Trail
Advice: Ensure you’re well-prepared for this long and strenuous hike—bring enough water and snacks, and wear sturdy footwear for the rocky terrain.
10. Devil’s Peak Trail – A Challenging Ascent with Stunning Views
The Devil’s Peak Trail is a 5.8 km out-and-back route that offers a challenging ascent to one of Cape Town’s most iconic peaks. The trail provides incredible views of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean as you climb through rocky paths and steep inclines. It’s a popular trail among hikers and runners, so expect to encounter others along the way. The best times to hike this trail are from July through April, with cooler months offering a more comfortable experience.
Distance: 5.8 km (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time to Visit: July through April
Highlights: Spectacular panoramic views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the surrounding landscapes
Nearby Amenities: Parking at the trailhead on Tafelberg Road
Trail Link: Devils Peak Trail
Advice: Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for the rocky sections and bring plenty of water for the hike up. Be prepared for a strenuous climb, but the views are well worth the effort!
BONUS TRAIL:
11. Kloof Nek Pipe Track to Noordhoek – An Epic Challenge with Stunning Views
The Kloof Nek Pipe Track to Noordhoek is a highly challenging, point-to-point trail that spans 29.5 km through some of Cape Town’s most scenic landscapes. This demanding route takes you across rocky paths, steep inclines, and rugged terrain, making it suitable only for experienced hikers and adventurers. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline, the Twelve Apostles, and the Cape Peninsula, with some quieter moments for solitude during the day.
Distance: 29.5 km (point-to-point)
Difficulty: Highly challenging
Best Time to Visit: Early morning, especially in the cooler months
Highlights: Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged mountain landscapes, and the vast scenery of the Cape Peninsula
Nearby Amenities: Parking at Kloof Nek and Noordhoek trailheads
Trail Link: Kloof Nek Pipe Track to Noordhoek
Advice: Due to the trail’s length and elevation gain, prepare well with plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy footwear. It’s advisable to start early and pace yourself for this epic journey.
Before You Set Out
Here are a few things to keep in mind for your hiking adventure:
Weather Check: Cape Town’s weather can change quickly—check forecasts before heading out.
Safety First: Carry water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. Let someone know your hiking plans.
Trail Etiquette: Stay on marked paths, respect nature, and be mindful of fellow hikers.
Start Early: Beat the heat and crowds by starting your hike in the morning.
At Out Active, we believe that Cape Town’s breathtaking landscapes are best experienced on foot. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned hiker, these panoramic trails will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and explore the beauty of Cape Town from its highest peaks and coastal paths!
