Cape Town hikes are filled with amazing scenery and vast natural landscapes. Of the many popular sites there are several lesser-known hiking trails that beginners can explore in Cape Town ,that also offer stunning views and peaceful surroundings. We will be looking at some beginner hiking trails in Cape Town all the way through to some moderately difficult ones. So strap on your boots and prepare for adventure!
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Kalk Bay Caves Trail 🗻
The Kalk Bay Caves Trail is located on the eastern side of Cape Town and is one of the lesser-known hiking trails. The trail starts from Boyes Drive and takes you through the Silvermine Nature Reserve to the Kalk Bay Caves. The hike is relatively easy and takes around 2 hours to complete. This is ideal for beginners as it offers a gradual climb and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean. The trail is well-marked, making it easy to navigate. The Kalk Bay Caves are also a great spot to take a break and enjoy the fresh air.
Address: Boomslang Caves Trail, Clovelly, Cape Town
Cecilia Waterfall Trail 💧
If you’re looking for waterfall hikes Cape Town has you covered .Cecilia Waterfall Trail located in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a great spot for beginners/intermediate hikers. The trail is a 4.3-km loop, and is renowned for its popularity, the trail often sees other enthusiasts, creating a lively hiking community. The best times to explore this scenic route are from December to October when weather conditions are favourable. The trail allows for the inclusion of furry friends, as dogs are welcome and can be off-leash in designated areas. Surrounded by indigenous forest, hikers are treated to a beautiful and protected environment, with shaded pathways enhancing the overall experience. Cecilia Waterfall Trail is an ideal destination for those seeking a rewarding outdoor adventure amidst the natural beauty of the Western Cape.
Address: Cecilia Forest Hiking Trail, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town
Elephant’s Eye Cave Trail🐘
The Elephant’s Eye Cave Trail located in the Silvermine Nature Reserve is a great spot for beginners. The Elephant’s Eye Cave Trail offers a beautiful walk, showcasing stunning landscapes with minimal shade until reaching the captivating cave at the trail’s end, making the journey highly rewarding. While generally not too challenging, the last stretch leading up to the cave requires a bit more effort. This family-friendly trail is perfect for kids and dogs, providing a pleasant outing for both. Warm days allow hikers to cool off at the dam located at the trail’s bottom. Open year-round, the Elephant’s Eye Cave Trail welcomes visitors with its scenic charm at any time.
Address: Silvermine Nature Reserve, Table Mountain, Cape Town
Skeleton Gorge Trail 🚶🏿♂️
The Skeleton Gorge Trail is a great spot for hikers. The trail takes you through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Skeleton Gorge, perched in the heart of Table Mountain, is a popular trail renowned for its challenging yet rewarding features. Spanning from December through October, this trail attracts enthusiasts seeking an adventurous experience.
The path consists of a single rocky track adorned with stone steps, steep sections, ladders, and minor scrambles, guiding hikers through an enchanting indigenous forest. However, caution is advised as weather conditions on Table Mountain can shift rapidly. Clouds may suddenly emerge, and winds can escalate to gale-force speeds. As such, visitors are encouraged to carry warm clothing, especially for the upper portions of the trail. Skeleton Gorge offers a dynamic and invigorating hike, showcasing the beauty of Table Mountain while requiring preparation for the ever-changing mountain climate.
Address: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch Trail 🌴
The Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch Trail also located in Table Mountain National Park is a great spot for beginners. This walk is characterized by its loveliness and ample shade, making it an ideal choice for a stroll. The trail is well-marked and easily navigable, ensuring a pleasant experience for hikers of various skill levels. One noteworthy aspect is that its dog-friendly nature, allowing canine companions to join in the adventure, except inside Kirstenbosch, where dogs are not permitted. However, a convenient dog-friendly gate along Rycroft Road provides an exit option for those accompanied by their four-legged friends. This thoughtful inclusion enhances the trail’s accessibility for pet owners, contributing to a more inclusive and enjoyable outdoor experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a dog lover, or simply seeking a rejuvenating walk, the Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch Trail promises a tranquil journey through the beauty of the outdoors.
Address: Constantia Nek Jeep Track, Wynberg NU (2), Cape Town
Pipe Track👟
The Pipe Track is one of the easy hikes Cape Town has to offer .The hike offers a delightful hiking experience with a moderate difficulty level. Suitable for individuals with low to moderate fitness levels, this approximately 6km route begins at the junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek, leading hikers towards the lovely destination of Camps Bay. The ease of access and manageable terrain make it an ideal choice for those seeking a leisurely outdoor activity. The journey typically takes 2 to 4 hours, allowing for flexibility based on individual fitness and experience levels. Whether you are a casual hiker or someone looking for a moderate challenge, The Pipe Track invites you to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes while providing a satisfying and rejuvenating outdoor adventure in the heart of nature.
Address: Junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek, Cape Town
Silvermine Dam Trail🩶
The Silvermine Dam Trail in the Silvermine Nature Reserve is a great spot for beginners. The trail takes you around the Silvermine Dam and offers stunning views .Located on the southern side of Table Mountain, approximately a 40-minute drive from Cape Town’s centre, the trail encircles the Silvermine Dam Amphitheatre, providing hikers with amazing scenery. Popular among locals and visitors alike, the Amphitheatre hike stands out as one of the area’s most cherished trails. Accessible via the Ou Kaapse Weg / M64 road, the trail begins at a convenient car park by the dam, often attended by a car guard. Named after hopeful silver prospecting in the 1960s, the area is rich in history, even though no silver was discovered. The reservoir and its surroundings, however, have retained the evocative name of Silvermine, inviting nature enthusiasts to explore its beauty.
Address: Silver Mine (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Woodstock Caves Trail✨
The Woodstock Caves Trail takes you through a dense forest and offers stunning views . The Woodstock Caves Trail provides a delightful and accessible hiking experience with its relatively easy terrain, making it perfect for families and nature enthusiasts. Set against a beautiful backdrop, the trail leads to a large cave, living up to its name, and rewards hikers with an epic view overlooking the city. The cave itself is a remarkable feature, adding an element of intrigue to the journey. Particularly family-friendly, this trail is a great option for those seeking a memorable outdoor experience without an overly strenuous effort. If visited in winter, hikers may be treated to the sight of a small waterfall cascading from the overhang of the cave. Open year-round, the Woodstock Caves Trail beckons explorers to enjoy its natural beauty and panoramic views at any time, offering a serene escape within reach of the city.
Address: Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Chapmans Peak Summit🔝
The journey to Chapman’s Peak Summit stands out as one of the most rewarding hikes in the Cape Peninsula, offering an enriching experience surrounded by beautiful plants and providing magnificent views that showcase the Peninsula’s natural splendor. The trail is adorned with indigenous flora, including proteas, ericas, and a variety of indigenous trees, creating a botanical spectacle along the way. Keep a keen eye out for the majestic black eagle or the impressive fish eagle, adding a touch of wildlife to the adventure. Chapman’s Peak, the focal point of this hike, lends its name to the renowned Chapman’s Peak Drive, a scenic road weaving through the coastal landscape. The peak’s history is intertwined with that of John Chapman, a British sailor sent ashore to seek fresh water in what is now Hout Bay, contributing a historical touch to the natural beauty of the area.
Address: Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Kasteelspoort Trail😶🌫️
Embark on a thrilling adventure with the Kasteelspoort hiking route, perched on the western slopes, Kasteelspoort is celebrated as the favoured and enjoyable ascent up the Twelve Apostles range. Spanning 6 kilometres, this challenging trail promises an exhilarating experience for avid hikers. The route showcases the landscape, offering shaded sections in the mornings and basking in direct sunlight throughout the day. Optimal for summer excursions, early mornings become the preferred time to tackle this ascent, providing hikers with cooler temperatures and a refreshing start to their journey. As you navigate the trail, be prepared for breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment as you conquer the heights of both the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain.
Address: Kasteelspoort, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
There are several hiking spots in cape town . The beginner hiking trails like all the other hiking sites offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean and are a great way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some of the trails mentioned above are not well-known and offer a unique experience for those looking for a less crowded hike. Whether you are looking for a short hike or a longer one, there is a trail in Cape Town that is perfect for you . Grab your gear and we’ll see you at the top.
