Cape Town Guided Hikes

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Easy and moderate day hikes with an experienced and knowledgeable guide in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands and the Overberg area.

Day hikes can be arranged in Cape Town and surrounding areas in the Western Cape.

Refer to itinerary for some examples

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quick info

Tour Length

days

Tour Availability

All year round

Group Size

1-12

people

Grading

Easy

Accomodation

Can be arranged

Meals

Can be included

Our recommendations

Best Weather

October to end of April is high season

Tips and Tricks

Table Mountain is one of the official New 7 Wonders of Nature. Stunning views of the Cape Peninsula. Fynbos plants and wildlife: The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the worlds 6 floral regions- no less than 9,000 species. It has been identified as one of the worlds 18 biodiversity hot spots.

Explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and Table Mountain reserve, representing the Cape Floral Region and recognised as World Heritage sites.

Day hikes in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Kogelberg and Hermanus to experience the areas around Cape Town and Helderberg-, Mont Rochelle-, Kogelberg- and Fernkloof Nature Reserves.

day 1

Silvermine Nature Reserve: The Silvermine Nature Reserve is also part of the Table Mountain National Park and covers the terrain from Kalk Bay all the way to Constantiaberg. This area also contains a river, Silvermine River, which flows all the way from the Silvermine reserve to Clovelly. This area is now an important conservation reserve.

The Silvermine Nature Conservation works very hard at protecting the indigenous fynbos of the area and boasts spectacular results! The Silvermine area is practically clear from all alien vegetation allowing for the indigenous and endemic plants to flourish. The Silvermine Nature Reserve has even built boardwalks over the roots of some of the trees to protect them. There are ancient trees scattered in this area such as Cape Beech, Milkwoods and Yellowwoods to name a few.

Animals can be found in the Silvermine area too such as antelopes, gazelles, steppe lynxes, porcupines and genets. There are plenty of trails to keep avid walkers busy, starting with, rather gentle walks, ideal for the whole family to more strenuous walks that involve a little climb and are slightly longer.

Grade: Easy day hike

day 2

Atlantic contour (Pipe track)

This is for those not so fit just wanting to get out into nature! It is quite a level route running beneath the famous Twelve Apostle Mountain Range with great views overlooking Camps Bay. It is suitable for all ages and varies from 1-2 hours.

This route is known as the Pipe Track as it is named after the pipeline that runs next to the track, which was built in 1887 to conduct water from the reservoirs on Table Mountain to the surrounding areas.

Grade: Easy day hike

day 3

Constantia contour

This is a leisurely stroll through forests and fynbos and is suitable for the whole family. The route takes you to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. As an alternative it is possible to lengthen the route as far as Devils Peak via Rhodes Memorial. The route is very well shaded, making it suitable as a summers hike. The route has stunning views over False Bay & Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Grade: Easy day hike

day 4

Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a prominent landmark from which the historic noon gun is fired, and forms the lions body for the adjacent Lions Head mountain top. Signal Hill rewards hikers with spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean.

The suburbs of the city surround Signal Hill on almost all sides. The area surrounding Signal Hill, on the city side, is significant to the Cape Malay community, who historically lived in the Bo-Kaap quarter close to Signal Hill. There are a number of historic graves and shrines (kramats) of Malay leaders on the slopes of Signal Hill. There are various routes from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sundowners on top of Signal Hill can be arranged at the end of your hike (please enquire).

Grade: Easy day hike

day 5

Kirstenbosh trails

The Yellowwood trail at Kirstenbosch can be combined with strolls through neighbouring Cecilia forest and Newlands forest. It is a good choice for a hot summer's day hike. It is also a great hike to do with children, as it's manageable within a couple of hours. It can also be extended into a whole morning experiencing delightful pools along the way.

Most importantly, the walk takes one through what remains of beautiful afromontane forests in the foot hills of the mountains at Kirstenbosch and is filled with massive trees like Yellow Wood, Cape Beech, Iron Wood, Stinkwood, Hard Pear, shrubs, ferns and a series of wild 'monkey rope' vines . In total the Yellowwood trail is about 3 km. Not much, but there is both a pretty steep ascent and descent, and for the avid hiker, this is pretty much a waste of time if you're looking for exertion.

Grade: Easy day hike

day 6

Cape Point trails

The southern tip of the Cape Peninsula is occupied by the Cape Point Nature Reserve (Part of the Table Mountain National Park), with its 7750 hectares of rich fynbos vegetation and 40 kilometers of rugged coastline, it boasts some magnificent views. Mammals to be seen include the Chacma Baboon, Bontebok, Grey Rhebok, Red Hartebeest, Eland, Cape Mountain Zebra to name a few.

There are various routes:

The Shipwreck Trail: Is named after the many ships that floundered here. The route outward route follows the coastline passing various wrecks, visible from the beach. It is a circular route, you return on the escarpment through the fynbos. Approximately 2 hours.

Kanonkop Trail: The route gains height steadily to the old signal canon after which Kanonkop was named. From this vantage point there are fine views of the Da Gama Monument, Buffels Bay & Cape Point. Of interest on the return route, an easy descent, is an old kiln used to burn sea shells for making lime. Approximately 2 hours.

Antoniesgat Trail: This trail winds along the False Bay coast. One of several caves eroded into the coastal cliffs by the pounding waves. Along the way visitors will enjoy magnificent views of False Bay and Hottentots Holland Mountains, the historic Cape Point lighthouse, and Vasco da Gama Peak. Approximately 1-2 hours.

Cape Point to Cape of Good Hope: The trail descends through fynbos to the cliffs above Dias Beach (accessible by wooden stairs) and then continues to the viewpoint at Cape Maclear. Steps have been provided for the descent to the Cape of Good Hope the most south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Grade: Easy day hikes

day 7

Front face of Table Mountain

A short climb brings you to the lower contour path, which runs from just above the lower cable station across the front face of Table Mountain towards Devils Peak. This is a easy hike with great views across the city. This hike is ideal for those who do not quite have the enthusiasm to ascend to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, fynbos and beautiful waterfalls (seasonal).

day 8

Kalk Bay St James hill side

A gentle mountain climb with superb views of False Bay, including Simon's Town, Hangklip and Kalk Bay harbour nestling peacefully below. You will be surprised at the height to which you climb with very little effort. It is possible to extend this experience by up to three additional Peaks, namely St James Peak, Muizenberg Peak and Steenberg Peak. This hike is very highly recommended, with its spectacular views and is not to frequented. Approximately 1-3 hours.

Flowering during spring, from August to December, is a pretty and very special little heath, called Erica urna-viridis. (The Latin name means an erica resembling a green urn). It is a delicate almost white-greenish erica, sticky to the touch. What is so special about it, is that it occurs only on this mountain, above Boyes Drive, and nowhere else in the world.

Grade: Easy day hike

day 9

Lions Head

On the right hand side of Table Mountain, behind Signal Hill, is the distinctive shaped mountain slope, Lions Head. It was originally given the name by the 17th century Dutch settlers, as it resembles a crouching lion. This proud lion overlooks the city and Table Bay on one side, and the scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline on the other.

On a clear day the views of Table Mountain are spectacular. One has a birds eye view of the City Centre and the surrounding beaches. It stands 669m above sea level and can take between 1-2 hours to climb. The somewhat steep walk winds its way around the Head until you reach a collection of staples and chains, there to aid your scramble up the remaining rocky faces to the top. If youre not feeling like a scramble, one can choose to take the slightly longer path which continues its way up to the summit without chains.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 10

Platteklip Gorge

This hike follows the route discovered by the original explorers to the top of Table Mountain. This is the shortest climb to the summit (approximately 2-3 hours) and is quite steep, but not technically challenging. The trail offers spectacular views all the way to the top with Devils Peak and Lions Head flanking the mountain on either side. Take time to marvel at the views over Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City of Cape Town while also admiring the fynbos and overwhelming rock formations.

At the top of the gorge a short 10 minute walk takes one to the cableway to take in the unrivalled panorama in all directions look down on the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and south over the Cape Peninsula and the majestic Twelve Apostles. One can also walk to the highest point, Maclears Beacon. This takes about 30 minutes and the route is quite flat.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 11

Klein Leeukoppie (Little lions head)

This is an ideal hike if you seek a proper workout within about an hour. The views over Llandudno and Hout Bay are breathtaking. This peak, which separates Hout Bay from Llandudno, got its name as a result of its very similar shape to that of Lions Head. This is a fairly short hike. There is a small amount of scrambling at the top; each of the scrambles elevating you one to two meters at a time. This walk is definitely worth doing.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 12

Devils Peak lies to the northeast of Table Mountain, separated from it by a saddle. The physically challenging path zigzags to the upper contour from where the saddle path ascends to Saddle Rock. The route then continues along a firebreak to the 1,001m-high summit of devils peak, where you will be rewarded with spectacular all-round views of Cape Town. This hike has other variations for the more adventurous at heart. Approximately 4-5 hours.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 13

Skeleton Gorge / Nursery Ravine

This route starts at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beginning of the hike is in the shade of a densely wooded indigenous forest. It is relatively steep but is well frequented. The route ascends steeply up the ravine and ladders assist hikers in a few steep rocky sections. The forest gradually gives way to local fynbos towards the top and opens up for you to enjoy magnificent views over False Bay, The Constantia valley and The Hottentots Holland Mountain range.

The descent is via Nursery Ravine and connects with the contour above Kirstenbosch Gardens and takes us back through the gardens (about 2-3 hours).

Skeleton Gorge / Maclear's Beacon / Platteklip

This route is a variation of the latter and is much longer. The initial hike is up Skeleton Gorge(see above), but rather than descending via Nursery Ravine, we make our way to the highest point of Table Mountain. From the top of the gorge, we hike along the eastern flank of Table Mountain to Maclears Beacon, the highest point.

Enjoy spectacular views over the whole of Table Mountain - all the way to Cape Point. This is a must do route as it offers views in all directions, including the reservoirs on the back table, interesting rock formations and a diversity of vegetation.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 14

Kasteelspoort

This scenic route starts from Camps Bay and ascends on the western - or Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain. It starts from the Pipe Track above Camps Bay . Admire the majestic 'Apostles' before starting the more serious hike up the gorge. Stop to take in the panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, palm lined beach of Camps Bay, Lion's Head and Robben Island. This path climbs a fairly steep ravine and pops out on the 'back' of Table Mountain, at the site of the original cable car.

Upon reaching the top of the gulley you can turn right to take a closer look at the ruins of the old cable car. It was used in the 1890s to bring building materials up for the construction of the nearby dams. We now make our way to the Front Table about 45 minutes away, passing through the Valley of The Red Gods and The Valley of Isolation. Take time to admire the intricate rock formations, pristine fynbos and breathtaking views. We arrive opposite Fountain Peak, between the Central and Western Tables. We are now at the top and have earned well deserved break before catching the cableway down or descending via Platteklip Gorge.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 15

Chapmans Peak (Hout Bay)

Towering nearly 600m above the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic cliffs dropping down to the sea, Chapmans Peak is one of Cape Towns most spectacular hikes. Starting at a view point on Chapmans Peak Drive, the first 30 minutes involve a fairly steep climb along a ravine, to Chapmans Peak Nek, from here the path rises gently through stands of Proteas, before reaching the summit. The 360 degree views from the top over Hout Bay, Noordhoek & Kommetjie are simply breathtaking. Approximatly 2-3 hours.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 16

Franschhoek trails (Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve)

The reserve is situated in part of the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve. It offers beautiful hiking trails high in the Franschhoek Pass ranging from short 2 hour walks to day walks. Spectacular fynbos diversity includes proteas, pincushions, ericas, restios and more. From the peaks and observation sites breathtaking views of the reserve and valley below unfold - as far as Table Mountain on a clear day.

Grade: Moderate day hike

day 17

pricing DETAILS

The rate will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: choice of hikes, group size, transfers and other services. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.

what is included

Items included will be specified in quote.

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EXCLUDED

Items excluded will be specified in quote

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Do you provide GPS navigation?

Yes. Navigation is straightforward with the recommended mobile app which has a map, trail summary and navigation functionality. Simply follow our Wikiloc installation instructions which will be provided with your Trip Information pack. Download the country map for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you’ll find your way. Local towns are usually signposted. Sections of the trail can be featureless and without directions but you will have electronic support.

Do I need travel insurance?

We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of you having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

I'm travelling alone. Can i join a group?

Can be considered if vacancy exists. If you require a single room, a single supplement will be quoted.

What do I need to bring on my trip if I booked a cycling holiday?

You will need a good quality mountain bike and your normal mountain biking gear for a day ride with perhaps some extra warm layers if the weather is cold. Your Trip information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard cycling gear.

How can I prepare for my cycling trip?

The itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for a regular rider. If you currently don’t enjoy that level of fitness, then regular mountain biking supplemented by cardiovascular exercise for at least six months before your trip is recommended. Keep in mind the daily distances and changes in elevation in your daily itinerary. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

What happens if I can’t walk/cycle a stage?

You can use local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop. Contact your Route Manager for advice and assistance.

What do I need to bring on my trip if I booked a walking holiday?

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Am I able to take my dog?

It depends on the trail chosen

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory. It is required to cover cancellations, personal effects, personal accidents, medical and emergency travel expenses.

I’m travelling alone. Can I join a group?

Our bookings are generally private groups. You can book a guide for an exclusive trip.

FROM

On request

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

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quick info

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Take a look at our FAQs page for more information

Tour Length

days

Tour Availability

All year round

Group Size

1-12

people

Grading

Easy

Accomodation

Can be arranged

Meals

Can be included

Our recommendations

Best Weather

October to end of April is high season

Tips and Tricks

Cape Town Guided Hikes

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