South Africa, KaapstadJanuary 14, 2026, by Isa de Laat

Hiking in and around Cape Town: our tips

Nature
South Africa, Kaapstad, January 14, 2026, by Isa de Laat

Hiking in and around Cape Town: our tips

One calls it walking, the other hikingThe idea: put one foot in front of the other. Don't think about it too much, and just soak up the stunning surroundings. If there's one place where you can do that well, it's California. Okay, and Cape Town, of course. In fact, walking, or hiking, is a real thing here. Plus, there's no better way than a short walk to experience the ultimate "on top of the world" feeling. Here are our tips for hiking in and around Cape Town. 

 

We also have an ultimate Cape Town guide, aka the guide to your holiday. Only the best, nicest, tastiest and most beautiful addresses found their way into the guides Cool Cape Town City and Cool Cape Town Surroundings. 

 

Table Mountain and Lions Head

Table Mountain and Lions Head

In case you didn't know, there are two rather prominent mountains right in the middle of Cape Town: the famous Table Mountain and that other one, the one that resembles a lion's head, with its head facing the sea and Africa at its back. Two mountains, two unforgettable hiking areas. Where do you start? Which hike should you choose? You don't have to, of course, and we understand if you skip it.

One more general tip: don't underestimate anything. Safety first, and always climb in a group with a guide. Be careful when hiking: just step on the stones and leave that feeling of being rushed (busy busy busy) behind in the Netherlands. You really don't need that here. Pay close attention to where you're going, don't look down too much, and just keep climbing. And always: better safe than sorry.

Tip: Check out the Cape Town Guide on Instagram for helpful route videos and hikes nearby. And if you prefer a shorter or child-friendly walk, try Kloof Corner. You'll reach the top in about 30 minutes, and the view is just as rewarding.

Lion's Head

Lion's Head

For the novice hiker, we recommend Lion's Head: you can reach the top in 45 minutes, where the breathtaking view will take your breath away. Once at the top, you'll have a good view of the city, and yes, this is the perfect spot for your new profile picture. Wear sneakers (preferably a workout outfit right away), bring a bottle of water, and a sweater, because it can get quite chilly up there. You can park at the Lion's Head Parking Lot (easy to find on Google Maps), and if you're taking an Uber, just get dropped off there. After that, it's easy: the trail starts at the parking lot. And you're certainly not the only one with the idea of ​​climbing a mountain: follow the crowd!

Want to do it like the locals? Then go hiking before sunrise. It might be dark for a while, but the city lights provide plenty of visibility, and if you see the sunrise during or just after your hike… well, that's like magic. Oh, and don't be put off by the chains halfway up Lion's Head. Just climb over them. Millions have done it before you, and just as many will after you: everything will be fine. If you're still hesitant, there's always the easy route, which takes you around the chains. Also fine. A shame, but also fine.

Mesa

Mesa

Dare a longer hike? Off to Table Mountain. Note: this is a whole different ballgame (sidestep: you can also just take the cable car up Table Mountain. If you want to do that, it's helpful to have bought tickets online in advance; sometimes the line is endless. And yes, even the cable car offers an incredible experience at the top). Back to the hiking club: if you're going up Table Mountain, be sure to set aside half the morning and start early, around seven or eight (six is ​​also fine), because you really don't want to undertake such a strenuous climb in 30-degree temperatures. Once you reach Table Mountain, there are several hikes.

Honestly? The hike called 'Platteklip Gorge' is definitely next level, but it's the fastest way to get to the top. It takes two hours (or three; no pressure) and then you're just climbing—there are no flat sections. Yet, it's the most popular. You'll find this hike if you walk a good distance from the cable car: walk a good distance and you'll eventually see a sign on the right that says 'Platteklip Gorge'. Prepare for this hike by bringing sandwiches (from Giovanni's, for example) and plenty of water. A hat or cap is also a good idea (because of the sun). What would we recommend? The hike that starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and is called 'Skeleton Gorge'. A combination tip: Table Mountain and this botanical garden. Allow about four hours for this package deal. Once you're in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, you can ask where Skeleton Gorge begins, but if you look closely, you'll see signs. The hike is beautiful and adventurous. Plus, it's easy to do: you simply follow the path. Hiking is amazing, especially when you're rewarded, like in South Africa. Hooked too? Check out the waterfall hike tips in this book and/or spend a few days hiking in the Cederberg Mountains. You can find them in the book, too, of course!

Cederberg: hiking paradise

Cederberg: hiking paradise

The unique 100-km radius, just over a three-hour drive from Cape Town, is the only place on the planet where rooibos grows. Rugged mountains? Stunning silence? Wildlife? A starry sky like you've never seen before? Check, check, check.

It's worth making a day of it: spend the night at the Gecko Creek Wilderness Lodge, go hiking in the Cederberg Wilderness and drink wine at Cederberg Wines. Why would you do that? Because it's exactly what we alluded to in the introduction: this way you see South Africa at its most diverse. It feels like you've stepped into a completely different world. So impressive. And so insignificant are we. Moreover, Cederberg is relatively undiscovered; you're unlikely to encounter many other tourists here. You might encounter the occasional zip-off pair of trousers, but that's about it.

For only 10 Euro you can stay overnight at Gecko Creek in a tent (with a real bed). If you want to spend your money, book a cabin of cottage for as little as 15 or 20 euros per night. If you do that, then the cabins Hammocks are the absolute best option. You can request them when you book. Stock up on supplies so you can have a picnic in front of your hut at sunset, dive into bed early, and rise at the crack of dawn: wake up with a view of nothing but mountains and rocks bathed in golden sunlight. And complete, surreal silence. This kind of silence is unheard of. 

The owners of Gecko Creek can tell you exactly which hikes to do. Every single one is a bucket list hike! Don't forget the Maalgat: it's amazing to swim there (wear a swimsuit underneath). Especially when you consider that it can sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius (hence the early-morning wake-up call). End your trip at Cederberg Winery: for €1.50, you can sample ten wines. You've earned it. Outdoor adventure? Cederberg.

No room at Gecko Creek Wilderness Lodge, or even more budget to blow? Then consider the lodges At the Sanddrif Holiday Resort, right next to Cederberg Wines. Also highly recommended (and almost as affordable, camping is also possible here).

Load, but most certainly not least: Edenveldt Sanctuary Cederberg. Do it. Because? Well, because it's pretty much the most beautiful part of Cederberg. Father Simon, along with his three sons (all in their thirties, mind you, no child labor here), runs a number of fantastic cottage. Almost as much fun as the guys themselves. There's even a kid-friendly hike along waterfalls.

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