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Western Cape

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Western Cape

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Read the descriptions of each of these below

Discover the Best Day Hiking Trails in Cape Town

1. Lion's Head

2. Platteklip Gorge

3. Kasteelpoort

4. Devil's Peak

5. India Venster

6. Skeleton Gorge

7. Newlands Ravine

8. Myburgh Ravine

9. Pipe Track

10. Newlands Forest

11. Elephant's Eye Cave

12. Orange Kloof 


See detailed descriptions below

I know which one I want to do

Details of the various day hikes:

1. Lion’s Head

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

Distance: ±5.5 km round trip

Time: 2–3 hours

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Best Part: Iconic spiral route with 360° views of the City Bowl, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Why Get a Guide: For help with ladders, chains, and navigating sunrise or sunset hikes safely.

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

Distance: ±3 km (one way)

Time: 1.5–2.5 hours up

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Best Part: Direct (and steep!) route to the top of Table Mountain.

Why Get a Guide: To assist with pacing, hydration, and descent route planning — especially if descending by cable car or alternative trail.

3. Kasteelspoort

2. Platteklip Gorge (Table Mountain)

3. Kasteelspoort

Distance: ±6 to 8 km 

Time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate

Best Part: Breathtaking views over Camps Bay and the famous "Diving Board" rock.

Why Get a Guide: Route is less defined in places — a guide ensures safety, navigation, and photo stops you won’t want to miss.

4. Devil’s Peak

6. Skeleton Gorge

3. Kasteelspoort

Distance: ±6–7 km round trip

Time: 3–4 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate

Best Part: Epic views over the city, Table Mountain, and across False Bay.

Why Get a Guide: To help with steep, exposed areas and assess weather conditions — this route is challenging and often windy.

5. India Venster

6. Skeleton Gorge

6. Skeleton Gorge

Distance: ±3 km to the top

Time: 2–3 hours

Experience Level: Experienced

Best Part: Cliffside scrambling with some of the best views of the city and Table Mountain cable station.

Why Get a Guide: One of the most dangerous routes if you go off-track. A guide ensures safety and correct scrambling technique.

6. Skeleton Gorge

6. Skeleton Gorge

6. Skeleton Gorge

Distance: ±6.5 km (from Kirstenbosch Gardens)

Time: 3–5 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate to Experienced

Best Part: Shady forest trail with wooden ladders, a beach-like stretch near the top, and panoramic views.

Why Get a Guide: Navigation through forest and route variations can be tricky. Guides help with safe pacing and choosing a suitable descent.

7. Newlands Ravine

7. Newlands Ravine

7. Newlands Ravine

Distance: ±5 km

Time: 2.5–3 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate

Best Part: Peaceful shaded ascent through forest, ending with views over the city bowl and mountains.

Why Get a Guide: Several intersecting trails — a guide ensures you stay on course and adds depth with ecological info.

8. Myburgh Ravine

7. Newlands Ravine

7. Newlands Ravine

Distance: 4 km or ±6–8 km

Time: 3–4 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate to Experienced

Best Part: Remote trail with waterfalls, boulder scrambles, and rare red disas in season.

Why Get a Guide: The path is overgrown and unmarked in parts — a guide is essential for navigation and safety.

9. Pipe Track

7. Newlands Ravine

10. Newlands Forest Walks

Distance: ±10 km 

Time: 2–3 hours

Experience Level: Beginner

Best Part: Easy, scenic walk with dramatic views of the Twelve Apostles and Atlantic Ocean.

Why Get a Guide: To show you the best photo spots, keep you on track and add storytelling and local insight into the mountain’s history and geology.

10. Newlands Forest Walks

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

10. Newlands Forest Walks

Distance: 3–10 km (varied loops)

Time: 1–3 hours

Experience Level: Beginner

Best Part: Family-friendly forest trails with cool shade, streams, and plenty of birdlife.

Why Get a Guide: Ideal for themed nature walks (e.g., birding, medicinal plants) or for exploring without worrying about trail forks.

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

Distance: ±6 km round trip

Time: 2–3 hours

Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Best Part: A unique cave shaped like an elephant’s eye, with sweeping views over the southern peninsula.

Why Get a Guide: To navigate the first sections and enrich the experience with stories about the cave, local legends, and Silvermine’s unique ecosystem

12. Orange Kloof

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

11. Elephant’s Eye Cave (Silvermine)

 Distance: ±8–10 km round trip (varies with route)

Time: 4–6 hours

Experience Level: Intermediate to Experienced

Best Part: A rare, restricted-access forested gorge with pristine indigenous Afro-montane forest, mossy ravines, waterfalls, and tranquil solitude — far from the crowds.

Why Get a Guide: Access is strictly controlled and only possible with a SANParks permit — usually only granted to guided groups. A guide handles permits, ensures correct route navigation through dense forest, and enhances the experience with ecological insights about one of Table Mountain's most untouched corners.

What do I need to know before I hike?

Answers to all of your questions
Fitness levelsExperience levelsSafety on the mountain What to pack

Interested in something a little different?

Can I hike off trail? Can I request a hike?

About The Happy Hiker

Our Vision

Our Happy Team

Our Vision

At The Happy Hiker, we envision a world where everyone has access to the beauty of nature. We are passionate about making hiking accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience level.

Our Values

Our Happy Team

Our Vision

At The Happy Hiker, we believe in the transformative power of nature and the importance of protecting our planet. That's why we are committed to an all inclusive hiking experience and the Leave No Trace principle to minimise our environmental impact.

Our Happy Team

Our Happy Team

Our Happy Team

Our team is made up of experienced hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and dedicated professionals who are committed to providing the best possible experience for you. We are also involved in non-profit work with recovering addicts and children. 

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