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Cape Town Hiking

Our most recommended Cape Town Hiking

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

1. Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

Meet your guide at the Lion's Head Hike - Starting Point. There is parking along Signal Hill Road if you arriving by car. Embark on the route to the summit, climbing 400 meters along the steep and rocky path. Keeping a slow and steady pace, take time to enjoy the views and photo opportunities en route. Enjoy views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean at the summit with snacks and coffee provided before heading back down the mountain to the meeting point.

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunset Hike

2. Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunset Hike

Your Lion's Head trail experience begins on a gravel track through spectacular groves of silver leaf trees. You will start off by following a path which reveals ever-changing views as it spirals around Lion's Head. Very soon the breathtaking vista of the Atlantic coastline and the magnificent apostles of Table Mountain will come into view. Soon the gravel track narrows to a path, from where you will pass the first paragliding launch pad. You will then continue along the stepped path with views over the very popular Camps Bay Beach and Clifton beaches. Following a further 30 minutes of hiking, you will come to a split keep on the upward-tending path. From here you will continue with views of Seapoint on your left, and following a further 10 minutes you will see the city of Cape Town sprawled beneath you and the front of Table Mountain rearing up high above. You will then continue steeply upwards to the first ladder, before traversing left along a shelf with a chain handrail. Next, you will continue with the path until you reach a fork, where you will have the choice to either veer left to circumnavigate two rock pitches, or to turn right and climb the rock pitches. If you are not into vertical rock steps simply continue left, from where you can carry on with the path past some huge stone pine trees to gain the crest of the southeast ridge. From here you will follow the obvious well-worn path via some scrambling and a ladder to the 669-meter summit.

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise Hike

3. Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise Hike

Take part in a wonderful hike for families and couples and see Cape Town from 670 meters above sea level. Gaze in awe at the breathtaking landscape, and identify icons such as the adjacent Table Mountain and Robben Island out at sea. Look down on glorious beaches, including Camps Bay and Sea Point.  Lion’s Head is a free-standing peak located next to Table Mountain and offers 360-degree views. You are able to do a sunrise hike to the top, a day hike, or even a sunset hike, according to your preference. Brave an adventurous path using staples and chains or choose an easier route to avoid them. Whichever option you and your party feel most comfortable with, breathtaking panoramas are guaranteed.

From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route & Addo Safari

4. From Cape Town: 5-Day Best of Garden Route & Addo Safari

Day 1: Route 62Travel about 400 km Start with a morning pickup from Cape Town and Stellenbosch, between 6 - 7 AM.Travel along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, with a wine-tasting stop (non-alcoholic tasting available too) before reaching Oudtshoorn in the semi-desert Klein Karoo in the late afternoon. For a close encounter with Mother Nature, opt in to join rangers on an Elephant Educational Bush Walk (at extra cost) as they follow 3 lovable rescued elephants along the waterhole, learning about these gentle giants' background. Then, spend overnight at Uthando Backpackers (if you choose the Saver Dorm package), at 88 van Rheede (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or Buffelsdrift Lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 2: OudtshoornTravel about 250 km Visit a working ostrich farm to learn about the largest, flightless bird in the world. Next, head to the mountains to go deep underground in the illuminated wonder world of the Cango Caves. Explore the vast halls filled with ancient stalactites before traveling onward to the Addo region. Spend overnight at Avaco Cabins, Gerald's Gift (if you choose the 3* Comfort package) or Addo Wildlife lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 3: Addo, Jeffreys BayTravel about 250 km An early morning start allows the best option to spot wildlife as the bush awakes in Addo Elephant National Park, the 3rd largest national park in South Africa. You can join the optional 4x4 game drive (with extra cost).  Next, go on the included 2-hour safari with your guide. Navigate the park in the tour van in search of some of the Big Five animals, including 550 elephants, buffalo, lions, black rhinos, and zebras. Spend your afternoon relaxing with free time at Jeffreys Bay's beach.  Choose between surf lessons, beach horseback riding, or sand boarding (all optional at extra cost). Spend overnight at Island Vibe, Sea Whisper (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or On The Beach lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 4: Tsitsikamma, SedgefieldTravel about 250 km Experience the highest Bungy Bridge Jump in the world or Waterfall Zipline over waterfalls in the nearby Tsitsikamma forest (optional at extra cost). Next, see Tsitsikamma National Park. Take a short walk to the suspension bridges before a photo stop at Knysna's lagoon en route to Sedgefield. Spend overnight at Pili Pili Beach Cabanas, Fairy Knowe (if you choose the 3* Comfort package), or Dolphin Dunes Lodge (if you choose the 4* Deluxe package). Day 5: WildernessTravel about 450 km Take to the water for a leisurely canoeing session to a secret waterfall along the rivers of the Wilderness region. On the journey back to Cape Town, spot wildlife on a 4x4 Botlierskop game drive (at extra cost) or relax at Mossel Bay's Diaz Beach after walking to the Cape St Blaize lighthouse. Your adventure ends with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town or Stellenbosch accommodation between 8 - 10 PM.

Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

5. Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 6-Day Safari

Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas The tour departs from Cape Town and heads to Hermanus. Follow the scenic coastal road to Betty's Bay to see a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for playing home to hundreds of Southern Right whales from July to November. The town also features many shops, restaurants, and markets. In the afternoon you'll drive on to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, and the place where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Day 2:  Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn Travel to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the ostrich capital of the world, via scenic Route 62, South Africa’s longest wine route. Sample local wines before experiencing the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided tour. Day 3:  Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield After breakfast head over to Outeniqua Mountain Pass, where you'll explore Wilderness National Park by canoe. Enjoy a paddle up the Touw River through the indigenous forest, admiring the diverse local birds along the way. After about 40 minutes, leave your canoe behind for a 2-kilometer hike along a boardwalk that leads to rock pools and a lovely waterfall. Afterwards, head to the famous town of Knysna via the beautiful Garden Route Lake District. Visit the famous Knysna Heads viewing point, overlooking the Knysna estuary. Spend the late afternoon exploring the beaches of Sedgefield. Day 4: Sedgefield- Tsitsikamma - Addo After breakfast, head off to Tsitsikamma National Park. En route, you'll stop at Bloukrans Bridge, the world’s highest bungee jump bridge, standing at 216 meters tall. You'll spend the afternoon in Tsitsikamma National Park, which features a unique combination of indigenous forest and beautiful Indian Ocean coastline. The park offers hikes of varying lengths including a walk across a suspension bridge, and swimming. In the late afternoon, depart the Garden Route for Addo. Day 5: Addo-Wilderness/Mossel Bay Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park. You'll get up to 2-3 hours to roam the 28,000-hectare national reserve, home to approximately 600 elephants and various other animals, including buffalo, lions, rhinos, warthogs and many more. After an exciting morning on safari, we drive back to the Garden Route where we overnight in Wilderness/Mossel Bay. Day 6: Wilderness –Mossel Bay - Cape Town After breakfast, stop in Mossel Bay to spend some time on the gorgeous beaches, hike the Cape St. Blaize trail along the seaside cliffs, and visit the famous Diaz Museum complex which commemorates the first known European exploration around the tip of Africa. The more adventurous can try a 10,000 foot tandem skydive or sandboarding on the longest dune in South Africa. Arrive back at Cape Town in the early evening.

Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike via India Venster

6. Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike via India Venster

After meeting your guide at the bottom of the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, your scenic hike carves a route up to the summit of Table Mountain. Scrambling up the steep slopes, you’ll use your hands to ascend steep rock steps between numerous photo opportunities and picnic spots along the way. As you ascend the mountain at a slow-and-steady pace, gaze out over the unparalleled views of Cape Town and the surrounding hills that spill towards the sea. After a 4-hour climb to the top, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and marvel at the panoramic views. Finally, you'll hike back down to the meeting point via Platteklip Gorge, or via a number of other routes that can be discussed with your guide based on the group's experience and ability.

Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 5-Day Safari

7. Garden Route and Addo Elephant National Park: 5-Day Safari

Experience the best of South Africa's Western Cape and look for wildlife in spectacular national parks, such as Addo Elephant National Park. Take part in a host of available optional activities, including a bungee jump off the world's highest bungee bridge and a tandem sky dive from 10,000 feet. Choose from a range of accommodation options and sleeping arrangements, including shared dormitories and bathrooms to save you money! Day 1: Cape Town – Hermanus – Cape Agulhas (D) Depart Cape Town/Stellenbosch early on Monday morning and head for Hermanus. Please note that shark cage diving clients will be picked up very early in the morning by the diving operator and will miss the first half of this day’s itinerary. Follow the scenic coastal road, stopping at Betties Bay to view a colony of endangered African penguins. Spend the afternoon in the seaside resort town of Hermanus, famous for the hundreds of Southern right whales during whale season (July to November) as well as its many shops, restaurants and markets. Drive to Cape Agulhas in the afternoon to discover the southernmost tip of Africa. Visit a viewpoint known as the “real” place, and see where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Stay the night in Cape Agulhas/Struisbaai. • Included activities: Penguins at Betties Bay • Optional activities: Shark cage dive; whale-watching boat trip (in season, July – November). Day 2: Cape Agulhas – Oudtshoorn (B, D) Travel along scenic Route 62 on route to Oudtshoorn in the Little Karoo, known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World,” and experience South Africa’s longest wine route. Discover the subterranean beauty of the Cango Caves on a guided adventure tour, and then sample the local wine. Spend the night in Oudtshoorn. • Included activities: Local wine tasting; Cango Caves adventure tour Day 3: Oudtshoorn – Knysna – Sedgefield (B, D) Head over the spectacular Outeniqua Mountain Pass after breakfast, and explore the Wilderness National Park. Canoe up the Touw River through indigenous forest, enjoying the abundance of birdlife along the way. After about 40 minutes, swap your canoes for a 2-kilometer hike along a boardwalk to a lovely waterfall and rock pools. Next, go to the famous town of Knysna via the spectacular Lake District of the Garden Route. Explore the upmarket town, filled with curios, restaurants and a picturesque waterfront, where you can have lunch and do some shopping in your free time. Continue to the Knysna Heads viewpoint for some spectacular views over the Knysna River estuary and Indian Ocean. Spend the late afternoon exploring Sedgefield and its beaches, and enjoy the spectacular views before you retire for the night. • Included activities: Canoeing and hiking in Wilderness National Park Day 4: Sedgefield – Tsitsikamma – Addo (B, D) Enjoy breakfast, and then depart for the Tsitsikamma National Park. Stop at Bloukrans Bridge to see the world’s highest bungee jump bridge along the way. There will be plenty of time for adventure seekers to test their courage should they choose. Spend the afternoon in Tsitsikamma National Park, and discover its unique combination of indigenous forest and Indian Ocean coastline. Benefit from a wide choice of activities in the park, including long and short hikes, crossing a suspension bridge or swimming. Leave the Garden Route in the late afternoon, and head for “Big 5” country at Addo Elephant National Park. Stay the night at the Avoca River Cabins in the Addo area. • Included activities: Entrance to Tsitsikamma National Park • Optional activities: 216-meter bungee jump at Bloukrans; treetop canopy tour Day 5: Addo Elephant National Park – Port Elizabeth Spend the morning exploring Addo Elephant National Park for up to 2-3 hours. Look for indigenous animals in the 28,000-hectare national reserve, including approximately 600 elephants along with Cape buffalo, lions, black rhinos, warthogs, zebras, eland, kudu, hartebeest and many more. After an exciting morning of game viewing, drive to Port Elizabeth for a drop off at the location of your choice between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM. • Included activities: Entrance and 2-3 hour drive through Addo Elephant National Park by tour vehicle • Optional activities: 2-hour open vehicle game drive with an Addo Elephant National Park field guide

Cape Town: Table Mountain Abseiling Experience

8. Cape Town: Table Mountain Abseiling Experience

A unique Cape Town experience you do not want to miss. Descend 112m down the side of a sheer cliff from one of the "7 Wonders of the Natural World", Table Mountain. You will have a bird's eye view of the beautiful Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, the Atlantic Seaboard and the deep blue ocean at your feet with the Twelve Apostles at your side. The Table Mountain Abseil is guaranteed to get your pulse racing and promised to be an experience you will always treasure. After the Abseil there is a pleasant 30 min hike, with amazing views, to get back to the top. Great photo opportunities here – Not to be missed!

Table Mountain Hike with Local Tour Guide

9. Table Mountain Hike with Local Tour Guide

Get back to nature and marvel at the flora and fauna of Table Mountain on a half-day hike with a qualified mountain guide. Trek at your own pace and in complete safety as you learn the cultural history of Cape Town and its natural surroundings. India Venster Half-Day Hike: Get breathtaking views of the city and rock formations of the west coast, and look across at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The hike will take 3-4 hours to reach the top. Platteklip Gorge Half-Day Hike: Hike one of the most popular paths for stunning views of Lions Head, Signal hill, Devils Peak, Robben Island and more. It is a strenuous, but safe, hike that takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the top. Lions Head Half-Day Hike: Join this great walk for families to get panoramic views from 670 meters above sea level. Look down as the stunning beaches of Camps Bay and Sea Point. Take the adventurous path using staples and chains or the easier route if you prefer.

Cape Town: Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

10. Cape Town: Skeleton Gorge and Kirstenbosch Gardens Hike

Skeleton Gorge Arguably one of the most beautiful hikes up table mountain is the skeleton gorge route. Starting off in Kirstenbosch gardens with its rich collection of fynbos. following up on a densely wooded kloof with exciting ladders next to waterfalls we will reach the white sandy beaches of Table mountain. This is the perfect route for a hot day in cape town allowing for a different perspective of table mountain. Quick route description Our hike will start in the beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens. from here we will hike up to the contour path via smuts track until the official start of the route. following the stepped path up the densely wooded gorge keeping to the left of the watercourse until we reach a steep section well equipped with ladders to easily climb over the polished rock. After this the route follows the rocky stream bed for a short distance, before bearing out to the right Zig- Zagging up the slope. Higher up the path crosses the gorge again to take the left side to the top where mountain meets sandy white beaches. Difficulty: Easy Skeleton Gorge Hike Length: 2.5 to 3 hours Hike Distance: 6.5km / 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 3000 feet What to bring with well supportive closed-toe walking shoes with good grip are a must. Cape town does experience very hot days in the summer and a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water will be needed. a long sleeve button-up shirt with a collar provides great sun coverage. the weather on table mountain can change in an instant so a light mid-layer and a rain jacket will ensure that you stay dry and warm if we find ourselves in between the clouds. Hiking will make you peckish so bringing a snack for the way up is always a good idea Lastly, you'll need a sense of adventure and a willingness to have fun which is all hiking is about really.

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What people are saying about Cape Town

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 150 reviews

Our guide Issac treated us like family and by the end of the trip we certainly all felt like family. Half of the group were solo travelers and I would recommend this since they don't charge you double. I highly recommend upgrading to 4*, the accommodations were over the top and the best I have ever stayed at. From glamping to luxury BnB with glass everything and infinity pool. I have never felt so pampered. One of the backpackers reported one strange mosquito filled accommodation when they ran out of space. I had so much space as a solo traveller that they could have all stayed at my place! There are still rolling blackouts and most places have backup lighting, but I would recommend bringing lots of powerbanks to keep your phone charged. I did create a daily YouTube vlog. Search on "Day 3 Africa - Guided 5 day Garden Route tour" to find it. It is really inexpensive to eat in South Africa. A great meal will only run you about $16 in USD and were taken to great restaurants for dinners.

Fantastic guide, Patrick was amazing really lovely and passionate about what he was doing. Highly recommend having a guide as especially on a sunset it gets dark going down, with the rough terrain and you'll need decent light, you do get a head torch each, which is much better than an iPhone light! Patrick took us to the summit, however it gets so busy at the top especially on a sunset. So luckily he times it very well so you can reach the summit and then head to a slightly quieter spot a few 100 meteres down from the top. Where you see such a beautiful sunset. Thanks again to Patrick for making the experience worth it.

This trip was just amazing. Super well organised, nice accommodations, fun activities and Last but not least we had with Gareth the best guide on this trip. The driving can get intense but Gareth made sure we get a lot of breaks and nice things to do during the day. We really loved all the places where we stayed.

We had a wonderful day with Jeremy and our little group and everything was perfectly organised! Jeremy is a great guide and gave us many useful tips and we had a lot of fun. There was enough time to experience every place. We saw many wild animals and places and totally enjoyed the day - thanks Jeremy!

Fatima was great- for someone that isn’t a hiker she was great to have as a guide!