The Best Hiking Trails in Western Cape (South Africa)

4,160 trails

(107)

Photo of Lion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

Photo of Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town)

Photo of Terblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest)

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Lion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Higgovale, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

3.73mi

Elevation +

1266f

TrailRank

81| 4.84

Lion's Head! Named as such by the Dutch in the 17th century because the mountain resembles a Lion or Sphinx with signal hill being the body. It's an iconic trail and very likely the most walked day hike/trail in South Af...

Wally’s cave was very cool, would recommend.
Thomas Missault

Lions head is a classic, everyone must do this hike at least once. The trail isn't too long or difficult and can be done...
Maxime Yates

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Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Bishopscourt, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

8.14mi

Elevation +

3862f

TrailRank

79| 5.0

This one way variation of a Table Mountain climb starts at Kirstenbosch, after parking and entering the gardens (there may he an entrance fee depending on the route you take to the trailhead) it follows the signs up to s...

Long trail but will need an Uber from the other side
Thomas Missault

Skeleton Gorge through the forest is still my favourite route up Table Mountain 😊 This route down hurts the knees and f...
Maxime Yates

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Terblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest)

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Hiking

near Gouna, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

3.73mi

Elevation +

686f

TrailRank

77| 5.0

Starting and ending at grootdraai on Kom se pad in the Gouna region of the Knysna Forest. The trail starts with a descent down to a river and then followed by a sharp ascent of stairs thereafter the "hard" work for the d...

Enjoyable forest trail
Andre Eady

Beautiful hike through the forest. Easy walk, well marked trail
Maxime Yates

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Devils Peak (Table Mountain National Park - Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Vredehoek, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

3.57mi

Elevation +

1883f

TrailRank

76| 5.0

Following the standard Route up and down Devils Peak from Tafelberg road. This route is well demarcated for most of the way up. Only near the summit does the trail split into different path options but the trigonometric ...

Very scenic and easy to follow , thanks for the detailed description
Rania Fahed

Great trail, just take care of the sun in summer months
Maxime Yates

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Cape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay)

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Hiking

near Pringle Bay, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.16mi

Elevation +

1486f

TrailRank

76| 5.0

Cape Hangklip climb is an easy to moderate route that has spectacular coastal views. The trail starts from a suburban road in Pringle Bay and follows the stream into the valley before ascending up to the summit. The trai...

This trail is absolutely beautiful. The views over the sea with the surrounding mountains is really amazing. The path do...
Maxime Yates

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Panorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch)

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Hiking

near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

9.01mi

Elevation +

3668f

TrailRank

75| 5.0

The ever popular Panorama circuit in Jonkershoek done in reverse with a detour to the summit of Guardian Peak or Sterrekykerskop. This is one of the most scenic trails around with vistas starting as soon as one parks and...

Always a nice trail, good breaks between steep sections. Expect a long day out. Loads of good picnic spots with awesome ...
Maxime Yates

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Montagu - Bloupunt Trial

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Hiking

near Montagu, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Ma Go

Distance

8.85mi

Elevation +

3875f

TrailRank

75| 3.0

This is a nice hiking tour to the bloupunt summit in the Montagu Mountain Reserve. The Bloupunt mountain is just 1226 meters high. But you start something slightly higher than 200 meters above sea level. All in all, you...

An easy and relatively accessible hiking trail into the high mountains. Dont though be fooled by this as it is a long tr...
roadrunred

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Du Toitskop Summit and Descent via Manganese and Uitkyk - (Mount Rochelle Franschhoek)

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Hiking

near Franschhoek, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

5.75mi

Elevation +

2274f

TrailRank

75| 5.0

This trail demarcated with signs and small yellow hiking boots spray painted on rocks ascends via the Vista and Dutoitskop path reaching Du Toitskop. The trail then descends down the the Manganese route to near the Uitky...

A really great trail, not too difficult or steep but amazing views over Franschhoek
Maxime Yates

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Zevenwacht - Vineyard, Pine and Gable Loop - (Kuils River, Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Kuils River, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.66mi

Elevation +

787f

TrailRank

74| 5.0

A reverse variation of the Vine, Pine and Gable Trails at Zevenwacht Wine Estate, the standard Vine trail is approximately 5km and this variation takes it to 7.5km in total. The route starts in the parking lot under the ...

Good Trail through some beautiful vineyards, can get hot and shade is limited to the start and end of the walk. You will...
Maxime Yates

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Banghoek Waterfall - (Kylemore/Stellenbosch)

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Hiking

near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.42mi

Elevation +

1168f

TrailRank

73| 5.0

This short walk is an easy to nagivigate trail to the Banghoek Waterfall. The trail starts at a parking lot and follows jeep tracks through the level foreground to the slopes of the Drakenstein range. Thereafter a well d...

Nice easy walk to a beautiful waterfall. Take care on the ropes near the falls.
Maxime Yates

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Elands River trail to the Waterfall - Du Toitskloof (Paarl)

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Hiking

near Du Toitskloof, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

7.15mi

Elevation +

2379f

TrailRank

73| 4.84

This trail starts in Du Toitskloof and follows the trail along the Elands River to the official trail end, here we continued along the path before crossing the river and heading up the Waterfall kloof. The Waterfall at t...

There is quite a long straightforward walk until you reach the actual Kloof. After the river crossing the view starts to...
MadhafromMadha

The waterfall is one of the most spectacular of all the hikes in the cape. The bouldering to get there can be challengin...
Maxime Yates

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Bretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl)

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Hiking

near Paarl, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

6.83mi

Elevation +

1129f

TrailRank

73| 5.0

Starting and ending at the Paarlberg main picnic site this trail mostly follows well established Jeep tracks through the nature reserve. The route initially winds up the Jeep track until a pay-point is reached this is wh...

Very nice trail not difficult or technical at all, beautiful scenery and flowers. Hat and sunscreen essential in warmer ...
Maxime Yates

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Up Skeleton Gorge to the Dam, down Nursery Ravine (Table Mountain)

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Hiking

near Bishopscourt, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

5.30mi

Elevation +

2930f

TrailRank

73| 5.0

Note that the trail between Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine isn't the easiest to find, the trail gets somewhat lost on the rocks when traversing the buttress

👏👏👏
amirhasan hosseini

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Muizenberg to Simon's Town

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Hiking

near Bailey’s Cottage, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Port flora

Distance

11.82mi

Elevation +

2267f

TrailRank

72| 5.0

I was looking to explore the area so I took the train from Simon's Town to Muizenberg and then hiked back to the place where I was staying. It is a combination of some difficult climbing/descending (mostly at the start) ...

👏👏👏
amirhasan hosseini

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Sosyskloof Loop - (Jonkershoek - Stellenbosch)

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Hiking

near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.10mi

Elevation +

830f

TrailRank

72| 5.0

Note that there is an entrance fee to enter Jonkershoek Nature reserve, wildcards don't pay but, at the time of writing, you will need to show your wildcard confirmation email or log into the wildcard website to prove th...

The trail I suggested and everyone loved it ;). Very easy trail, Beautiful and well marked.
Maxime Yates

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Klapmutskop Climb from Delvera - (Stellenbosch/Klapmuts)

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Hiking

near Elsenburg, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

6.03mi

Elevation +

1115f

TrailRank

71| 5.0

This trail starting and ending at Delvera is an easy walk through the vineyards and then a short hike up to the 523m summit of Klapmutskop. Klapmutskop contains three botanical zones. On the lower slopes renosterveld giv...

Such a beautiful hike, Easy to follow and the views over the autumn vineyards was spectacular.
Maxime Yates

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Algeria Waterfall - (Cederberg)

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Hiking

near Cederberg, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

3.99mi

Elevation +

1220f

TrailRank

70| 5.0

The standard Route up to the magestic Algeria Waterfall. This route starts at the Algeria camp site and heads straight up to the kloof visible in the distance before zigzaging up to a higher altitude and approaching the ...

Amazing Waterfall!!
Maxime Yates

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Helderberg Dome - (Somerset West)

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Hiking

near Vergelegen, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

8.34mi

Elevation +

4242f

TrailRank

70| 5.0

The climb uo to the Helderberg Dome starting at the Helderberg Nature reserve in Somerset West. The trail starts through the myraid of trails which split at the beginning. As long as you ascend you will be on a correct p...

This trail was tough but very beautiful and rewarding
Maxime Yates

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Maltese Cross - (Cederberg)

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Hiking

near Citrusdal, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.43mi

Elevation +

1434f

TrailRank

70| 5.0

The Cederberg Maltese Cross hike, obtain a permit from Cederberg Wines just up the road, they will give you the combination to the gate lock. After setting the combination on the lock press the lock loop in and when you ...

This path was easy to follow. The hike was relatively easy
Maxime Yates

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Nature’s Valley Salt River Rugpad loop

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Hiking

near Nature’s Valley, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

8.82mi

Elevation +

1660f

TrailRank

70| 5.0

A trail that begins with the salt river trail but then spilts to the Rugpad and loops through the forest before reaching the lookout of the Salt River. Finishing with a scramble over the blue rocks and a walk along the b...

Amazing walk from natures valley, Beautiful scenery. If doing this trail in summer dont forget to bring a costume and sw...
Maxime Yates

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Constantiaberg and Elephants Eye Cave loop - (Silvermine Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Klein Steenberg, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

5.98mi

Elevation +

1867f

TrailRank

69| 5.0

The trail starting at Silvermine nature reserve heading up to elephants Eye Cave and then up to the summit of the Constantiaberg, the route down descends steeply with great views over hout bay and Chapmans Peak drive. Th...

Amazing Views, trail is well defined except for the top around the tower
Maxime Yates

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Saaltjie Hike - Jonkershoek (Stellenbosch)

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Hiking

near Banghoek, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

8.58mi

Elevation +

2346f

TrailRank

68| 4.67

This trail starts and ends at the main entrance to Jonkershoek Nature reserve. It's a great alternative if the parking is full at the Waterfall and Swartboskloof trails. The trail makes its way up to the saddle (Saaltjie...

Loved the viewpoint at Saaltjie, trail isn't all that straightforward
Maxime Yates

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Eagles Nest Loop from Constantia Nek - (Constantia/ Cape Town)

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Hiking

near Shoebury Heights, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady
with

Distance

1.99mi

Elevation +

627f

TrailRank

67| 5.0

This quick and very easy trail is a great option for a sunset or sunrise walk or for anyone who is limited for time but wants to get a short trail done. Views from the Eagles nest are spectacular in all directions in par...

Quick easy trail. Can be done in reverse and provides good views over the Constantia Winelands and a view to the sea
Maxime Yates

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Gecko Trail Route A (official)

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Hiking

near Nuy Valley, Western Cape (Republic of South Africa)

Waya Matata
with

Distance

9.53mi

Elevation +

2444f

TrailRank

67| 4.34

The perfect wilderness hiking trail. It’s rough and tough but you find tranquility, remoteness and total solitude. The trail is a mix of Jeep track, narrow hiking tracks and quite a bit of scrambling. Avoid the hot summe...

Great wilderness walk but, and unfortunately it’s a big but, on route C after the descent from Penhill’s saddle cairn, w...
stephenf 1

Amazing views and scenery walking on top of the Langeberg Mountains
Ninon Roos

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Cape Columbine Spring Flower Loop - West Coast (Paternoster)

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Hiking

near Paternoster, Western Cape (South Africa)

Chris Eady

Distance

4.97mi

Elevation +

358f

TrailRank

67| 5.0

A short loop starting and ending at Sea Shack this loop follows the coast path and road until the point just after birthday bay before heading back via the upper road past the lighthouse and back down to sea Shack. If at...

🙌🙌🙌
Isandré Pienaar

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