Good to know
Good to Know
- Most Table Mountain hikes are free and accessible from the city center; weather can change dramatically with sudden cloud and dangerous gale-force winds.
- Lion's Head full moon hikes are a Cape Town tradition but combine alcohol, darkness and steep exposed descents—several fatal accidents have occurred.
- Recent increase in criminal activity on some hiking routes closer to city center; hike in groups and lock valuables in vehicles.
- Many hikes can be done from early morning to evening; sunrise and sunset hiking is especially popular.
- Dogs are welcome on most city-center trails including Lion's Head and Newlands Forest.
Hiking Trails
Lion's Head
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Central city location
- Difficulty
- easy to moderate
- Note
- Exposure to heights on one side; full moon hikes are popular but require caution with alcohol and darkness
- Description
- Most popular hike in Cape Town featuring spiral uphill path with scrambling over rocks, ropes and metal rods in steeper sections. Offers stunning views of Table Mountain, Twelve Apostles, and the city.
Table Mountain - Platteklip Gorge
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Central, parking at Tafelberg Road
- Difficulty
- strenuous
- Note
- Weather changes rapidly on Table Mountain; cable car may close in high wind conditions
- Description
- Short but steep central route up Table Mountain recommended for experienced hikers. Can take cable car down after summiting.
Table Mountain - Pipe Track
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Starts at Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek
- Difficulty
- easy
- Note
- Popular on weekends; good in early mornings on hot days
- Description
- Contour path along Table Mountain's slopes mostly flat with stone steps. Offers sweeping views of Camps Bay, Lion's Head, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Skeleton Gorge / Nursery Ravine
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Kirstenbosch Gardens entrance
- Difficulty
- challenging
- Note
- Strenuous technical route
- Description
- Steep pathway accessible from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, using rocks and wooden ladders to reach Maclear's Beacon, the highest point of Table Mountain.
Newlands Forest
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Central/easily accessible from city
- Difficulty
- easy to moderate
- Note
- Very popular on weekends; dogs welcome
- Description
- Eastern slopes of Table Mountain with multiple route options. Features the historic Lady Anne Barnard Cottage, Newlands Reservoir, and indigenous fynbos. Popular trails include Contour Path to Rhodes Memorial and Fernwood Trail.
Signal Hill
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Sea Point / Lion's Head area
- Difficulty
- easy
- Note
- Popular daily running trail
- Description
- Short loop around the mountain easily reached from Sea Point or Lion's Head. Passes blooming flowers and fynbos; features the famous noon gun and excellent paraglider viewing.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- South of city center
- Difficulty
- easy
- Note
- Ideal for family outings
- Description
- Hilly but not mountainous reserve with multiple trail options through varied natural environments. Features a dam with wine-red water and braai/picnic areas.
Cecilia Forest Waterfall
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Multiple entry points
- Difficulty
- easy to moderate
- Note
- Free unless starting from Kirstenbosch; pets allowed
- Description
- Multiple route options starting from Cecilia car park, Newlands Forest, Constantia Nek, or Kirstenbosch Gardens. All lead to a waterfall with hanging ferns and green mosses.
Cape Point Nature Reserve Trails
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Cape Peninsula (day trip from city)
- Difficulty
- easy to moderate
- Note
- Entrance fee payable at main gate; offers restaurants and train lift to outlook
- Description
- South-western tip of Africa within Table Mountain National Park. Includes short hikes, beach walks, and overnight trails. May encounter bontebok, monkeys, and shipwrecks.
Hoerikwaggo Trail
- Cost
- ZAR 438
- Access
- Cape Peninsula base, multi-day expedition
- Difficulty
- very strenuous
- Note
- Per person for hiking hut accommodation (plus 1% community levy, plus daily Conservation/Entry fee); overnight stays in tented camps; requires experienced guides from local tour companies; hikers must provide own bedding, towels, firelighters and matches
- Description
- 75 km trek taking five days across Table Mountain National Park. Dramatic undulating path from Cape Point Nature Reserve following cliffs, steep ascents/descents, beach walks and mountain paths ending on western flank of Table Mountain.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
- Cost
- ZAR 60
- Access
- Winelands (day trip from city)
- Difficulty
- easy to moderate
- Note
- Popular for day trips; also offers mountain biking, swimming in rockpools and waterfalls
- Description
- UNESCO World Heritage Site south-west of Stellenbosch in Winelands. 9,800 hectares featuring Jonkershoek Mountains, 1,100+ plant species, diverse fauna. Four main hiking trails ranging 2-6 hours with rivers, indigenous forest, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Chapman's Peak
- Cost
- ZAR 0.00
- Access
- Chapman's Peak Drive (day trip)
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Note
- Best walked at low tide
- Description
- Scenic coastal hike along picturesque shoreline with rocky outcrops. Can spot ericas, proteas, and indigenous trees in thick fynbos. Views of Hout Bay, Fish Hoek, and Gordon's Bay.
Parks And Reserves
Table Mountain National Park
- Type
- National Park
- Note
- Entry fee required; weather changes rapidly; snake sightings likely in summer
- Description
- UNESCO-designated natural heritage site encompassing 25,000+ hectares with diverse ecosystems. Home to 70% endemic flowers of Cape Floral Kingdom. Multiple trails for all fitness levels.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Type
- Botanical Garden
- Note
- Admission fee applies
- Description
- Central location at base of Table Mountain featuring diverse plant collections and peaceful walking areas.
Sports And Organized Activities
- Note
- Limited data gathered on organized leagues and sports facilities. Further research needed.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this nature, parks & outdoor activities research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.