Cape City is a superb metropolis for mountain climbing lovers. There are a lot of unimaginable trails of various lengths and problem ranges. From simple routes appropriate for kids to difficult hikes that require some mountaineering expertise. After we’re not busy with long-distance treks and walks we love exploring new mountain climbing trails round Cape City.
Journey insurance coverage for South Africa
It’s extremely beneficial to have journey insurance coverage while you go abroad particularly if you happen to’re planning on doing some outside actions. Cape City has many adventurous issues to do like mountain climbing, diving, paragliding, mountain biking, and so on. When you don’t have an insurance coverage firm we will advocate utilizing World Nomads. They focus on outside and journey actions. Their insurance coverage coverage could be very versatile and might be bought on-line at any time earlier than or throughout your journey. Get your instantaneous quote proper now!
The best way to get round Cape City
One of the best and simplest way is to hire a automobile. To drive across the metropolis and to close by sights you don’t want an enormous automobile however I’d undoubtedly recommend renting a automobile with an AC. You may hire a automobile on the airport on arrival and drop it again while you go away.
When you don’t need to hire a automobile and drive across the metropolis on the lookout for a parking spot you possibly can transfer round utilizing the hop-on-hop-off bus. With it, you may get to the principle Cape City sights and to many mountain climbing trails throughout the metropolis. There are 4 completely different routes that you should utilize. When you purchase a 2-day ticket it contains 2 strolling excursions, the sundown bus, and a harbor cruise.
Simple hikes in Cape City
Lion’s Head hike
- Distance – 5,5 km return
- Time – 1h30min. – 2 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 387 m
- Terrain – gravel path, rocks and boulders, ladders, and chains (elective route).
- Price – free
- Greatest time – sundown is probably the most spectacular time for the hike. Dawn is a gorgeous time as properly although in summer season you’ll need to stand up very early to make it to the highest in time. You may be a part of a guided Lion’s Head sundown or dawn hike if you happen to don’t need to stroll alone.
- Beginning/ending level – the car parking zone on Sign Hill Street subsequent to the Vida espresso truck.
- Parking – free at Lion’s Head parking or alongside Sign Hill Street.
- Canine-friendly – sure, the final a part of the hike entails some climbing and scrambling not the most effective for canines.
Highlights
- Gorgeous views of Cape City, Desk Mountain, Clifton Seashores, Camps Bay, Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sundown/dawn from the highest.
Challenges
- Lengthy and fairly steep ascent from the beginning of the path.
- The final half is tougher particularly if you happen to select the ladders and chains route.
If it’s a must to select one path to do in Cape City I’d say Lion’s Head hike is the one! It’s undoubtedly one of many principal issues to do in Cape City. The hike shouldn’t be as lengthy and tiring as mountain climbing trails up Desk Mountain and just about appropriate for anyone. For some folks, it’ll be an easy stroll for some tougher, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly doable. The final a part of the path is a little more tough, however if you happen to select the beneficial route (not the ladders and chains one), you’ll be fantastic. When you don’t really feel like climbing all the best way to the highest you are able to do a round route round Lion’s Head with out going to the very prime and nonetheless get beautiful views of Cape City and the coast.
When you’re adventurous sufficient you possibly can mix mountain climbing with paragliding from Lion’s Head or Sign Hill with touchdown on the seaside.
There are a lot of nice espresso retailers in Cape City to cease for breakfast or lunch on the best way to or from Lion’s Head.
Maclear’s Beacon path
- Distance – 5,5 km return
- Time – 1h30min. – 2 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 150 m
- Terrain – footpath, boardwalk, occasional rocks, and boulders.
- Price – free. When you take the cable automobile up and/or down you’ll need to pay in your ticket.
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – in summer season morning or night, it will get very popular within the afternoon there isn’t a shade to cover.
- Beginning/ending level – on the highest of Desk Mountain at Platteklip Gorge, 700 m from the higher cable automobile station. Maclear’s Beacon is the turnaround level.
- Parking – free alongside Tafelberg Street earlier than or after the decrease cable automobile station.
- Canine-friendly – sure, it’s a really lengthy stroll with no shade to stroll to the highest, to the beacon, and again down. With a canine, you received’t be allowed to make use of the cable automobile. Learn extra on strolling with canines on Desk Mountain.
Highlights
- Nice views of Hout Bay, Cape Peninsula, Strand, Gordon’s Bay.
- Good panorama, weird rock formations, views of the dams on the highest of Desk Mountain.
- The monument at Maclear’s Beacon.
Challenges
- The warmth and lack of water is the one problem. Make sure that to carry sufficient water or to fill your bottle from the consuming fountain on the exit from the cable automobile station.
Desk Mountain is likely one of the must-visit locations in Cape City. The views from the highest are really spectacular. The best and quickest possibility of attending to the highest is to take the cable automobile. When you’re planning to make use of the hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape City you should buy a mixed bus and cable automobile ticket.
The Maclear’s Beacon hike is likely one of the best hikes on Desk Mountain with out strenuous ascents or descents. Appropriate for vacationers with kids and aged folks. It’s a return route. The path begins at Platteklip Gorge and finishes at Maclear’s Beacon. A pleasant well-marked route with nice views of and of the coast. together with Hout Bay, Cape Peninsula, Cape Flats, Strand, Gordons Bay, and so on. The hike ends at Maclear’s Beacon, a man-made triangle rock memorial 5 meters excessive.
Pipe Monitor, Desk Mountain
- Distance – 8 km return, you possibly can stroll so far as you need no have to go all the best way.
- Time – 2 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 171 m
- Terrain – rocky footpath
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – sundown is probably the most lovely time for mountain climbing although I’d advocate not going alone and returning again to your automobile earlier than it will get darkish. Weekend morning is the busiest time for mountain climbing the Pipe monitor which makes it the most secure time as properly.
- Beginning/ending level – throughout the street from Kloof Nek car parking zone. After 4 km the path merges with the jeep monitor you possibly can flip round at that time or proceed on the jeep monitor.
- Parking – free at Kloof Nek car parking zone.
- Canine-friendly – sure, it’s one among our favourite trails to stroll with our canine. When you like taking your canines for adventures now we have a publish on the most effective dog-friendly campsites round Cape City.
Highlights
- Stunning views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, Chapman’s Peak.
- Gorgeous views of the coast and the mountain vary.
Challenges
- Nothing particularly although mountain climbing or working this path off-peak hours isn’t beneficial for security causes.
One other simple hike on Desk Mountain with only a few ups and downs at first. It’s appropriate for folks with kids and canines. The title comes from a large pipeline alongside the route, initially it was constructed to put water pipes to hold water from Desk Mountain all the way down to Cape City. The Pipe Monitor is likely one of the oldest mountain climbing trails, it dates again to 1887.
The Pipe Monitor might be walked as part of the Diagonal Path or Kasteelspoort Path up Desk Mountain if you happen to begin/end on the Kloof Neck car parking zone.
The path goes round Desk Mountain on the Camps Bay facet you get very nice views of the coast. You don’t get to the highest of Desk Mountain on this route however the views are nonetheless very good. It’s an ideal route for working or strolling with a canine, it’s our favourite dog-friendly hike in Cape City. Simply ensure that to carry sufficient water in your pet. There aren’t any water sources alongside the route.
Waterfall hike, Cecilia Forest
- Distance – 5 km loop
- Time – 2 hours
- Elevation acquire – 324 m
- Elevation loss – 316 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel street, jeep monitor
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – weekends morning when it’s not too scorching and there are different hikers on the route.
- Beginning/ending level – Cecilia Forest car parking zone
- Parking – free at Cecilia Forest automobile park. If there isn’t a area alongside Rhodes Drive.
- Canine-friendly – sure, one other nice hike to stroll with canines.
Highlights
- Stunning forest
- A picturesque waterfall
- Good views of the environment
Challenges
- The ascent to the waterfall, it’s not very steep however fairly lengthy.
- It’d get fairly scorching in summer season, ensure that to hold sufficient water.
A pleasant and straightforward hike in Cecilia Forest appropriate for kids, canines are allowed on the path. It’s a loop route that begins on the entrance. The primary half might be completed on a jeep monitor or on a footpath. The footpath is kind of good, it begins on the precise (signal Cecilia Ravine) and goes up just about all the best way until you attain the waterfall. It crosses the jeep monitor a few instances. The footpath is steeper however a bit shorter than the jeep monitor.
The primary half of the route is thru the forest, the second half is on the slopes of the mountains fairly uncovered to the solar. When you stroll in summer season ensure that to make use of sunscreen and a cap. Deliver water with you. You may refill it on the waterfall. The waterfall shouldn’t be very huge however lovely. It’s a pleasant picnic or a relaxation cease. After the waterfall, you proceed on the identical path till it joins the Counterpath path the place you flip proper and stroll again in direction of the doorway gate. You may mix mountain climbing in Cecilia Forest with visiting wine farms in Constantia Valley, located simply 5 km away.
When you get pleasure from mountain climbing I’d recommend together with the Otter Path and the Amatola Path in your South Africa mountain climbing bucket checklist. Each routes are completely spectacular.
Average/tough mountain climbing trails in Cape City
Skeleton Gorge, Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard
- Distance – 6 km return
- Time – 2h30min. – 3 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 600 m
- Terrain – footpath, boardwalks, picket ladders, rocks and boulders
- Price – Kirstenbosch Backyard entrance price ZAR 75/US$5 adults, ZAR 40/US$2,5 kids
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – any time many of the path is thru the forest you get good shade on the best way up and down.
- Open – day by day from 8am to 6pm
- Beginning/ending level – Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard. The turnaround level on the highest of Desk Mountain is 100 m away from Hely Hutchinson Reservoir.
- Parking – there are two free parking heaps on the entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard.
- Canine-friendly – no, canines should not allowed inside Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard.
Highlights
- Gorgeous lush inexperienced forest.
- Small waterfalls and creeks, picturesque gorge, many birds.
- Nice views of Cape Flats and False Bay from the highest.
- A ravishing dam with a sandy seaside on the finish of the route.
Challenges
- Steep ascent from the beginning.
- Moist rocks are a bit slippery, not an issue on the best way up however need to stroll cautious when taking place.
That is one among our favourite mountain climbing trails up Desk Mountain not for the views however for the surroundings alongside the route. Skeleton Gorge is certainly the greenest hike in Cape City. Even if you happen to’re not planning to stroll up Skeleton Gorge Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard is value together with in your Cape City itinerary.
The world is totally lovely; lush inexperienced forest, small creeks, and waterfalls, large boulders, occasional flowers, and so on. It’s the one route up Desk Mountain that’s well-protected from the direct solar. It’s the most effective path to tackle a scorching summer season day. The route follows the gorge over rocks and boulders just about all the best way to the highest. On the prime, you end on the other facet of the cable automobile, subsequent to an enormous dam with a pleasant sandy seaside. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic.
It’s attainable to hitch a guided Skeleton Gorge hike that begins at Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard and finishes on the higher cable automobile station.
When you like mountain climbing by a lush inexperienced forest with many waterfalls, rivers, and creeks you may benefit from the Outeniqua Path, a 1-week hike within the Outeniqua forest close to Knysna.
Platteklip Gorge, Desk Mountain
- Distance – 5,5 km return
- Time – 2 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 650 m
- Terrain – rocks and boulders
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – morning or night, it will get very popular throughout the day there’s barely any shadow right here.
- Beginning/ending level – Tafelberg Street, 700 m previous the Decrease Cable Automotive station. The turnaround level on the highest of Desk Mountain is 700 m away from the higher cable automobile station.
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street previous the Decrease Cable Automotive station at no cost.
- Canine-friendly – sure, although it’s fairly a steep up and down, the path could be very uncovered to the solar.
Highlights
- Good views of Metropolis Bowl and the coast on the best way up.
- A ravishing gorge with large boulders on the finish of the path.
Challenges
- A steep climb from the begin to the top.
- The rocky stairs are fairly excessive; it actually works your legs.
The most well-liked route up Desk Mountain and some of the well-liked hikes in Cape City. The Platteklip Gorge and the India Venster trails are the most effective to take if you wish to find yourself close to the cable automobile station on the highest. This route could be very simple with out winding across the mountain from the very begin it simply goes on to the highest. Subsequently it’s the shortest route as properly. We used to “run” this route up and down a few instances as soon as per week after we had been getting ready for the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal.
The route is straightforward to observe it mainly goes straight up from the beginning until it reaches the highest. You don’t need to be an skilled hiker for strolling it simply ensure you have sufficient water with you. It’s attainable to hitch a guided hike up Platteklip Gorge.
India Venster, Desk Mountain
- Distance – 8,5 km return
- Time – 4 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 722 m
- Terrain – footpath, rocks, boulders, ladders.
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – in summer season early morning earlier than it will get too scorching. Not the most effective path to stroll if it’s very windy.
- Beginning/ending level – on the precise of the Decrease Cable Automotive station. The path finishes on the highest of Desk Mountain, 700 m away from the Higher Cable Automotive station.
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street earlier than or after the Decrease Cable Automotive station freed from cost.
- Canine-friendly – technically sure, canines are allowed however the path entails loads of climbing and scrambling on the sting of the cliffs, not the best for strolling with a canine.
Highlights
- Gorgeous views of Desk Mountain, Metropolis Bowl, Camps Bay, Chapman’s Peak, and so on.
- Nice views of the Aerial cable automobile.
Challenges
- A steep ascent from the begin to the top.
- Troublesome climbs over rocks and ladders within the center a part of the route.
- The path is uncovered to the solar with no shadow.
This route is the last word journey path with some steep climbs over rocks and ladders and entails some scrambling, not for the faint-hearted. It’s not a kids pleasant hike. Not appropriate for many who are afraid of heights. I don’t need to put you off. It’s not a technical climb, it’s just like the ladders and chains a part of Lion’s Head hike besides it’s for much longer and better.
The path is attractive with a number of the finest views of Cape City and the coast. I’d say that is our most favourite route up Desk Mountain for the views and total expertise. You may stroll this path each methods up and down however we choose utilizing a distinct route or taking the cable automobile for taking place.
When you don’t really feel assured sufficient to do that path by yourself you possibly can all the time be a part of a guided India Venster hike with specialists who’ve completed this route many instances.
Diagonal/Kasteelspoort Path, Desk Mountain
- Distance – 11 km loop if you happen to begin on the Pipe Monitor at Tafelberg Street; about 6 km loop if you happen to begin at Theresa Avenue Jeep Path (Camps Bay).
- Time – 3h30min. – 4 hours, 2h30min.-3 hours the Camps Bay route.
- Elevation acquire/loss – 680 m
- Terrain – footpath the primary half and rocks and stairs the second half
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – morning when there are extra folks.
- Beginning/ending level – Kloof Nook parking space if you happen to begin at Tavelberg Street;
- Parking – if you happen to begin at Tafelberg Street – Kloof Nek car parking zone at no cost; if you happen to begin at Camps Bay – at one of many close by streets (Theresa Avenue, Barbara Street) at no cost.
- Canine-friendly – sure, I’d recommend going up and down the Kasteelspoort path relatively than the Diagonal.
Highlights
- Unbelievable views of Camps Bay, Lion’s Head, Cape Peninsula, and so on.
- The Diving board, a rock formation that reminds a diving board an exciting place not for faint-hearted, an ideal spot for superb pictures.
Challenges
- The climb up on the Diagonal path is kind of steep.
- There’s nowhere to refill water – ensure that to carry sufficient.
This route is one among our favorites for the views of Camps Bay and Cape Peninsula. The path itself could be very various and combines 3 completely different trails; the Pipe Monitor (the flat and straightforward half), the Diagonal path (up), and the Kasteelspoort path (down). It’s attainable to stroll up and down following the identical path e.g. each methods on the Diagonal or on the Kasteelspoort path. The Kasteelspoort route is simpler particularly for taking place. The Diagonal is tougher and entails some climbing over huge rocks.
This hike is a superb possibility for many who’ve been up Desk Mountain on the cable automobile facet and need to see a distinct a part of the mountain. The Diagonal path is considerably much less busy in comparison with the Kasteelspoort. There are higher look-out factors with views of Camps Bay and Lion’s Head on the Diagonal Path although.
You may be a part of a guided Kasteelspoort hike from Camps Bay to the higher cable automobile station.
Satan’s Peak hike, Desk Mountain
- Distance – 6 km return
- Time – 2h30min. – 3 hours return
- Elevation acquire/loss – 585 m
- Terrain – footpath, rocks
- Price – free
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – early mornings in summer season earlier than it will get too scorching. For security causes, it’s higher to stroll in on weekends or throughout public holidays when there are fairly a couple of hikers on the mountain.
- Beginning/ending level – Tafelberg Street, about 2,5 km previous the decrease cable automobile station.
- Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street, freed from cost.
- Canine-friendly – sure, the path is steep uncovered to the solar and wind.
Highlights
- Nice views of the Metropolis Bowl and the Atlantic Ocean all the best way to the highest, simply look again.
- From the highest, you get spectacular panoramic views of Desk Mountain, Lions Head, the Metropolis Bowl, Desk Bay, Robben Island, all the best way to the Northern Suburbs.
- Satan’s Peak is the second-highest peak in Desk Mountain Nationwide Park following Maclear’s Beacon.
Challenges
- The path to Satan’s Peak has some steep sections at first and on the prime.
- The route could be very uncovered, take correct solar safety and water.
- Mountaineering up Devils Peak the wind might be robust on the path, watch out and take applicable clothes.
- Hike of reasonable problem taking 1.5 to 2 hours to climb the 585m to the highest (3km).
- Some mild scrambling on the finish to get to the highest.
- Some free rocks on the footpath.
To ascend Devils Peak it’s a must to undergo the saddle between Devils Peak and Desk Mountain. There are three completely different routes to achieve the saddle; from Tafelberg Street on the town facet; from Newlands Forest (beginning at Rhodes memorial), or the higher contour path from Mowbray Ridge.
To get to the beginning of the Tafelberg Street path drive previous the cable automobile station and Platteklip Gorge, proceed on Tafelberg street till you attain a Devils Peak signal, there might be some vehicles parked. From Tafelberg Street is the preferred and doubtless the most secure and best path to take. The trail is evident and well-marked, you flip round and observe the identical path again from the highest. The hike is of reasonable problem. The path begins with some steep switchbacks for the primary 1.5km (30 min). The views of the Atlantic Ocean and the CBD is improbable all the best way, simply go searching. There’s a marker on the finish of the path on prime of the cairn that marks the summit. On the prime, you can be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the encompassing mountains, metropolis, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape of Good Hope hike, Cape Level Nationwide Park
- Distance – 36 km loop
- Time – 2 days
- Elevation acquire – 1460 m over 2 days
- Elevation loss – 1500 m over 2 days
- Terrain – footpath, sand, rocks, and boulders
- Price – ZAR 355/US$24 per individual for the hike + Cape Level conservation price ZAR 85/US$5 for South Africans (adults), ZAR 340/US$23 for foreigners (adults).
- Open – the gate opens at 8am, on the primary day of the path hikers need to register on the entrance earlier than 9am.
- Greatest time for mountain climbing – October – April, it will get fairly windy and scorching between December and February.
- Beginning/ending level – Cape Level Nationwide Park entrance gate.
- Parking – free at protected car parking zone contained in the park, on the entrance gate.
- Canine-friendly – no, canines should not allowed contained in the Nationwide Park.
Highlights
- Gorgeous coastal surroundings of the Cape Level Nationwide Park; sandy seashores, cliffs, look-out factors, rocky swimming pools, fynbos, and so on.
- Various wildlife;
- Fantastically positioned huts with superb views of Cape Peninsula
- Sundown and dawn on the park
Challenges
- It will get very windy and scorching in summer season, ensure you’re protected against the solar. It’s very simple to get sunburned with out even realizing it.
- There aren’t any water sources alongside the path solely at huts, carrying 2l of water per individual is beneficial.
- The second day is a bit lengthy, over 20 km
Cape of Good Hope is the one multi-day hike on our checklist. The path is the last word journey for mountain climbing lovers, it’s probably the greatest hikes at Cape Level Nationwide Park. It offers you an opportunity to discover each side of Cape Level; the Atlantic facet and the False Bay facet. More often than not the path goes alongside the coast providing spectacular surroundings; dramatic drops, rugged cliffs, white-sand seashores, weird rock formations. Throughout the hike, you possibly can spot zebras, ostriches, elands, mongooses, tortoises, chameleons, completely different seabirds, and so on. Hikers keep at in a single day huts with good amenities contained in the park. The path is marked with yellow poles, it’s fairly simple to observe. When you’re not planning on doing a 2-day hike Cape Level is a superb place for a day journey from Cape City.
Security suggestions for mountain climbing in Cape City
- Don’t hike alone, all the time go in a bunch of 2-3 folks a minimum of.
- Don’t go mountain climbing at evening time.
- If you wish to hike one of many much less well-liked trails do it throughout holidays or over weekends when there are extra folks.
- All the time take sufficient consuming water with you particularly in summer season (1-2l per individual relying on the size of the hike). Most trails don’t have water sources alongside the best way.
- Make sure that to make use of solar safety and put on a cap many trails are uncovered to the solar with no shade to cover.
- Take pictures of rangers’ numbers (often there’s a signal at trailheads) to contact them in case of emergency.
- If we hike on weekdays we often take our canine (the place canines are allowed) for additional safety.
What to pack for mountain climbing in Cape City
The place to remain in Cape City?
There are a lot of motels, guesthouses and hostels in Cape City. One of the simplest ways to decide on is to determine the place you need to keep: within the metropolis middle, near the Waterfront or on the seaside. Listed below are some lodging strategies in your journey.