Things to do in Cape Town, Western Cape: The Best Hiking Trails

April 22, 2022 Christa Meece

From flat-topped Table Mountain down to the blue waters of Table Bay, Cape Town is simply stunning, but the city doesn't thrive by its looks alone. Proudly multicultural, its flourishing arts, dining, and nightlife scenes are proof of this modern metropolis' creativity and innovative spirit.
Restaurants in Cape Town

1. Guided Nature Trails Cape Point

Scarborough, Cape Town Central 7975 South Africa +27 82 665 7232 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/pages/Guided-nature-trails-cape-point/196050390603288
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
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0%
Poor
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Guided Nature Trails Cape Point

2. Platteklip Gorge

Table Mountain National Park, Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001, Table Mountain National Park 8001 South Africa +27 81 762 5551 [email protected] http://www.hikecapetown.net/tours/platteklip-gorge
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 235 reviews

Platteklip Gorge

Platteklip Gorge is a national park trail of Table Mountain. The route that takes you the most directly up to the Cableway. Learn more about the various routes of Platteklip Gorge hike which takes place on Table Mountain tours and visit our website.

Reviewed By kt577 - Brooklyn, United States

This hike is awesome, but is sold as the ‘easiest’ hike on Table Mountain, and maybe that’s true but it’s definitely not easy. Start early, sunrise or shortly after - if it’s a sunny / hot day you are in direct sun the entire hike without really any shade coverage. Bring 1 liter of water / person then fill up your bottle or buy more at the top. Eat before or bring snacks .... there’s also food at the top. This is a strenuous hike, a constant uphill and not suitable for children or the elderly. This took us about 4 hours including an hour spent at the top; and we are two people in our 30s who are very active.

3. India Venster Trail

Contour Path Table Mountain, Cape Town Central 8005 South Africa
Excellent
90%
Good
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Satisfactory
10%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

India Venster Trail

Reviewed By 205JamieR205 - Grand Rapids, United States

I’ll never forget this hike. It was amazing. I went with a guide, and for the first part I was feeling like I probably could have managed alone; however, as we progressed, I was incredibly glad to have her. (Full disclosure: I am also not a super experienced hiker, so her suggestions on where to climb were very helpful.) There is a fair amount of vertical climbing, using handholds, staples, and chains. I am moderately afraid of heights, so those parts were a challenge for me. It was totally worth it though. The views were incredible, and you get to see so much flora. I was also glad that I had legitimate trail shoes with some grip to them. It was definitely strenuous, and I got a really good workout along with an unforgettable experience. I would not recommend for young children or people not in good physical condition.

4. Kasteelspoort

Table Mountain, Bakoven, Camps Bay South Africa
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Kasteelspoort

Reviewed By irfaan-fakir - Johannesburg, South Africa

Not many are aware of the "back" of Table Mountain and Kasteelspoort is one of the hiking routes on that side to the top. The detour past the reservoirs combined with the fantastic views as well as the flora make it incredible.

5. Helderberg Nature Reserve

Verster Avenue, Somerset West 7130 South Africa +27 21 444 9744 [email protected] http://www.capetown.gov.za/naturereserves
Excellent
59%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 336 reviews

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Hiking, camping and bird watching are the top attractions in this majestic wildlife sanctuary nestled on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain. O

Reviewed By trevawalsh - Rustenburg, South Africa

I did a trail run/hike up to the top of West Peak. The bottom trails of Helderberg are well marked and utilized, however the upper trails are not as well maintained and require you to be very careful. It is well worth it for the view at the top of the mountain though! It felt safe in terms of security and the facilites at the entrance were good.

6. Half-Day Hiking and Trekking Tour on Table Mountain

Cape Town Central South Africa +27 11 676 3200 [email protected] http://www.yourafrica.co.za
Excellent
71%
Good
29%
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4.5 based on 14 reviews

Half-Day Hiking and Trekking Tour on Table Mountain

7. Hout Bay Lookout

Hout Bay Road, Hout Bay 7806 South Africa +27 60 933 4116 http://www.cape-hike.co.za/silvermine-to-hout-bay-lookout/
Excellent
58%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
16%
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4.5 based on 69 reviews

Hout Bay Lookout

Reviewed By 36olivec - Lytham St Anne's, United Kingdom

Absolutely stunning....the view of the Bay is simply out of this world...the sheer splendor of the vista will fill you with awe and wonder...take your time...absorb the beauty before you...sundowners perhaps? and/or a picnic...??

8. Mountain View Horse Trails

Van Schoordrift Rd, Cape Town Central South Africa +27 83 727 0256 http://www.mountainviewhorsetrails.co.za/
Excellent
80%
Good
10%
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4.5 based on 10 reviews

Mountain View Horse Trails

Reviewed By simonenicoles - Cape Town Central, South Africa

The whole experience was really fantastic . The people were so friendly . They make you feel comfortable . The horse riding was great , the guides were with us to make sure everything went smoothly . The farm is full of animals , cute sheep even. The archery is fun . I will recommend this place . They really love the horses and animals . They need the support

9. Crystal Pools Hiking Trail

Gordon's Bay South Africa +27 21 856 4975 http://www.capetown.travel/visitors/see-do/nature-adventure/outdoor-activities/hiking-to-crystal-pools-in-gordons-bay/
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Crystal Pools Hiking Trail

Reviewed By louisek561 - Cape Town Central, South Africa

We booked a month in advance and set off on our hike on the 1st of March early on a Saturday morning. What a treat, the birds and bees were out, the trail was absolutely stunning and we were spoiled with choices for crystal clear pools. The fellow hikers were friendly and we had the best day. Here and there we had to pick up a plastic bottle from an inconsiderate hiker but overall the day was perfect, the hike was pristine and the pools, amazing!

10. India Venster

Cape Town Central 8001 South Africa
Excellent
83%
Good
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Satisfactory
17%
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

India Venster

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