Elsie’s Peak Traverse adventure hike

Fishhoek

Intermediate Beginner [Grade 2]

6 km

Dog friendly

No permit fee

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An exciting traverse around the base of the Elsie's Peak cliff-line with some scrambling and a bit of exposure here and there then ascend to the summit for views and a snack break.

This is an interesting circular route that NEEDS GOOD BALANCE and a head for HEIGHTS, but is otherwise relatively easy scrambling. The traverse around the front of the mountain will give awesome views and a bit more adventure. The walk is steep in places but the path is well-defined throughout. Once on the mountain stunning views of Fish Hoek and the surrounds are afforded.

Ultimately you will crest the mountain below the mast which gives panoramic views of Glencairn and Simonstown to the South or False Bay up to Strand and beyond to the North.

Highlights: 

  • Enjoy panoramic vistas over the Fish Hoek valley toward Simonstown and False Bay, with Gordon's Bay and Hangklip visible.
  • Elsie’s Peak is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, home to over 70% of endemic flowers found on Table Mountain. It’s a UNESCO-designated natural site.
  • While popular, you can still find moments of solitude during quieter times.

Trail Tips:

  • Distance: The trail covers approximately 2.6 miles (about 4.2 kilometers).
  • Difficulty: Generally considered moderate.
  • Route Type: Circular. (loop)
  • Scenery: Absolutely beautiful, with epic views over over the Fish Hoek valley toward Simonstown and False Bay, with Gordens Bay and Hangklip visible.
  • Best time to visit:  Open year-round, and dogs are welcome (some areas allow off-leash)

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Woodstock Cave hike

Table Mountain

Intermediate Beginner [Grade 2]

8 km

Dog friendly

No permit fee

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Have you seen the cave from De Waal Drive? It’s the Woodstock Cave and yes, you can get there by foot. This cave is one of the largest on Table Mountain. If you’re up for an amazing panoramic Cape Town city, Lions Head and Table Bay view, this is it. Pack a picnic, put on your hiking boots with the aim to have a picnic with a view in the mouth of Woodstock Cave. It is easily accessible which makes it a popular destination for hikers..

Highlights: 

  • As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city, Table Bay, and the surrounding landscape. It’s a photographer’s dream!
  • Keep an eye out for the unique fynbos vegetation along the way. This diverse plant community includes proteas, ericas, and other endemic species.
  • The trail leads to the impressive Woodstock Cave, nestled in the cliffs. The cave itself is a highlight, and you’ll love the panoramic view it offers.
  • With an elevation gain of 1,302 feet (397 meters), this hike provides a good workout. It’s challenging but rewarding!

Trail Tips:

  • Length: Approximately 4.0 miles (6.4 km) out and back.
  • Difficulty: Generally considered moderate.
  • Route Type: Circular. (loop)
  • Scenery: Absolutely beautiful, with epic views over the city.
  • Best Times to Visit: Year-round, but winter may offer a small waterfall from the cave overhang.

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Elephant’s Eye Cave hike

Silvermine

Beginner [Grade 1]

6 km

Dog friendly

No permit fee

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You cannot call yourself a Capetonian unless you’ve walked to Elephant’s Eye Cave. It’s not difficult to do, the scenery is amazing, the views incredible, and children manage it with ease. Pack a picnic to lunch in the cave.

Most of the walk is along well-hewn paths and gravel roads, and the higher you get, the more beautiful the views as Cape Town and False Bay begin to emerge behind you.

The walk up to Elephant’s Eye Cave on the Tokai side of Silvermine Nature Reserve is a pleasant, easy going hike that takes about two hours to do from the parking area near the dam in Silvermine Nature Reserve. It is a fun trail to do with young children.

Highlights: 

  • The hike takes you past indigenous fynbos, with the chance to see king proteas in bloom.
  • The inclines are minor, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
  • Even dogs (on a leash) can join!

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Old Wagon Trail hike

Silvermine

Intermediate Beginner [Grade 2]

8 km

Dog friendly

Gate fee

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This is an old mountain pass that follows and is accessible from the Ou Kaapse Weg. There is some excellent mountain scenery and the walk is a good introduction to the fynbos biome.

The path stretches across the mountain from San Michel to the Silvermine Nature Reserve. It is not strenuous and affords some wonderful views of the Fish Hoek Valley to the East. We will do a loop from Silvermine Gate 1 via Spitskop.

Highlights: 

  • Table Mountain is thought to be one of the oldest mountains globally, with rocks approximately 600 million years old. It’s the only natural site with a constellation of stars named after it (“Mensa,” meaning ‘table’ in Latin).
  • Enjoy the stunning views and solitude on this trail!
  • Kanonkop offers panoramic views of Buffels Bay and Cape Point.
  • Booi se Skerm provides rare coastal views and tranquility. The path continues to Bordjiesdrif’s tidal pool and Buffels Bay beach.

Trail Tips:

  • Difficulty: Generally considered moderate
  • Route Type: Circular (loop)
  • Terrain: Mainly jeep track with a section of tar in the Silvermine reserve
  • Flora: The trail passes through the Cape Floral region, one of the richest floral regions globally. Over 70% of the flowers here are endemic to Table Mountain, which is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom
  • Please note: As there is no electricity and limited reception at the gate, only cash is accepted for the entrance fee

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Farmer’s Cliffs hike

Cape Point

Intermediate Beginner [Grade 2]

8 km

No dogs allowed

Gate fee

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The stony path that leaves the view point is easy to follow and heads south towards Cape Point. The joy of this hike is that you are below the road and have access to scenery not possible from a car in the reserve.

The path heads up Judas Peak and then on to Die Boer, wending its way around the slopes of Paulsberg (the highest of Cape Point's peaks) before finally climbing Kanonkop (and yes, there is a canon atop the hill that used to let Simon's Town know of approaching ships).

From the top of Kanonkop are incredible views down over Buffelsbaai and Cape Point – taking a good camera along is imperative. The trail slowly heads down to sea level along a gully, reaching the sea at Booi se Skerm.

From Booi se Skerm the views of Paul's Rock and the coastline are superlative, and provide aspects of the coast seldom photographed. The scenery is beautiful, barren and devoid of human activity. Only the odd Chacma baboon's call to disturb the quiet.

Trail Tips:

  • Start: Smitswinkel Viewpoint parking area
  • Finish: Buffels Bay beach
  • Distance: 8 km one way (consider leaving another car at Buffels Bay beach)
  • Fitness Level: Moderate

Highlights: 

  • The stony path from Smitswinkel Viewpoint provides unique views below the road, inaccessible by car.
  • The trail passes Judas Peak, Die Boer, and Paulsberg, with incredible vistas.
  • Kanonkop offers panoramic views of Buffels Bay and Cape Point.
  • Booi se Skerm provides rare coastal views and tranquility. The path continues to Bordjiesdrif’s tidal pool and Buffels Bay beach.

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Orangekloof Hell’s Gate guided hike

Table Mountain

Intermediate [Grade 3]

10 km

No dogs allowed

Permit required

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If you’re searching for a unique hiking experience, with breath-taking views that you won’t be able to describe in only a few words, then look no further. Hell’s Gate Waterfall Hike awaits, ready to transport you to your scenic paradise.

This untouched location is nestled in the section behind the iconic Table Mountain overlooking Hout Bay, where you’ll find a restricted area known as Orange Kloof. The Afromontane Forest is home to the very famous hike hidden in one of the gorges.  The forest of Orange Kloof is something not to be missed.  This is a gorgeous, protected area that can be found just above Hout Bay on the southern end of the iconic Table Mountain range.  This pristine section of the mountain is accessible by permit only, due to the pristine Afromontane Forest that exists there. It is believed to have derived its name from the bark of the orange-coloured saffron trees that were prevalent in Hout Bay at the time.

Hell’s Gate is beautiful beyond description and on the bucket list of many local hikers. Its waterfall location is one of, if not THE most unique and mesmerizing rock formations in Table Mountain National Park. It’s a series of rock pools and waterfalls that cannot be found anywhere else in Cape Town thus giving it the title for Cape Town’s best adventure – it’s hard to believe that this location is found right in the middle of a city.  You’ll be so close to civilization but feel like you are hundreds of kilometres away.

Even though it’s a bit technical to get to, the journey will be worth it if you don’t have a fear of heights. After all, what’s better than soaking up unadulterated views from high above.  It isn’t a huge climb to the top of the mountain, but there are some spots where you’ll have to rough it up and use your hands to get to the next stunning section.

Only 12 people are allowed to hike in the area per day and must be led by a registered guide.

 

Trail Tips:

  • Distance: Approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km) out and back.
  • Elevation Gain: 1,729 feet (527 meters).
  • Difficulty: Moderately challenging.
  • Permit: A permit is required for Orange Kloof, with a maximum of 12 people allowed.
  • Terrain: Expect pools to negotiate, steep banks to scramble up, and some exposure.
  • Flora: Orange Kloof is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, home to over 70% of endemic flowers found on Table Mountain.
  • Fun Fact: Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains globally, with rocks dating back approximately 600 million years.
  • Safety: Not recommended for beginners due to its challenges.

Event Highlights

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Posted by Willemien

Little Lion’s Head hike

Houtbay

Intermediate Beginner [Grade 2]

8 km

Dog friendly

No permit fee

MORE INFO

The Little Lions Head hike in Hout Bay offers stunning views and a bit of adventure. Here are the details:

Starting Point: Begin from Valley View Drive, at the top of Mount Rhodes estate in Hout Bay. It’s approximately a 30-minute drive from Cape Town center.
Distance: The hike covers 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles).
Duration: Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours on the trail.
Ascent: You’ll climb 240 meters (787 feet).
Descent: Descend the same 240 meters.
Highest Point: The summit reaches 437 meters (1,434 feet) above sea level.
Difficulty: Rated as difficult due to some tricky scrambles, but there’s no significant exposure.

Trail Tips:

  • Look out for small cairns to guide you.
  • The gate at the start is open for pedestrians during daylight hours.
  • Consider using hiking poles to ease pressure on your knees.
  • Enjoy the 360-degree views over Hout Bay, Llandudno, and the surroundings from the top

Remember to head for the summit, and happy hiking!

 

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Posted by Willemien