Most cities require a long trek out and some full-on planning to get a decent hike. Cape Town isn’t most cities. She boasts the convenience of towering mountain peaks, hiking trails for all levels, and white sand beaches – all within a 10 minute Uber from the city centre. You’ll read about Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill – but there are almost endless trails within. Read on for 8 of my favorite hikes in Cape Town, plus helpful tips to plan your trip.

1. Table Mountain

An icon – Table Mountain is a can’t miss. It can be seen from virtually every point in the city, often draped by a thin layer of wispy clouds (cleverly dubbed the “table cloth”).

How to Get There

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – We suggest starting your hike with a waltz through these world renowned gardens. Bonus points if you have time to enjoy a picnic here, before heading upward via Skeleton’s Gorge trail or Nursery Ravine trail. See below for more details on both!
• Aerial Cable Way – incredible views without all the fuss. I suggest hiking up the mountain, and then taking this bad boy down. At the top of the cable way is a restaurant, bar and gift shop.

Time: 12 Hrs (this will take you all day, so worth it!)

Price: R65 for Kirstenbosch, R151 for one-way Aerial Cable Way (R293 return)

2. Skeleton’s Gorge

One of the many trails on Table Mountain. Fun hike with ladders, streams and amazing views.

How to Get There

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Once inside, follow clear signs to the Skeleton’s Gorge trail. From the trail you can hike to the Table Mountain Reservoir or Maclear’s Beacon. Read on for details.

Time: 5.5 Hrs

Price: R65

3. Nursery Ravine

Similar to Skeleton’s Gorge, but not as difficult. I haven’t personally done this hike, but the Kirstenbosch website suggests hiking up Skeleton’s Gorge and taking Nursery Ravine down.

How to Get There

• Kirstenboch Botanical Gardens – Once inside the gardens follow clear signs to the Nursery Ravine trail.

Time: 5.5 Hrs

Price: R65

 4. Table Mountain Reservoir

A rainbow lake on top of a mountain! Hello. This is fairly easy to get to, and it is just about the halfway point if you’re hiking to the top. That said, the water is super refreshing for a quick dip on a hot day.

How To Get There

• Skeleton’s Gorge Trail – See notes above to take this trail. There will be signs throughout the trail directing you to the reservoir and all of a sudden the terrain will turn from dirt to sand. The reservoir is about 15 minutes from the end of the trail.

Time: 6 Hrs

Price: R65

5. Maclear’s Beacon

The highest point on Table Mountain!

How to Get There

• Skeleton’s Gorge Trail -See notes above. The Beacon is approximately 2 hours from the end of the trail and the views along the way are unbelievable.

Time: 7 Hrs

Price: R65

5. Lion’s Head

If you ask me, the most incredible views in all of Cape Town await at the top of Lion’s Head! It is probably one of my favorite hikes of all time. Plus, this guy doesn’t take nearly as long to hike as Table Mountain. Win, win. 

How to Get There

• Take an Uber to Lion’s Head Hike entrance, where there are clear signs on how to start the summit. Everyone I spoke to said this was an easy hike, but we totally underestimated it. Prepare yourself for lots of ladders.

Time: 2 Hrs

Price: FREE

6. Signal Hill

I wouldn’t particularly call this a hike, more like a walk. So be sure to bring a bottle of wine and some snacks for fantastic sundowners. You can also paraglide from Signal Hill, which I highly suggest!

How to Get There

• Take an Uber to Signal Hill. Your driver will likely drop you off at a large car park. Hang a right around the bathrooms, and follow the trail until you hit the lookout spot. We loved watching the sunset from the paragliding launch pad. You won’t be able to miss it, as tons of people will be posted to watch the sun take an evening dip into the ocean.

Time: 1 Hr

Price: FREE

7. Wally’s Cave

Wally’s Cave is a bitch to find, but when you do, you’ll want to stay for ages. We wouldn’t have found it without help from fellow hikers, but hopefully the tips below can get you there!

How to Get There

• See notes above on how to get to Lion’s Head. From there, follow the main trail until you reach the first ladder. Instead of going up, swing around the left side. You will pass over a small wire fence, and keep going until you reach a broken bench. Lastly, you will reach a rocky ledge with an incredible view. Follow the ledge around the mountain and look up to find Wally’s Cave! 

Time: 2 Hrs (we got lost multiple times, here’s to hoping it takes you less time!)

Price: FREE

8. Devil’s Peak & Elephant’s Eye

We weren’t able to find time for either of these, but we wish we did! Here are links to other sites with great instructions on how to access Devil’s Peak and Elephant’s Eye

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