• About
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • EUROPE
      • CROATIA
      • DENMARK
      • ENGLAND
      • FRANCE
      • GERMANY
      • ITALY
      • NETHERLANDS
      • SLOVENIA
      • SPAIN
    • AFRICA
      • MOROCCO
      • SOUTH AFRICA
    • AMERICAS
      • MEXICO
    • ASIA
      • SRI LANKA
  • About
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Icons

trust me travel

  • HOME
  • Blog
  • DESTINATIONS
    • EUROPE
      • CROATIA
      • DENMARK
      • ENGLAND
      • FRANCE
      • GERMANY
      • ITALY
      • NETHERLANDS
      • SLOVENIA
      • SPAIN
    • AFRICA
      • MOROCCO
      • SOUTH AFRICA
    • AMERICAS
      • MEXICO
    • ASIA
      • SRI LANKA

AFRICA, DESTINATIONS, SOUTH AFRICA · July 9, 2018

Top 8 Insta-Worthy Hikes in Cape Town


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


In: AFRICA, DESTINATIONS, SOUTH AFRICA

join the club

You’ll Also Love

Things_To_Do_In_CopenhagenThings To See and Do: A Weekend In Copenhagen
Santuario Madonna Della Corona-1Santuario Madonna Della Corona: How to Get There & Best Photography Spots
Nice_to_ÈzeSneaky Day Trip: Nice to Èze

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

INSTAGRAM FEED

All aboard… The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri All aboard…

The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka! This 7 hour train journey transports you from the chaotic city streets of Kandy to the misty mountain tops of Ella. 

It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

As you might have noticed, this train has open windows & doorways that passengers can peak out of. Would you (safely!) give it a try?
If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add the Square Peg Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka to your bucket list! 

Potted plants overflow from the hotel’s windows and walls, intertwining with trees along its edges, giving the hotel a captivating, post-apocalyptic charm. In the best way..

Square Peg offers a calm oasis overlooking the rowdy city of Kandy just below. The views & this property exceeded our expectations in every way! 🌿
Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal part Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal parts chaotic, vibrant & sacred. A city full of competing sounds - cawing crows, bleating tuk tuks, thrumming drums & whining brass horns. A city I had low expectations for, but left wishing I had more time. 

We stopped over in Kandy to take the famous Kandy to Ella train (more on this later!) & were glad to have some time to explore the city, albeit short. Here’s a mini 24 hour guide to Kandy:

DO // At the center of the city is Kandy Lake. Leisurely wander through town taking in the sights along the way. Next to the lake is the Kandyan Cultural Center where you can experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance. After the performance, head next door to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. 

STAY // The Square Peg Hotel was an oasis overlooking the city. In addition to the incredible views, they also have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve traditional curries in the evening & Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning.
This time last year Dave surprised me with an over This time last year Dave surprised me with an overnight trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and it’s still one of my favorite weekend trips we’ve done while living in San Diego. Here’s a mini guide and some inspo to make the trip! 

GETTING THERE // The park is a super easy and very scenic 2 hour drive from San Diego. Stop in Julian on your way for a slice of their famous apple pie and a trip seemingly back in time. 

STAY // @bungalowsofthedesert_ offer adorable vintage trailers with everything you need to be comfortable (think firewood, gas stove, & tea kettle) yet still get the benefits of camping (think dark starry nights & no neighbors for miles). 

SEE // Font’s Point at sunset is a can’t miss with views across the badlands that i imagine are akin to Mars. Check out my latest reel for a few tips on how to get there.

Awin

our latest posts

  • Valle de Guadalupe Travel Guide: Weekend Trip from San Diego
  • Surf & Explore Sri Lanka: 2 Week Itinerary
  • Complete Guide to 2 Days In Ella, Sri Lanka
  • Weekend Guide to Visiting Scenic Lake Garda in Winter
  • 10 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do in & Around Northern Lake Garda

leave your e-mail

And get travel tips straight to the inbox

Welcome to Trust Me Travel, I hope this space can provide you with inspiration on where to head next, shed light on the things I wish we knew before you go, or simply lend a small escape from the day to day.

join the club

Reader Favorites

  • Seven-Sisters-Hike Seven Sisters Hike: Guide to the Ideal Day Trip from London

  • Santuario Madonna Della Corona-1 Santuario Madonna Della Corona: How to Get There & Best Photography Spots

  • Nuremberg 24 Hours in Nuremberg, Germany

trending now

  • Seven-Sisters-Hike Seven Sisters Hike: Guide to the Ideal Day Tr...

  • Santuario Madonna Della Corona-1 Santuario Madonna Della Corona: How to Get Th...

  • Nuremberg 24 Hours in Nuremberg, Germany

  • Things-to-do-in-Lake-Garda-Sentiero-Bussatte-Tempesta 10 Awe-Inspiring Things to Do in & Aroun...

instagram

Follow @trustmetravel

All aboard… The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri All aboard…

The train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka! This 7 hour train journey transports you from the chaotic city streets of Kandy to the misty mountain tops of Ella. 

It is known as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. So does it live up to the hype? Is it worth the 7 hour ride? 

To me, yes, yes, 100% yes. Especially when tickets can be less than $5 USD…After reading tons of guides & then experiencing the train myself, a few tips for your trip:

🎟️ Buy reserved tickets in advance. This will help ensure you have a seat & don’t have to elbow your way for one. You can do so online or at the train station. Online tickets go on sale a month before and sell out quickly! If you buy from the train station, go a day or two in advance of your desired trip date.
⏰ Try to avoid weekends. This is a very very busy train for locals & tourists alike. Book the blue Express train, otherwise this journey will take even longer than 7 hours lol. 
🚂 Choose seats in 2nd or 3rd class, ideally next to a window. In these classes they have open windows & doors where you can get the full experience (& views) to peak out of. If you choose to hang your body, arm, leg, etc out of the train, you do so at your own risk! Don’t be dumb…
📸 Best views are on the right side of the train up to Nanu Oya. After that, best views are on the left side. Aka views are amazing on both sides! You can also move freely around the carriage, so don’t stress it. 

Last tip, enjoy!!! Take it all in. With your eyes, not just your phone & camera 😏. This is by far the best train ride I’ve experienced to date.
Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka is rumored to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. 

The train ride is around 7 hours total - zipping past swirling green tea hills, tiny rural towns, rushing waterfalls & colorful stations. 

7 hours might sound like a lot, but I can honestly say, I never found myself bored. Quite the opposite! I was glued to the window (or open doorway 🫠) for fear of missing a single moment. 

As you might have noticed, this train has open windows & doorways that passengers can peak out of. Would you (safely!) give it a try?
If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add If you’re a plant lover like me, you need to add the Square Peg Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka to your bucket list! 

Potted plants overflow from the hotel’s windows and walls, intertwining with trees along its edges, giving the hotel a captivating, post-apocalyptic charm. In the best way..

Square Peg offers a calm oasis overlooking the rowdy city of Kandy just below. The views & this property exceeded our expectations in every way! 🌿
Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal part Postcards from Kandy, Sri Lanka. A city equal parts chaotic, vibrant & sacred. A city full of competing sounds - cawing crows, bleating tuk tuks, thrumming drums & whining brass horns. A city I had low expectations for, but left wishing I had more time. 

We stopped over in Kandy to take the famous Kandy to Ella train (more on this later!) & were glad to have some time to explore the city, albeit short. Here’s a mini 24 hour guide to Kandy:

DO // At the center of the city is Kandy Lake. Leisurely wander through town taking in the sights along the way. Next to the lake is the Kandyan Cultural Center where you can experience a traditional Kandyan dance performance. After the performance, head next door to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world. 

STAY // The Square Peg Hotel was an oasis overlooking the city. In addition to the incredible views, they also have a gorgeous rooftop where they serve traditional curries in the evening & Sri Lankan breakfast in the morning.
This time last year Dave surprised me with an over This time last year Dave surprised me with an overnight trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park, and it’s still one of my favorite weekend trips we’ve done while living in San Diego. Here’s a mini guide and some inspo to make the trip! 

GETTING THERE // The park is a super easy and very scenic 2 hour drive from San Diego. Stop in Julian on your way for a slice of their famous apple pie and a trip seemingly back in time. 

STAY // @bungalowsofthedesert_ offer adorable vintage trailers with everything you need to be comfortable (think firewood, gas stove, & tea kettle) yet still get the benefits of camping (think dark starry nights & no neighbors for miles). 

SEE // Font’s Point at sunset is a can’t miss with views across the badlands that i imagine are akin to Mars. Check out my latest reel for a few tips on how to get there.

Awin

Footer

join the club

KEEP IN TOUCH

  • Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 trust me travel · Theme by 17th Avenue