Cave Peak Loop - Kalk Bay
The hike to Cave Peak begins with a steady climb, with rocky sections near the summit that require some careful scrambling. At the top, the open summit rewards you with sweeping views over Fish Hoek.
From there, the trail follows a high traverse past the Clovelly entrance of Boomslang Cave before looping back and descending through a forested section at the base of the cliffs along the lower traverse, offering a varied mix of ridges, forest, and cliffside paths.
Start — Begin either from Kalk Bay or Clovelly and hike towards the saddle between the two suburbs before turning up to Cave Peak.
Scramble & Climb — At the base of the cliffs, complete a 2m slightly challenging scramble followed by a relatively steep section to the top. Another short scramble is required just before reaching the top. This is best attempted along the right-hand side against the cliff.
Traverse — After reaching the top, follow the high traverse past the Clovelly entrance to Boomslang Cave. Continue until you reach a left fork which doubles back toward Clovelly along a lower traverse at the base of the cliffs.
📍 Meeting Point — Either Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay or Clovelly Rd in Clovelly.
📌 Meeting spot Kalk Bay — Google Maps
📌 Meeting spot Clovelly — Google Maps
⏱️ Hiking Time — 3hrs 30min
📏 Distance — 4.4km
⛰️ Elevation — 408m
🟡 Grade — Moderate
🐾🐾 — Not dog friendly
Route Notes — The trail includes a short section of slightly challenging scrambling and mild exposure near the top of Cave Peak. Better attempted for the first time with a guide unless you are comfortable scrambling on the mountain.
Boomslang Cave
Boomslang Cave winds through Cave Peak from Echo Valley towards Clovelly.
Access — Entry is via a leopard crawl from the Echo Valley side into the Bat Chamber, often filled with roosting Natal long-fingered bats. The route is easy to follow with a headlamp.
History — Boomslang is one of ~70 caves in the Kalk Bay area. Many were explored between 1924–1941 by a spelunking group called "the Moles" led by Johannes G. Meyer. Some original names like Six Moles Cave, Light and Gloom, and Drip Drop Cave have changed; others like Free Drinks Saloon and Devil's Pit remain accessible via Creepy Corridor.
Route Access — To reach Boomslang Cave, take either the Echo Valley Route from Kalk Bay or hike to the saddle and Cave Peak from Clovelly Rd or Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay.
More Information — Read more about the adventures of the Moles at Kalk Bay Caves
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| White Dome Grotto - Cave Peak |
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