Hiking in the South

The Silvermine Skyline Path is a classic Silvermine hike in the Silvermine Nature Reserve in Cape Town. Offering spectacular views over Hout Bay and Noordhoek, this Silvermine hiking trail is perfect for hikers seeking both adventure and scenery. Looking for more Silvermine hikes? See our full list of Silvermine Hiking Trails Start — From the Upper Silvermine Dam parking area, take the gravel road to the left of the dam heading back toward Ou Kaapse Weg. Ridge Traverse — Take the first right turn to reach a ridge overlooking Silvermine Dam. At the T-junction, turn right again and ascend to the ridge summit, enjoying sweeping views across the reserve. Return Loop — Continue along the ridge until a split allows a left turn down to the gravel road. Follow this road past Noordhoek Peak , then take the sandy path...

The Kalk Bay 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 ...

The Trappieskop hike is a short, accessible Kalk Bay hike rising above Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek , offering stunning views over False Bay and the coastline. This hike is one of many in the Hiking in the South collection across the Cape Town South Peninsula. Route Overview — Starting from Clovelly or Kalk Bay, the hike follows a circular route up the mountain on a stony trail. The ascent culminates in an excellent viewpoint with sweeping views over Kalk Bay Harbour. Descent — The return route descends on the Fish Hoek side, passing a lookout point overlooking Fish Hoek Beach. While steep in places, the trail is manageable for most hikers. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Either Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay or Clovelly Rd in Clovelly. 📌 Meeting spot Kalk Bay  —   Google Maps 📌 Meeting spot Clovelly  — ...

Start this Kalk Bay hike at the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly , ascending Cave Peak for great views along the ridge to Blokhuiskop. This Kalk Bay trail offers a mix of rocky sections, forested cliff paths, and fynbos, winding along ridges before doubling back to the starting point. Overview — This out-and-back hiking trail begins either in Kalk Bay or Clovelly and leads to the saddle between the two suburbs. From there, the trail ascends to Cave Peak before traversing along the cliff base and continuing to the summit. From the top, hikers can walk across the mountain plateau to Blokhuiskop. Optional Loop — For the adventurous, a narrow passageway descends to the Clovelly side , allowing for a loop around Blokhuiskop. This option requires careful route finding and will be challenging to find for those unfamiliar with the are...

This rewarding short Elsie's Peak Trail is one of the more unusual routes in the area, featuring some scrambling with climb‑ups and downs. It takes an unconventional route around Elsie's Peak along a climbing traverse at the base of the cliffs, offering some easy scrambling and striking ocean views throughout. Start — The hike begins in Glencairn Heights and winds inland up and around Elsie's Peak. Follow the path as it curves back towards the sea, then take a left down towards Mountain Rd for a short distance followed by a sharp right on an indistinct path leading to the base of the cliffs. Traverse Section — The route circles around the front of Elsie's Peak , including some easy crawling, scrambling, and step-down sections. The path eventually connects with the Glencairn descent back to the starting point. ...

The Elsie's Peak hike in Fish Hoek is a local favourite offering a good short workout with great views across the ocean. This Elsie's Peak trail is easy, scenic, and perfect for a short circular hike on the Cape Peninsula. Start   — From Berg Street in Fish Hoek, this easy and relatively busy path curves around the mountain towards Glencairn before heading to the top of Elsie's Peak . It offers excellent views of the ocean towards both Fish Hoek and Glencairn. Return — The return route loops back on the Fish Hoek side of the mountain to join the path that leads down to Berg Rd . 📍 Meeting Point  —  1 Berg Road, Fish Hoek 📌 Meeting Spot  —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  ± 2hrs 📏 Distance  —  3.8km ⛰️ Elevation Gain  —  229m 🟢  Grade  —  Ea...

This is one of the best hikes in Kalk Bay, taking you through the Mimetes Valley, up towards Kalk Bay Peak, and back down through the cool Afromontane forest of Spes Bona. Start — From Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive, follow the trail toward Bailey’s Kloof before ascending steadily through the Mimetes Valley . Contour Section — After turning left toward Kalk Bay, the route passes Kalk Bay Peak before descending into the shaded Spes Bona Forest . Return — The loop closes by following the historic Old Mule Path back to Ou Kraal , completing a scenic circular hike. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Ou Kraal at the start of the Old Mule Trail on Boyes Drive, St James. 📌 Meeting Spot   —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  3hrs 30min – 4hrs 📏 Distance  —  6.9km ⛰️ Ele...

This well-marked hike runs from Lakeside to Muizenberg and St James Peak, offering spectacular views along the way before finishing at Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive. Start — From  Boyes Drive in Lakeside, this point-to-point hike begins with a steady ascent. The first turn at the top to the left leads you toward Muizenberg Peak , then crosses over the top of Pecks Valley and continues on to St James Peak. Descent — From St James Peak , the path veers down and continues over Baileys Kloof , descending to Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive (just before Sharkspotters driving from Kalk Bay) 📌 Meeting spot Ou Kraal  —   Google Maps 📌 Meeting spot Lakeside  —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  3hrs 30min 📏 Distance  —  5.3km ...

This Silvermine Hiking Trail traces the Upper Silvermine River from the main gate, leaves the river trail to ascend Steenberg Ridge,  and completes the loop back down to the dam, for an optional swim before heading back down along the river. Start — This out-and-back hike begins at the Upper Silvermine parking area (Gate 1)  just to the left of the pay point. The trail follows the Silvermine River upstream parallel to Steenberg Ridge. River & Ridge Section — Continue along the river until reaching a cycle crossroad. Turn right, cross Silvermine Reservoir Road, and pass through a small parking area before climbing gently toward Steenberg Ridge. The trail then runs along the ridge with Silvermine Dam visible on the left. Return — At the end of the ridge, turn back toward Silvermine Dam and return along the riv...

One of the best Silvermine hikes in Cape Town, the Upper Silvermine Amphitheatre Path  is a scenic loop hike offering elevated views over Silvermine Dam and Noordhoek, combining ridge walking with a dramatic contouring path high above the valley. Start — From the Upper Silvermine Dam parking, take the path to the right of the car park heading up towards Steenberg Ridge. Ridge Section — Follow the ridge path until it crosses the Elephant Eye Trail. Turn left to join the concrete road, then continue along the jeep track heading toward Hout Bay. Amphitheatre Loop — The Amphitheatre Path branches off on the left. Stay on this path as it curves high above the dam, offering excellent views, before returning along the ridge and descending to a sandy road that heads back to the dam. Important Note...

This short Silvermine Hike to Wolfkop and Higher Steenberg Peak  in Cape Town begins with an energetic scramble up Wolfkop,  then follows an easy walk across the  Steenberg Plateau  before looping back towards the lower Silvermine Parking area. Start — Starting from Silvermine Gate 2, this relatively easy hike begins with a short but steep, unexposed scramble up to Wolfkop. Circular Route — From Wolfkop, the trail follows a circular route past Higher Steenberg, offering panoramic views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and distant coastline. The route loops back across the Steenberg plateau before descending to the start point. 📍 Meeting Point  —  Boom at the furthest end of the parking area, Silvermine Gate 2 📌 Meeting Spot   —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  — ...

The Dassieskasteel Traverse is an adventurous Silvermine hike off Dead Man's Path in Lower Silvermine, located in the Silvermine Nature Reserve in Cape Town’s South Peninsula. This Silvermine hiking trail forms a moderately challenging circular route around and up Klein Tuinkop, featuring easy rock scrambling and a final ascent through a natural hole in the cliff face. Start — Begin from Silvermine Gate 2 in the Silvermine Nature Reserve, hiking past the Silvermine Waterfall and onto Dead Man’s Path. Turn left toward the cliffs to start the Dassieskasteel Traverse. Traverse Section — The route curves back toward Ou Kaapse Weg , wrapping around the front of  Klein Tuinkop and passing Ystervarkgrot. A short scramble leads through a hole in the cliff to reach the top of Klein Tuinkop and join the main trail. Return —...