Visitors

Explore Cape Town’s top hiking spots like a local with these recommended routes in Kirstenbosch, Silvermine and Cape Point. These hikes aren’t the typical “must-summit Table Mountain” routes but are great hikes in protected nature reserves that are safe to hike in. 

The selected routes listed below are easy to navigate without a guide, using the AllTrails app or downloaded GPX routes. All the reserves have an entrance fee - see details under the individual hikes. 

Cecilia Waterfall

Kirstenbosch 

Known for its stunning botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch is a must-visit on its own, but it also provides access to scenic forest hikes on the slopes of Table Mountain. It’s a popular starting point for some of the best-loved trails, including Cecilia Waterfall and Skeleton Gorge. 

Kirstenbosch Contour Path - this trail leads up through the gardens to the contour path, winding around the mountain and passing the Skeleton Gorge waterfall before looping back.

Cecilia Waterfall - hike through Kirstenbosch Gardens to the Contour Path and Cecilia Gorge for impressive views of Cape Town and a beautiful moss-covered waterfall. 

Silvermine Skyline Path

Silvermine

About 40 minutes from central Cape Town, the Silvermine nature reserve offers a variety of routes ranging from easy to moderately challenging, all within a peaceful natural reserve. 

The reserve includes the Silvermine Dam which is an excellent post-hike swimming spot.

The Amphitheatre Trail - the Upper Silvermine Amphitheatre Trail is a great high loop trail around Silvermine Dam with beautiful views towards Noordhoek and Simonstown.

Silvermine River and Steenberg Ridge - a scenic walk along the Upper Silvermine River, beginning at the main gate and tracing the path along Steenberg Ridge, with optional swim in the dam.

Silvermine Skyline Path - the Upper Silvermine Skyline Path is a circular hike that offers spectacular views of Hout Bay, beginning and ending at the Silvermine reservoir.

Antoniesgat Hike

Cape Point

Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula about 90 minutes from Cape Town, Cape Point offers a series of unforgettable hikes in a remote and scenic environment. 

While the main areas of Cape Point can be crowded, these trails are more off-the-beaten-path and frequented mainly by locals. They are ideal to combine with a visit to the seaside suburbs of Kalk Bay and Simonstown - which also offers the opportunity of guided kayak trips out to sea to view the African Penguins.

Antoniesgat - from Buffels Bay in Cape Point, follow the path above the beach navigating grassy and rocky areas for incredible views at Antoniesgat. 

The Shipwreck Trail - the Shipwreck Trail is an excellent beach and inland hike in Cape Point. Sightings of Bontebok are certain. Ostriches and Baboons are sometimes seen. 

Sirkelsvlei Trail - hike the Sirkelsvlei loop to the region's largest freshwater pan and experience the rugged landscape and beautiful fynbos of Cape Point.

Kanonkop and Venus Pool - this part coastal, part inland hike offers great views from Kanonkop and a swim in a beautiful large rock pool teeming with sea anemones and starfish.