Hiking in the South

A great Cape Point hike  through the fynbos from the Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint, passing Sirkelsvlei and ending at Olifantsbos on the Atlantic coast in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Start — This point-to-point hike begins at Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint, located on the left at the first bend past the Cape Point entrance. The trail starts with an easy uphill section before descending through fynbos to cross Olifantsbos Road. Trail Section — Continue past the Sirkelsvlei Natural Dam to finish at the Olifantsbos parking area. Important Note  —   Cape Point payment is credit card only and ID is required. For more info, visit the official  Cape Point Website 📍 Meeting Point  —  Leave cars at the Olifantsbos parking and return to the start at Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint parking. 📌 Meeti...

This scenic Cape Point hike runs along a cliff-top coastal trail in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, offering great views of the coast before gradually descending to the beach. For the return journey, you'll follow sandy paths a bit inland from the shore, culminating in a short, steep ascent back to the parking area. This easy loop is one of the most accessible Cape Point hiking trails. Cliff Top Path — The cliff-top path offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and fynbos-covered cliffs. Coastal Path — Once you reach the coast, there is the option of a swim in the sea . The return coastal path runs very close to the shoreline. Along the way, hikers often encounter local wildlife typical of the Cape Point Nature Reserve including ostriches wandering the fynbos and bontebok grazing in the distance. ...

Experience the natural beauty of Cape Point on the Sirkelsvlei loop hike, one of the most scenic Cape Point hiking trails, starting from Olifantsbos and passing through colourful fynbos and rocky terrain to reach the region’s largest freshwater pan, with optional swimming in the vlei. Trailhead — The hike starts at the Olifantsbos parking area in Cape Point. From here, follow the left fork that ascends the coastal embankment towards the inland plateau. Plateau Section — Once on the plateau, the trail winds through open fynbos, passing indigenous shrubs and wildflowers. Sirkelsvlei Approach — The trail runs beside the freshwater body of Sirkelsvlei , where the unique plateau environment allows the vlei to maintain water year-round.  Return — After completing the loop beside the vlei, the trail circles back toward Olifantsbos , descending the embankment to the starting point. ...

The Shipwreck Trail is one of the most scenic Cape Point hiking trails, offering a rewarding coastal hike with beach walking, inland paths and frequent wildlife sightings. Start — From Olifantsbos parking in Cape Point, head uphill toward the boom gate, cross the road and take the well-defined path that climbs steadily to the ridge above the coastline. Cliff Top Section — At the first fork, keep right and continue ascending to the cliff top. This section offers expansive coastal views. The path follows the ridge before descending gradually back toward the sea. Coastal Return — Once on the coast, hikers can enjoy an optional swim in the ocean near the SS Thomas T. Tucker shipwreck. The return route stays very close to the sea before winding back inland toward Olifantsbos. Important Note  — ...

This scenic Cape Point hike combines coastal and inland trails, offering sweeping views from Kanonkop and a refreshing swim at Venus Pool, a large natural rock pool rich in marine life. Start — Begin at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre in Cape Point and head toward Paulsberg. After crossing Bordjiesrif Road, the trail climbs gradually on a sandy path toward Kanonkop. Kanonkop Section — The route continues upward to the high point of Kanonkop, offering wide views across the Cape Point plateau. From here, the path descends fairly steeply on rocky terrain toward Booi se Skerm parking on Black Rocks Road. Venus Pool & Return — From the far end of the parking area, turn left toward Venus Pool , a natural tidal pool ideal for swimming and picnicking. The return follows the tar road, with the option to reconnect wit...

This Cape Point hike leads to a dramatic cliff-edge viewpoint overlooking Antoniesgat,  a striking sea cave carved into the rugged coastline. One of the best short  Cape Point hiking trails,  it offers exceptional ocean views along Cape Point’s wild shoreline. Start — From the Buffels Bay parking area, head south along the coastal road until you reach the trail running above the beach. Coastal Section — Follow the gently undulating path across grassy and rocky terrain as it hugs the coastline. Antoniesgat Viewpoint — The trail ends near a rocky outcrop overlooking Antoniesgat. A short, slightly exposed section provides incredible coastal views before turning back and heading inland. Return — The return route follows an inland path around Matrooskop, looping back to Buffels Bay Road. ...

This Cape Point Hike climbs Judas Peak and traverses around Paulsberg to Kanonkop, rewarding hikers with expansive views over Buffelsbaai before a steep descent to Booi se Skerm. One of the more scenic Cape Point hiking trails, it’s perfect for hikers seeking great coastal views and a moderate challenge. Start — The point-to-point hike starts at the Smitswinkel Viewpoint on the left of the Cape of Good Hope Drive shortly after entering the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Clifftop Traverse — The trail follows the cliffs along the eastern edge of the reserve, offering expansive ocean views as it contours high above the coastline toward Kanonkop . Descent to the Coast — At Kanonkop, a sharp downhill path leads steeply but easily to the coast, finishing at the Booi se Skerm parking area on Black Rock Road. ...