Hiking in the South

From Berg Street in Fish Hoek, this easy and relatively busy path curves up the mountain to the top of Elsies Peak which offers great views towards both Fish Hoek and Glencairn. The return route loops around the Glencairn side the mountain to join the Berg Rd path back down to Fish Hoek. Meeting Point: 1 Berg Road Fish Hoek Meeting spot: Google Maps Location   Hiking Time: 2hrs Distance: 3.25km Elevation: 249m Grade: Easy  🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: This is an easy hike on well worn mostly sandy paths with a few short but relatively steep stoney uphill sections. Hiking Map:  Elsies Peak AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route

This point-to-point hike begins with a steady ascent from Boyes Drive in Lakeside. The first turn to the left leads you toward Muizenberg Peak, then crosses over the top of Pecks Valley and continues on to St James Peak. 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. Leave cars at Ou Kraal and drive to start of hike on Boyes Drive in Lakeside.  Meeting spot Ou Kraal: Google Maps Location   Meeting spot Lakeside: Google Maps Location   Hiking Time: 3hrs 30min  Distance: 5.26km Elevation: 494m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly  Route Notes: Starts with a relatively steep ascent. Path is easy to navigate.  Hiking Map:  Lakeside to Oukraal AllTrails Map  or download the  GPX Route

A challenging but exciting hike with some easy scrambling, beautiful fynbos, stunning views, unusual rock formations and a large dam at the top. It’s an ideal route for cold or windy days, as it is well-protected from the South-Easter. Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Meeting Point: Park at Constantia Nek parking at circle where Rhodes Drive meets Hout Bay Main Rd and Constantia Main Rd. Meet near boom at end of jeep track. Hiking Time: 3-4hrs Distance: 5.16km Elevation: 519m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly for talented dogs  Route Notes: Very little easy scrambling. One very short scramble with mild exposure but not technically difficult. Hiking Map: Camel Rock AllTrails Map or download GPX Route   The Overseers Cottage The Overseer's Cottage, built over a century ago to oversee the construction of the Table Mountain dams, offers a rustic yet comfortable self-catering retreat on top of Table Mountain. Accommodating up to 16 people in two separate...

This circular trail begins at Ou Kraal on Boyes Drive, making its way towards Bailey’s Kloof before ascending through the Mimetes Valley. After taking a left turn toward Kalk Bay, the route passes Kalk Bay Peak before descending through the Spes Bona Forest, to return to Ou Kraal via the Old Mule Path. Meeting Point: Ou Kraal at start of Old Mule Trail on Boyes Drive, St James.  Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location   Hiking Time: 3hrs 30min Distance: 6.9km Elevation: 447m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly  Route Notes:  An easy to follow but relatively long hike on a stony path.  Hiking Map: Kalk Bay Peak AllTrail Hiking Map  or download the GPX Route The Spes Bona Forest This small area of forest is one of over a hundred and twenty patches of Afrotemperate Forests in the Cape Peninsula. Except in the Newlands, Kirstenbosch and Orange Kloof areas, these are small forest patches which occur mostly in sheltered rocky slopes and mou...

This out-and-back hike begins either in Kalk Bay or Clovelly and leads to the saddle between Kalk Bay and Clovelly. From there, the trail ascends to Cave Peak and then runs along the cliff base before continuing to the summit. Hikers can then traverse along the mountain top to Blokhuiskop.  For the adventurous, there’s a narrow passageway leading down to the Clovelly side, which allows for a loop around Blokhuiskop; however, this option requires careful route finding and may be challenging for those who aren’t familiar with the area. Return options are the same route down or a higher traverse past the Clovelly side entrance to Boomslang Cave or via Echo Valley.  Meeting Point: Clovelly Rd in Clovelly or Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay Meeting Spot Kalk Bay: Google Maps Meeting Spot Clovelly: Google Maps   Hiking Time: 4hrs  Distance: 6.8km Elevation: 490m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: The hike up to Cave Peak is relatively steep but the pa...

Starting from Clovelly or Kalk Bay, the Trappieskop hike follows a loop up the mountain on a stony trail. The ascent culminates in an excellent viewpoint, providing great views of Kalk Bay Harbour while the descent on the Fish Hoek side passes a lookout point that overlooks Fish Hoek Beach. The trail can be steep in sections but is easily manageable for most hikers.   Meeting Point: Either Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay or Clovelly Rd in Clovelly.  Meeting spot Kalk Bay: Google Maps Location   Meeting spot Clovelly: Google Maps Location   Hiking Time: 1hr 30min Distance: 2.6km Elevation: 174m Grade: Easy 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: The ascent features easy scrambling and is less defined than the descent. Follow the cairns to the cliff base, where you’ll find a couple of straightforward routes to the top. Hiking Map:  Trappieskop AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route Origin of the name - Trappieskop In early times it was virtually impossible to travel a...

This trail ascends to Cave Peak from the saddle between Clovelly and Kalk Bay. After an initial steady climb, the path veers left near the summit, following the base of the cliffs before continuing upward to the top. Once at the top, the trail contours along the mountain, passing through a small indigenous forest before a brief uphill section that leads back toward Kalk Bay down Echo Valley. Meeting Point: Either Godfrey Rd in Kalk Bay or Clovelly Rd in Clovelly. Meeting spot Kalk Bay: Google Maps Location Meeting spot Clovelly: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 4hrs Distance: 5.46km Elevation: 475m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: The ascent at the base of the cliffs is along a less frequented path that requires a small amount of easy scrambling but is not challenging.  Hiking Map:  Cave Peak AllTrails Map  or download the GPX Route

Starting from Gate 2 at Silvermine East, this relatively easy hike begins with a short but steep, unexposed scramble up to Wolfkop. From there, you follow a circular route that takes you past Steenberg Peak with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the coastline in the distance. Meeting Point: Boom at furthest end of Parking Area Silvermine Gate 2 Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 2hrs Distance: 3.6km Elevation: 248m Grade: Easy 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: The path is relatively easy to navigate requiring some not too challenging path finding to follow the turn-off that cuts across the top of Steenberg to the return route. The scrambling at the beginning is easily managed. Hiking Map: Wolfkop AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route The Sticky Green Heath of Silvermine This unusual erica urna-viridis derives its name from the Latin, urna, meaning 'an urn', and viridis, 'green', referring to the shape and colour of the flowers...

Begin your hike by heading past Silvermine Waterfall to Dead Man’s Path. Take a left turn toward the cliffs to start the Dassieskasteel traverse. This path will guide you back toward Ou Kaapse Weg, curving around Klein Tuinkop and passing Ystervarkgrot. From there, scramble up to a hole in the cliff and climb through it to join the main trail at the top of Klein Tuinkop. This trail leads you past Stonehenge on your left—consider taking a quick detour to this impressive rock formation. Continue on to the helicopter pad, then take a left turn to descend past Bertie’s Balcony and follow the path back to the Gate 2 parking area.  Meeting Point: Boom at furthest end of Parking Area Silvermine Gate 2. Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 4hrs Distance: 8.5km Elevation: 324m Grade: Moderately Strenuous with some easy scrambling. No exposure.  🐶 Not dog friendly  Route Notes: This is an adventurous hike with some easy scrambling including a short crawl thr...

This out-and-back trail commences at the parking area at the entrance to Upper Silvermine. It follows the Silvermine River until you encounter a cycle crossroad; at this junction, turn right and cross Silvermine Reservoir Road, continuing through a parking area towards Steenberg Ridge. The trail then traces along Steenberg Ridge, keeping Silvermine Dam on your left for a couple of hundred meters. After reaching the end of the ridge, head back toward Silvermine dam and return along the river to the car park.  Note: Silvermine entry is cash only. And there is no phone reception. Meeting Point: Lower Car Park just after entry to Upper Silvermine Gate 1. Turn left towards car park immediately after passing through pay point. Meeting spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 3hrs Distance: 7.7km Elevation: 276m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly - activity permit required  Route Notes: An easy to follow route on an at times stony path.  (Access closed due to fire damage.)...

Begin your hike at the parking area for Upper Silvermine Dam, taking the gravel road on the left of the dam back toward Ou Kaapse Weg. The first right turn will take you to a ridge that overlooks Silvermine Dam. At the T-junction, turn right once more and ascend to the ridge’s summit. Continue along the ridge until you reach a split where you can turn left down to the gravel road. Follow this gravel road as it goes past Noordhoek Peak and curves to the right, then take the well-marked sandy path toward the ridge that overlooks Chapman’s Peak Drive. The trail continues along the ridge, featuring several steep but unexposed inclines before leading you down to a wide sandy path that takes you back to the dam. Note: Silvermine entry is cash only. And there is no phone reception. Meeting Point: Parking at Upper Silvermine Dam Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 4hrs Distance: 7.34km Elevation: 382m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly for a hiking dog with activit...

This Upper Silvermine hiking trail begins at the Silvermine Dam parking area. From there, take the path from the right of the car park that heads up to Steenberg Ridge - follow the ridge path until it crosses the Elephant Eye Trail - head to the left to join the concrete road, then follow the dirt road towards Hout Bay. You'll soon come across the Amphitheatre Path on your left. Stay on this path, keeping to the left as it curves high above the dam and then heads back along the ridge until it descends to a sandy road back to the dam. Note: Silvermine entry is cash only. And there is no phone reception. Meeting Point: Parking at Upper Silvermine Dam Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 3hrs  Distance: 5.9km Elevation: 259m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly for a hiking dog with activity permit Route Notes: The path is clear and easy to follow with a couple of steep sections but no exposure to heights.  (Access closed due to fire damage.) Hiking Map:  Upp...

This point-to-point trail begins with a steady ascent from the Noordhoek side of Chapman’s Peak Drive. As you progress, the path veers left, contouring along the cliff base toward Hout Bay before gradually descending to East Fort from Blackburn Ravine. Meeting Point: East Fort Parking on Chapman’s Peak Drive - leave a car at this end and drive through the toll to the start of the Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail at the Noordhoek side. Meeting Spot East Fort Parking: Google Maps Location Meeting Spot Chapman’s Peak Drive: Google Maps Location Hiking Time:  3hrs 30min Distance: 6.3km Elevation: 409m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: An easy to follow route at the base of the cliffs.  Hiking Map: Chapman’s Peak Contour to East Fort AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route

For this point-to-point hike, you'll need to leave cars on both sides. Starting at the Noordhoek Beach parking area, walk onto the beach and head toward the path on the right that leads back to Monkey Valley. Take the next left turn toward Chapman’s Peak Drive, cross the road, and continue along the spectacular ridge to the summit of Chapman’s Peak. Descend via the path leading toward Hout Bay until you reach the parking area on Chapman’s Peak Drive. Meeting Point: Meet at parking on Chapman’s Peak Drive. Leave cars and drive back to Noordhoek Beach parking. Meeting Spot Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail: Google Maps Location Meeting Spot Noordhoek Beach: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 4hrs 06min Distance: 5.9km Elevation: 580m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: A steep stony path up with some easy scrambling. Path on the way down to the Hout Bay side is more often used and easier to follow. Hiking Map: Chapman's Peak from Noordhoek AllTrails Map ...

Starting at East Fort on Chapman’s Peak Drive this circular trail ascends towards Blackburn Ravine. The route then takes a left turn to join Alfie's Path which runs along the base of the cliffs as it heads toward Hout Bay, offering spectacular ocean and coastline views before descending back to East Fort.  Meeting Point: East Fort Parking, Chapman’s Peak Drive  Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location   Hiking Time: 3hrs  Distance: 5.3km Elevation: 430m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: An easy to follow path with some very easy scrambling.  Hiking Map: Alfies Path AllTrails Map or download GPX Route Alfie’s Path and the Friends of Table Mountain  Alfie’s Path, which runs from Blackburn Ravine above Chapman’s Peak Drive across the Hout Bay Mountains toward Constantia, is named after Alf Morris, the late mountaineer, teacher, and former leader of the Wynberg Boys’ High School Mountain Club.  Alf and his dedicated team of helper...

This out-and-back hike begins with a long, steady ascent through a stunning Silver Tree forest. On reaching the top, the trail levels off, offering a few light scrambles and a final brief uphill section. It’s a great route that provides some protection from the south-easter. Meeting Point: Parking area at end of Price Drive off Constantia Main Rd. Meeting Spot: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 2hrs 30min Distance: 4.29km Elevation: 353m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: An easy to follow steep path that zig zags through the Silver Tree forest. Hiking Map:   Vlakkenberg AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route More info:  Scaling Vlakkenberg The Silver Trees The genus Protea, and the family Proteaceae, were originally named after the Silver Tree, by the Swedish Botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, as Protea argentea. The tree was later reclassified as Leucadendron argenteum. The term Leucadendron originates from the Greek words leukos, meaning "wh...

For this point-to-point hike, ensure you arrange transportation at both ends or consider using Uber to return to your starting point. The ascent up Vlakkenberg in Constantia begins with a beautiful Silver Tree forest, leading to a steep, stony path that winds its way up the mountain. The path on top leads to Vlakkenberg peak and then heads down into the valley to join the Hoerikwagga route along Alfies Path towards Hout Bay. After a second relatively short steep ascent, the path meanders along the mountain before heading steeply down to the stunning Baviaanskloof waterfall shortly before the end.  Meeting Point:   Meet at parking on Baviaanskloof Rd. Leave cars and drive to begin of hike at Price Drive in Constantia. Meeting Spot Baviaanskloof (End):  Google Maps Location   Meeting Spot Price Drive (Begin):   Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 4hrs Distance: 7.7km Elevation: 504m Grade: Moderately Strenuous 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: The hike starts...

The Woodcutters Trail is a shaded circular route in Newlands Forest, beginning with a steady uphill and then winding through the forest on a well-worn, occasionally rocky path surrounded by indigenous trees. The trail is approximately 6 kilometres long and typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. Meeting Point: Newlands Forest Parking off Union Avenue. Meeting spot Newlands: Google Maps Location Hiking Time: 3hrs Distance: 6.1km Elevation: 267m Grade: Moderate 🐶 Dog friendly Route Notes: This is an easy walking trail with no scrambling. Hiking Map:  Woodcutters AllTrails Map  or download GPX Route