Hiking in the South

Alfie’s Path  contours along the base of the cliffs above Chapman’s Peak Drive, offering great views of the ocean and coastline. Start — From East Fort on Chapman’s Peak Drive, the trail ascends to Blackburn Ravine. Alfie’s Path Section — Turn left off the Blackburn Ravine path onto Alfie’s Path and follow the trail along the base of the cliffs. The path is mostly flat with some short rocky sections and easy scrambling. Views of Hout Bay and the coastline are visible along the way. Descent — The trail descends back to East Fort via the same path. 📍 Meeting Point  —  East Fort Parking, Chapman’s Peak Drive 📌 Meeting Spot   —   Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time  —  3hrs 📏 Distance  —  5.3km ⛰️ Elevation  —  430m 🟡  Grade  — ...

The Camel Rock hike from Constantia Corner is a challenging but exciting hike with some easy scrambling, beautiful fynbos, great views, unusual rock formations and a large dam at the top! Start — From Constantia Nek parking, take the steep ascent to the left off the jeep track. At the next junction, turn left and curve behind the mountain to follow the ridge path up towards Camel Rock. Ridge Section — The path continues along the ridge, passing through beautiful fynbos and unusual rock formations. Minimal scrambling is required with one short section of mild exposure. After reaching Camel Rock the path continues towards  De Villiers Dam near the Overseers Cottage. Descent — The return follows the concrete road, with optional shorter side paths along the way back to Constantia Nek parking. 📍 Meetin...

A scenic and accessible loop hike in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, combining forest paths, rocky contour paths and a visit to the beautiful Cecilia Waterfall. Perfect for a relaxed half-day Kirstenbosch hike with rewarding views of Cape Town. Start — From the Kirstenbosch bottom gate, walk up Camphor Avenue toward the contour path. Take the uphill turn to Cecilia Waterfall. After reaching the falls, back track and return to the contour path.  Return   — Follow the contour path past the Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge starting points. After the Skeleton Gorge waterfall, take the first descending path which winds down to the café at the top gate. Walk back through the gardens to the bottom gate. Important Note  —   There is an entrance fee and ID is required for access through the Kirstenbos...

A varied loop through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden combining garden paths, forest sections and the scenic Kirstenbosch Contour Path . This hike offers shaded walking, mountain streams and views across the southern suburbs. Route Description — Start from the Kirstenbosch bottom gate and walk up Camphor Avenue through the gardens to the contour path. Turn right and follow the contour past the start of  Nursery Ravine and Skeleton Gorge .  Once on the contour, the path is mostly flat except for one steep ascent and descent before reaching a path that drops back into the gardens near the Newlands Forest edge. The route then heads past the café near the top gate and down through the gardens to the bottom gate. Important Note  —   There is an entrance fee and ID is required for access thro...

A scenic Newlands Forest to Kirstenbosch hike along the popular Table Mountain Contour Path, linking Newlands Forest with the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The route winds through shaded indigenous forest and open mountain slopes with sweeping views over the city and False Bay. Route Description — Start at Newlands Forest parking and follow the well-defined contour path as it traverses forested sections and open slopes. Once you reach the contour path, the hike is mostly gentle, with the option of a short, steep ascent at the Kirstenbosch edge or an easier walk along the garden boundary. The route finishes at the Kirstenbosch Gardens top gate. As this is a one-way hike, leave a car at Kirstenbosch or arrange an Uber for the return. 📍 Meeting Point — Newlands Forest parking off Union Avenue 📌 Start Spot (Newlan...

The Woodcutters Trail is a shaded circular Newlands Forest Hike and one of the most popular Newlands Forest hiking trails, known for its cool canopy and gentle gradients. The route winds through indigenous trees on well-established paths, making it ideal for a relaxed forest walk. Route Description — Starting from Newlands Forest parking, the trail begins with a steady uphill before looping through the forest on a well-worn path. Expect some uneven and rocky sections underfoot, but no scrambling. 📍 Meeting Point — Newlands Forest parking off Union Avenue 📌 Meeting Spot — Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time — 2–3hrs 📏 Distance — 6.1km ⛰️ Elevation — 267m 🟡  Grade —  Moderate 🐾🐾  — Dog friendly Route Notes — A mostly gentle, easy-to-follow Newlands Forest hiking t...