Hiking in the South

The Chapman’s Peak Contour  to East Fort is a point-to-point hike that follows a well-defined cliff-base contour from the Noordhoek side of Chapman’s Peak Drive to East Fort in Hout Bay. Start — Begin at the Noordhoek side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, following the Chapman’s Peak Hiking Trail with a steady ascent. Contour Section — The path soon veers left and contours along the base of the cliffs, offering dramatic ocean and mountain views as it traverses toward Hout Bay . Finish — A gradual descent leads down via Blackburn Ravine , ending at East Fort on Chapman’s Peak Drive. 📍 Meeting Point  —  East Fort Parking on Chapman’s Peak Drive (vehicle shuttle required). 📌 Meeting Spot (Finish)  —   East Fort Parking 📌 Meeting Spot (Start)  —   Chapman’s Peak Dri...

An exciting Chapman’s Peak Hike from Noordhoek Beach via a less-traveled route, with spectacular views over Noordhoek and Hout Bay, returning via the main hiking trail. Start — This is a point-to-point hike , so cars need to be left at both ends. Start at the Noordhoek Beach parking, walk onto the beach and head toward the path on the right leading back towards  Monkey Valley . Ridge Traverse — 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 . Expect dramatic ocean views and some slightly exposed sections. Descent — Descend via the path toward Hout Bay until reaching the parking area on Chapman’s Peak Drive . 📍 Meeting Point — Chapman’s Peak Drive parking. Leave cars here, then drive to Noordhoek ...

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  — ...

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. ...

Explore this extraordinary out-and-back hike in Constantia  through a remarkably beautiful forest of Silver Trees to reach the summit of Vlakkenberg. Start — The trail begins with a long, steady ascent through a stunning Silver Tree Forest. Ridge / Flat Section — The trail levels off at the top, offering a few light scrambles and a final brief uphill section. Enjoy panoramic views over the Constantia Valley from Vlakkenberg Peak. Descent — Return via the same route down through the Silver Tree Forest. Optional short side trails may be explored along the way back to the parking area. 📍 Meeting Point — Parking area at end of Price Drive off Constantia Main Rd 📌 Meeting Spot — Google Maps ⏱️ Hiking Time — 2 hrs 30min 📏 Distance — 4.3km ⛰️ Elevation — 353m 🟡  Grade — Moderat...

This hike up Vlakkenberg  through a spectacular Silver Tree Forest meanders along the mountain between Hout Bay and Silvermine before descending to the beautiful Baviaanskloof waterfall. Start — 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. Summit & Ridge — 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. 📍 Meet...

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...