The Best Trails in Western Cape (South Africa)

20,600 trails

(160)
Photo of Woodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo of Krom River Trail – (Limietberg NR – Du Toitskloof/Paarl) Photo of Lion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

Wikiloc is a place to discover the best outdoor trails for hiking, cycling and many other activities

  • near Vredehoek, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.10mi
    Elevation +
    1158f
    TrailRank
    91| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofWoodstock Cave – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town)

    A true icon overlooking Cape Town’s skyline, Woodstock Cave is a highly recommended and relatively easy hike accessible from Tafelberg Road. Carved out of Table Mountain Sandstone over the millennia, the 4-meter high, by...

    This is an easy but rewarding hike very close to Cape Town. A short drive up the road and you start the trail next to De...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Du Toitskloof, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.72mi
    Elevation +
    1056f
    TrailRank
    91| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofKrom River Trail – (Limietberg NR – Du Toitskloof/Paarl) Photo ofKrom River Trail – (Limietberg NR – Du Toitskloof/Paarl) Photo ofKrom River Trail – (Limietberg NR – Du Toitskloof/Paarl)

    Undoubtedly one of the Cape’s favorite trails, Krom river is always a good and relatively easy option for a day of hiking and swimming just an hour or so out of Cape Town. To reach the trail head or starting point from C...

    This has always been one of my favorite hikes near Cape Town. The waterfalls are some of the best and the trail isn't lo...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Higgovale, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.73mi
    Elevation +
    1266f
    TrailRank
    91| Rating 4.45
    Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town) Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town) Photo ofLion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

    Lion's Head! Named as such by the Dutch in the 17th century because the mountain resembles a Lion or Sphinx with signal hill being the body. It's an iconic trail and very likely the most walked day hike/trail in South Af...

    I did not find the wally cave but it was a beautiful hike
    Elodie Victor
    Wally’s cave was very cool, would recommend.
    Thomas Missault
    Lions head is a classic, everyone must do this hike at least once. The trail isn't too long or difficult and can be done...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Wuppertal, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.04mi
    Elevation +
    2333f
    TrailRank
    90| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight via the Narrow Crack, Day 1 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort)

    Recorded on Saturday 23.09.2023. Love it or hate it the Wolfberg Cracks and Arch have become one of the Cape’s more popular hiking attractions thanks to Instagram and other social media platforms. Each post seems to brin...

    We started at Sandrift camp where you can stay the night before which makes an early start easy. You can walk up to the ...
    Maxime Yates
  • Route Planner

    Choose the places you want to pass through; Wikiloc will create a trail using the most popular stretches of trails from other community members.

    Get Wikiloc Premium Upgrade to remove Ads
    Route Planner Route Planner
  • near Bakoven, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    7.68mi
    Elevation +
    4485f
    TrailRank
    90| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town). Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town). Photo ofDiagonal Route to Tranquility Cracks, Down Corridor Ravine Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town).

    One of the many, many highlights of Table Mountain are the numerous routes and paths established over the centuries which hikers can pick and choose from. The almost endless permutations of potential routes to choose fro...

    This hike had some very steep sections that were slippery from rain the night before. It would have been much easier if ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Noordhoek, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    7.89mi
    Elevation +
    3737f
    TrailRank
    89| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofChapman’s Peak to Silvermine Dam Traverse via Blackburn Ravine – (Table Mountain NP/Silvermine – Cape Town) Photo ofChapman’s Peak to Silvermine Dam Traverse via Blackburn Ravine – (Table Mountain NP/Silvermine – Cape Town) Photo ofChapman’s Peak to Silvermine Dam Traverse via Blackburn Ravine – (Table Mountain NP/Silvermine – Cape Town)

    Starting at Noordhoek Beach and ending at the Silvermine West Reservoir, this traverse will require you to leave one vehicle at Silvermine and one at Noordhoek Beach so transport is available afterwards. Do not rely on U...

    Very scenic but you will need transport arranged at Silvermine or you will need to find a way back to Noordhoek Beach. T...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Wuppertal, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.93mi
    Elevation +
    269f
    TrailRank
    89| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight return via the Wide Crack, Day 2 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight return via the Wide Crack, Day 2 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort) Photo ofWolfberg Arch Overnight return via the Wide Crack, Day 2 – (Cederberg NR – Sanddrif Resort)

    Recorded on Sunday 24.09.2023. The route the next day after overnighting at the Arch follows the same route back to the top of the cracks. The recording for the route from Sanddrif to the Arch via the narrow crack can be...

    Staying over at the Arch and watching the sunrise over the faraway mountains was a great experience. It can get very chi...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    10.36mi
    Elevation +
    3392f
    TrailRank
    88| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofSwartboskloof Trail – (Jonkershoek/Hottentots Holland NR – Stellenbosch) Photo ofSwartboskloof Trail – (Jonkershoek/Hottentots Holland NR – Stellenbosch) Photo ofSwartboskloof Trail – (Jonkershoek/Hottentots Holland NR – Stellenbosch)

    This circular trail through the Western side of the Hottentots Holland or Jonkershoek nature reserve has been a personal favorite since my student days in Stellenbosch. Driving into Jonkershoek and looking up at its impo...

    A good day in the Jonkershoek mountains. Not an easy trail but can be done if one is relatively fit and conditioned for ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Bishopscourt, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.14mi
    Elevation +
    3862f
    TrailRank
    88| Rating 4.89
    Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town) Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town) Photo ofSkeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon, down Platteklip Gorge and contour to Lower Cable Station - Table Mountain (Cape Town)

    This one way variation of a Table Mountain climb starts at Kirstenbosch, after parking and entering the gardens (there may he an entrance fee depending on the route you take to the trailhead) it follows the signs up to s...

    The trail was awesome (from. my point of view), the first ascent it's a little step, but it has lots of steps and infras...
    Galguilu
    Long trail but will need an Uber from the other side
    Thomas Missault
    Skeleton Gorge through the forest is still my favourite route up Table Mountain 😊 This route down hurts the knees and f...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Pringle Bay, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.33mi
    Elevation +
    666f
    TrailRank
    86| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay) Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay) Photo ofBrodie Link Beach Loop - (Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve - Pringle Bay)

    Recording done on 09 Aug 2023. This trail is an easy loop in the Cape Hangklip or Betties Bay areas and can be competed by most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. The trail features Fynbos, Beach Walking and some st...

    This has been a favourite route of mine for years it is easy with very little uphill. The path follows the ocean for a l...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Monte Bertha, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.52mi
    Elevation +
    1421f
    TrailRank
    85| Rating 5.0
    Photo of22 Waterfalls Trail – (Waterval Private Reserve – Porterville) Photo of22 Waterfalls Trail – (Waterval Private Reserve – Porterville) Photo of22 Waterfalls Trail – (Waterval Private Reserve – Porterville)

    This iconic trail a mere 2 hours out of Cape Town has been on the to do list for quite some time. The trail can be completed as part of a weekend stay at the Waterval Campsite just outside of Porterville. The campsite an...

    The waterfalls and the green forest is amazing! This hike isn't all that easy and there are some places where you will h...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Molen Drift, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    9.98mi
    Elevation +
    2231f
    TrailRank
    85| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George) Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George) Photo ofDoring River Circular Trail – (Outeniqua NR – Waboomskraal, George)

    The Doringrivier Circular Trail in the Doringrivier Wilderness Area of the Outeniqua Nature Reserve has been on my personal to do list for quite some time and after finally attempting this trail I can conclude that it do...

    Entrance to this trail is unclear. We had to climb through an unmarked gate. It had rained recently so we had to walk th...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Oude Raapkraal, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.37mi
    Elevation +
    1309f
    TrailRank
    84| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town) Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town) Photo ofMuizenberg Cave Loop via the Waterfall and Amphitheater – (Silvermine East – Cape Town)

    Silvermine East boasts a vast network of trails and paths leading to peaks, pools, caves, forests and more. This route was selected as a first day’s training route for its minimal altitude gain with a relatively long non...

    This was a very enjoyable walk around Silvermine Nature Reserve. The waterfall was flowing rapidly and the reserve was b...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Sir Lowry's Pass, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    7.65mi
    Elevation +
    1207f
    TrailRank
    84| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West) Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West) Photo ofGantouw Ox Wagon Pass – (Hottentots Holland NR – Somerset West)

    Please note that to hike this trail you will likely need to organize permission from various landowners as access is gated and locked. I’m unaware of the particulars as I joined another hiking group, but the exact detail...

    Gantouw pass was a very interesting hike. It was a long gradual uphill which wasn't too steep. There are a few unmarked ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Franschhoek, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    8.96mi
    Elevation +
    3009f
    TrailRank
    84| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek) Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek) Photo ofPerdekop Loop - (Mont Rochelle NR - Franschhoek)

    Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve at the top of the Franschhoek Pass is always a great day in the mountains no matter which trail you choose to do. On a clear day the views in all directions are truly spectacular. The fact th...

    Perdekop has such amazing views! It's quite a long trail but it's only steep for a short section and then it flattens ou...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Shoebury Heights, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.03mi
    Elevation +
    1857f
    TrailRank
    83| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town) Photo ofConstantia Nek Trail via Cecelia Waterfall Loop – (Table Mountain NP – Cape Town)

    The Constantia Nek Trail is a good alternative to ascending Table Mountain’s back table via the commonly used Jeep track. The single-track footpath runs parallel to the road up past the Eagles Nest corner and on to meet ...

    The uphill in the beginning was quite long but the scenery from the top was beautiful. The forest section was my favouri...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kalkoond, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.18mi
    Elevation +
    3f
    TrailRank
    83| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town) Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town) Photo ofDerdesteen to Melkbos and back Beach Hike – (Blaauwberg NR – Cape Town)

    This recording is a straightforward in and out beach hike through loose sand which we used as training for our group’s upcoming Fish River Canyon Hike. The trail starts at the Derdesteen Parking Lot just outside of Bloub...

    Very easy casual leg stretch, nothing to strenuous. Beautiful view of Table mountain. There are patches of sharp shells ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Vergelegen, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.65mi
    Elevation +
    906f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 4.67
    Photo ofWatsonia and Waboom short circuit – (Helderberg NR – Somerset West) Photo ofWatsonia and Waboom short circuit – (Helderberg NR – Somerset West) Photo ofWatsonia and Waboom short circuit – (Helderberg NR – Somerset West)

    This short circuit is a great option for those in the Somerset West area who are pressed for time but still would like to squeeze in a short walk on the mountain’s gradual slopes. The trail starts and ends at the same st...

    Nice easy walk on the lower paths of Helderberg. Not as scenic as the harder trails but still worth it.
    Maxime Yates
  • near Constantia Heights, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.44mi
    Elevation +
    1263f
    TrailRank
    82| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town) Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town) Photo ofCecelia Forest Loop up to Uitkyk back down Jeep Track via Eagles Nest and Contour - (Table Mountain NP/Cape Town)

    Did this short loop through a section of forest to take the dogs for a good leg stretch. The trail starts and ends at Cecelia Forest parking lot, if you are not able to find a parking in the main parking area try use Hoh...

    Very beautiful forest scenery and views over the suburbs when you get up high. There is a slight uphill section but it's...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Brightwater, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    6.53mi
    Elevation +
    1358f
    TrailRank
    81| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town) Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town) Photo ofCape of Good Hope Loop - (Cape Point NR - Cape Town)

    Trail time: 3hrs and 30mins including stops. Nothing quite describes the "at end of the earth" feeling one gets when visiting Cape Point. If one considers a Southwest bearing, then in many regards this reserve really ...

    Cape point is amazing when it's good weather and the wind isn't blowing too strongly. The hike was straightforward and n...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Paternoster, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    5.61mi
    Elevation +
    233f
    TrailRank
    81| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster) Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster) Photo ofSeekombuis to Tietiesbaai Loop – (Cape Columbine NR – Paternoster)

    This easy loop starts and ends at the Seekombuis restaurant in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. It is a good option for a walk when staying in Paternoster or somewhere close by on the West Coast. A short drive out on P...

    A very easy walk along the coast. Beautiful ocean views all along. The water is a bright blue at the bay and the trail h...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Pringle Bay, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    4.16mi
    Elevation +
    1486f
    TrailRank
    80| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay) Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay) Photo ofCape Hangklip Climb - (Pringle Bay)

    Cape Hangklip climb is an easy to moderate route that has spectacular coastal views. The trail starts from a suburban road in Pringle Bay and follows the stream into the valley before ascending up to the summit. The trai...

    This trail is absolutely beautiful. The views over the sea with the surrounding mountains is really amazing. The path do...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Kylemore, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    9.01mi
    Elevation +
    3668f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch) Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch) Photo ofPanorama Trail with detour to Guardian Peak/Sterrekykerskop - Jonkershoek NR (Stellenbosch)

    The ever popular Panorama circuit in Jonkershoek done in reverse with a detour to the summit of Guardian Peak or Sterrekykerskop. This is one of the most scenic trails around with vistas starting as soon as one parks and...

    Always a nice trail, good breaks between steep sections. Expect a long day out. Loads of good picnic spots with awesome ...
    Maxime Yates
  • near Gouna, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    3.73mi
    Elevation +
    686f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest) Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest) Photo ofTerblans Yellow Bushpig Nature Walk - Gouna (Knysna Forest)

    Starting and ending at grootdraai on Kom se pad in the Gouna region of the Knysna Forest. The trail starts with a descent down to a river and then followed by a sharp ascent of stairs thereafter the "hard" work for the d...

    Enjoyable forest trail
    Andre Eady
    Beautiful hike through the forest. Easy walk, well marked trail
    Maxime Yates
  • near Paarl, Western Cape (South Africa)
    Distance
    6.83mi
    Elevation +
    1129f
    TrailRank
    79| Rating 5.0
    Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl) Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl) Photo ofBretagne and Paarl Rock Loop - Paarlberg Nature Reserve (Paarl)

    Starting and ending at the Paarlberg main picnic site this trail mostly follows well established Jeep tracks through the nature reserve. The route initially winds up the Jeep track until a pay-point is reached this is wh...

    Incredibly beautiful and engaging 🙌
    Nikita Leys
    Very nice trail not difficult or technical at all, beautiful scenery and flowers. Hat and sunscreen essential in warmer ...
    Maxime Yates

Send to your GPS

Download trails from Wikiloc directly to your Garmin, Apple Watch, Suunto or COROS.

Get Wikiloc Premium Upgrade to remove Ads
Send to your GPS Send to your GPS

Wikiloc is a place to discover the best outdoor trails for hiking, cycling and many other activities