Best Day Hikes in the Cape Peninsula 2025 — Table Mountain to Cape Point

## Overview

Cape Town is arguably the most naturally blessed city on Earth for a reason: the Table Mountain National Park stretches 90 km from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south. Within that corridor you have world-class fynbos wilderness, dramatic coastal cliffs, boulder-strewn beaches, and enough hiking variety to keep you busy for months. Here's the definitive BushCamp guide to the best day hikes for 2025.

## Table Mountain — Best Routes

### Platteklip Gorge

• Distance: 5 km return, Time: 2–3 hours, Difficulty: Moderate


• The classic Table Mountain ascent — well-graded, well-marked stone steps all the way


• GPS trailhead: S 33° 57.5′ E 18° 24.5′ (Lower Cableway parking area)


• Descend via cable car or return on foot — the descent on Platteklip is hard on knees

### Skeleton Gorge (Kirstenbosch entry)

• Distance: 7 km return, Time: 3–4 hours, Difficulty: Moderate-Hard


• Enters the mountain through Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (entry fee applies)


• Wooden ladders through dense forest, cool and shaded — beautiful contrast to the open plateau


• GPS: S 33° 59.2′ E 18° 25.8′ (Kirstenbosch main gate)

### Kasteelspoort

• Distance: 8 km return, Time: 3–4 hours, Difficulty: Moderate


• Underated route from Camps Bay side — massive Atlantic views throughout


• GPS: S 33° 57.4′ E 18° 22.7′

### Nursery Ravine

• Distance: 7 km return, Time: 3–4 hours, Difficulty: Moderate


• Connects from Constantia Nek to the plateau — great for a round-trip with Skeleton Gorge

## Cape of Good Hope — Cape Point Routes

### Cape of Good Hope Hiking Trail (Circular)

• Distance: 33.8 km circular, Time: 2 days (one overnight), Difficulty: Hard


• Starts and ends at park entrance, spans the full peninsula tip


• Permits from SANParks — Cape of Good Hope section entry fee approximately R215 per adult

### Cape Point to Bordjiesrif

• Distance: 12 km return, Time: 4–5 hours, Difficulty: Moderate


• Wild coastline with baboon, bontebok, and spectacular sea views — no crowds once you're past the lighthouse

## Hoerikwaggo Trail (Table Mountain to Cape Point — 5 Days)

• South Africa's ultimate Cape Peninsula wilderness trail


• Guided catered option or self-guided with permits from SANParks


• Covers 75 km of the full park north to south

## Practical Notes

• Table Mountain fires: Check SANParks and TMNP social media for trail closures — fires are frequent in summer


• South-Easter wind: The famous Cape south-easter can make open plateau routes dangerous on peak days — check the forecast and have an alternative plan


• Baboons: They are serious thieves. Never hike with food visible and do not run if one approaches — make yourself big, make noise, back away slowly


• Water: Carry minimum 2L per person — no reliable water sources on the plateau


• Entry fees: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway area day hike permits: free via TMNP permit system; Cape Point entry approximately R215

Capetown's backyard is a world wonder. Lace up.