Explore the wider Cape mountains…
Once you’ve conquered the Table Mountain range, it’s time to spread your wings and discover the mountain wilds surrounding Cape Town. From the craggy peaks that provide such a beautiful backdrop for the Winelands, to the fynbos-filled expanses of the Overberg (there’s a clue right there in the name), there are plenty of trails for hikers of every stripe. Be prepared for waterfalls aplenty, exhilarating views, magical forests and some of the most perfect picnic spots you’re likely to encounter.
If you’re still keen to explore the Cape Peninsula, see The 20 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
A 15-minute drive from the historic center of town, discover the wild side of Stellenbosch. This lush and stunning 11,000-hectare reserve offers four challenging circular hiking trails, with rockpools and waterfalls to dip into along the way. The invigorating Swartboskloof Trail ascends 900 metres to the top of Kurktrekkernek, and then back down past a waterfall. Alternatively, you could take the more easygoing Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof hike, or enjoy a ramble along the Eerste River, passing two waterfalls.
- Start + end point: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Stellenbosch
- Distance + duration:
- Swartboskloof Trail: 18km; 6 hours (no access after 10 am)
- Swartboskloof to Sosykloof: 5.3km; 2 hours (no access after 12pm)
- Panorama Circuit: 17km; 6 hours (no access after 10 am) Tweede
- Waterval: 6.4km; 2 hours (no access after 2 pm)
- Good to know: Some paths are slippery when wet, so tread carefully. All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails. Contact CapeNature to book your permits or buy them at the reserve office.
- Child-friendly: Yes
- Dog-friendly: No
- Opening times: 7 am – 4 pm (from 8 am in winter); gates close at 6 pm
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za, 087 087 4118 (reserve office)
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
If you’re chasing spectacular views over the Franschhoek Valley and greater Winelands, head to 1 759-hectare Mont Rochelle reserve. 10 hiking trails are snaking through the reserve, many of which connect, ranging from easy one-hour rambles to more challenging half or full-day routes. Head for Breakfast Rock, then to the Uitkyk viewpoint, or push further to ascend the Du Toitskop and Perdekop peaks. Or take the Cats’ Path, a historic wagon route, via the Winelands Trail. Along with the scenery, there are wonderfully diverse fynbos and plant life, prolific birdlife, and mountain streams (except in mid-summer).
- Start + endpoint: Entrance gate at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Lambrechts Road/Franschhoek Pass (R45)
- Distance + duration:
- Uitkyk Trail: 6km; 2 – 4 hours
- Cats’ Path: 11km; 4 hours
- Winelands Trail: 3.5km; 2 hours
- DuToitskop Trail: 13km; 5 hours
- Good to know: The reserve is cashless, so bring cards or use Zapper.
- Child-friendly: Yes, on the shorter trails.
- Dog-friendly: No
- Opening times: Dawn to dusk; permit office 9 am – 5 pm
- Contact: mont.rochelle@gmail.com
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve
Rich fynbos, majestic Overberg Mountain peaks, pristine wilderness, sea views and the cool waters of the Palmiet River make the 3,000-hectare Kogelberg Reserve a favourite among hikers. The Kogelberg Trail is an all-day trek following a circular route that takes hikers through the forested Oudebosch Gorge and deep into the rugged heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom. For something easier and good for all ages, the Palmiet River Walk meanders along the river, with designated spots for swimming, to an area called The Beach – not the estuary outside Kleinmond, but a clearing of white sand alongside the river, good for a picnic and another dip.
- Start + endpoint: Kogelberg Reserve parking area, R44 between Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond
- Distance + duration:
- Kogelberg Trail: 22km; 7 – 8 hours.
- Palmiet River Walk: 10km; 3 hours
- Good to know: Hikers are advised to start the Kogelberg Trail no later than 10 am in summer (8 am in winter). All Cape Nature reserves require a hiking permit.
- Child-friendly: Not the full Kogelberg Trail, but the Palmiet River Walk is good for kids.
- Dog-friendly: No
- Opening times: 7.30 am – 7 pm (6 pm in winter)
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za 087 288 0499 (reserve office)
Bobbejaans River Trail
Situated in the Limietberg Nature Reserve in the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Paarl and Wellington – and home to the exhilarating Bainskloof – this trail takes you above the river that gives it its name, culminating at a majestic three-tiered waterfall. Along the way you’ll cross the Witte River, where you can take a refreshing dip in its cool waters. Note that the river can be difficult to cross in winter when the water is rough and deep after rainfall.
- Start + endpoint: McBains Lodge/Eerste Tol parking area at De Nek, Bainskloof Pass (R301)
- Distance + duration: 8km; 6 hours
- Good to know: Two other trails are leaving from the same location: the easy, family-friendly 9km Happy Valley Trail (limited to 12 people per day), which leads to Junction Pool; and the 8km Rockhopper, which follows the Witte River to Tweede Tol braai/picnic site. All Cape Nature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails.
- Child-friendly? Suitable for fit teenagers.
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: 8 am – 6 pm
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
087 087 4145 (Tweede Tol), 021 871 1535 (Limietberg office)
Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area
You can immerse yourself in the true mountain wilderness, a mere 180 kilometres north of Cape Town, near Porterville. This conservation area is known for its rugged landscape, clear rockpools and rich heritage; among the rock formations and exquisite fynbos you’ll find ancient rock paintings by the Khoi-San people. There are a dozen different trails – short walks of less than an hour get you to Protea Pool, Disa Pool and Crystal Pool; a longer hike heads along the Kliphuis River to De Tronk and De Hel, with its wonderful rockpool (pictured above) – one of the largest and deepest in the Western Cape, and only for good swimmers.
- Start + end point: Groot Winterhoek parking area (via R44, R365 and Dasklip/Cardouw turn-off)
- Distance + Duration: De Tronk Trail: 13km; 3 hours (plus 5km; 1.5 hours to De Hel)
- Good to know: All CapeNature reserves require a permit to access hiking trails. The streams and rivers can be dangerous to cross in winter.
- Child-friendly? Yes, on the short trails to the pools.
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: 7.30 am – 6 pm
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za 087 087 4047 (reserve office)
Krom River Trail
Tucked away in the dramatic kloofs of the Du Toitskloof Mountains near Worcester (part of the Limietberg Nature Reserve), this fairly easy route leads through magical riverine forest and past deep, translucent rock pools, crossing two rivers. The ultimate destination is not one but two waterfalls – both with fabulous plunge pools. If you want maximum sunshine at the pools, make an early start in the morning.
- Start + endpoint: Krom River parking area off the N1 (once through the Huguenot Tunnel on the N1, take the first road on your left to the parking area).
- Distance + duration: 7km; 5 hours
- Good to know: There is a 10-metre climb up a chain ladder between the two waterfalls, which can be slippery. The trail is closed in winter and after heavy rains. Only 50 permits per day are issued; they can be purchased from Cape Nature.
- Child-friendly? Yes
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: 8 am
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Paarl Rock
This hiking trail takes you to the top (543 metres) of the large granite rock that looms above Paarl (and from which the town got its name – meaning “pearl”). You’ll pass through flourishing fynbos and mountain scenery on route and enjoy fantastic 360-degree views of the winelands from the rock itself. There’s a short hike and some scrambling to the summit of a second, even larger formation known as Bretagne Rock – look out for the cannon that was once used to signal the arrival of ships in Table Bay; there’s also a cave and mini forest up there. Feel free to explore the numerous footpaths that wind through the beautiful reserve and reward yourself with a packed lunch in the picnic area.
- Start + endpoint: Meulwater Picnic Site parking lot, Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Jan Phillips Mountain Drive, Paarl
- Distance + duration: Paarl Rock and back: 2.5km; 2 – 3 hours
- Good to know: Meulwater is a beautiful wildflower garden at the base of the rock. You can buy trail/reserve maps at the Paarl Visitor’s Centre on Market Street. The massive Paarl Rock is smooth and slippery in places, so be careful if it’s rained recently.
- Child-friendly? Yes; prams can only be used on the Jeep track.
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: 7 am – 7 pm (6 pm in winter)
- Contact: 082 744 5900, 082 335 0461, louiseR@drakenstein.gov.za
Paradyskloof Waterfall Trail
The pine-scented Eden Forest on the slopes of the Helderberg offers a variety of trails, but one of the best is an entry-level hike to the Paradyskloof Waterfall. From the entrance gate into the Paradyskloof Nature Area, the route wends through pine forest and then follows a single track up the mountain to the waterfall. There’s no deep pool for swimming – more like splash pools and a cascade shower – but it will still be fantastic on a hot day (tip: it’s best after it has rained). Picture letting the water splash over you as you gaze out over a fantastic view of the winelands, all the way to False Bay and Table Mountain.
- Start + endpoint: Parking area at Eden Forest, Paradyskloof Way, Stellenbosch
- Distance + duration: 5km; 3 hours
- Good to know: The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is close by, so finish off your hike with a stroll through the fantastical garden (booking essential) and a bite to eat at the café.
- Child-friendly? Yes
- Dog-friendly? Yes
- Opening times: 7.30 am – 8 pm
- Contact: info@stellenboschtrailfund.co.za
Berg River Conservation Area
The craggy mountain wilderness surrounding the Berg River Dam outside Franschhoek is a playground for hikers (and mountain-bikers), with 48 kilometres of trails taking you through breathtaking, fynbos-rich scenery – and up to various lofty lookout points, from which you might spy the ocean or even Table Mountain in the distance. There are five routes, ranging from a more leisurely walk around the dam (popular with dog walkers) to more challenging ones; expect rocky climbs and river crossings, as well as sightings of fish eagles and klipspringers. To tackle the entire network, budget for a full day.
- Start + endpoint: Entrance gate on Robertsvlei Road, Franschhoek
- Distance + duration:
- Matoppie Contour: 25km; 3 hours
- Snake Alley Loop: 12km; 2 hours.
- Matoppie Mast Climb: 20km; 3 hours.
- SeeSaw Trail: 16km; 1,5 hours
- Good to know: You can get a permit and map from the Franschhoek Wine Valley office at 66 Huguenot Street.
- Child-friendly? Just the dam walk.
- Dog-friendly? Just the dam walk.
- Opening times: 8 am – 6 pm
- Contact: 066 224 6360, info@franschhoek.org.za
Perdeberg Loop
Setting off from Iona Wine Estate high in the Elgin Valley, this hike heads into the Kogelberg from the east, via the “back door” if you will. Hiking through a tapestry of fynbos and craggy rock formations, your destination is Perdeberg Peak (640 metres high). Your reward is a breathtaking panoramic survey of the Overberg – from the Bot River lagoon to the Palmiet River estuary and the farmlands of Elgin/Grabouw to the Hottentots-Holland Mountains. You couldn’t ask for a better view for a picnic lunch. (You will pass Peregrine Farmstall on your way to Iona – handy for stocking up on tasty hiking snacks and picnic provisions.)
- Start + endpoint: Iona Wine Estate, Highlands Road, Elgin Valley
- Distance + duration: 22km; 7 – 8 hours
- Good to know: Don’t start this trail later than 10 am in summer (8 am in winter). Note that there is not much shade on this route.
- Child-friendly? No, due to the length
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: 7.30 am – 7 pm (6 pm in winter)
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za 087 288 0499 (reserve office)
Boesmanskloof Trail
Where travellers would normally have to drive around the Riviersonderend Mountains to get from Greyton to McGregor, the Boesmanskloof Trail takes you right through them, passing by the beautiful Oakes Falls at the halfway point (with a perfect natural pool for dipping) and granting you the opportunity to spot an array of mountain-dwelling fauna and flora. Though the trail is fairly strenuous, it can be hiked in one day, but you will need to arrange transport back to your starting point. (Or stay overnight in McGregor and hike it in reverse the next day!)
- Start + endpoint: Trailhead at the end of Nerina Street, Greyton
McGregor: 14km south of town at Die Galg - Distance + duration: 14km; 6 – 7 hours
- Good to know: A CapeNature permit is required to hike the trail, which you can also purchase from Greyton Tourism. Only 50 hikers are allowed per day.
- Child-friendly? No.
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: Daylight hours
- Contact: 087 087 8250, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
023 625 1621 (reserve office)
22 Waterfalls
Hidden on a private farm and nature reserve at the foot of the Olifantsrivier Mountains, near Porterville, is a hiking trail that leads up through a forested ravine alongside a stream. All along this path are waterfalls of various sizes and heights – once you get about halfway, the pools get deeper and better for swimming in. They are spring-fed all year round, so do not require rain (although they are even more spectacular after it has rained). The hiking trail, which are marked with yellow stripes, is a challenging adventure, with wooden ladder bridges and lots of scrambling up boulders and through trees, so it requires a certain level of fitness and balance.
- Start + endpoint: Waterval Private Nature Reserve, off the R44 near Porterville
- Distance + duration: 7km; 3 – 4 hours
- Good to know: Booking is required, with a maximum of 20-day visitors/hikers permitted. For unlimited access, you need to book a stay in the campsite or cottages.
- Child-friendly? No (older kids/teens might cope)
- Dog-friendly? No
- Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
- Contact: 022 125 0583, bookings@22watervalle.co.za
Wine Farm Hikes
Many wine farms give visitors access to scenic swathes of mountain scenery, in addition to forest, fynbos and vineyards. Plus you can celebrate your efforts with delicious food and wine afterwards.
Here is our pick:
- Almenkerk (Elgin): Offers a 5km or 7km active family adventure trail around the farm’s orchards, vineyards and hills that incorporates fun outdoor exercises such as tyre flipping, balance beams and water cannons.
- Boschendal (Franschhoek): The Trail Centre manages the mountain biking trails, among which are 5km or 10km hiking trails.
- Bosjes (near Worcester): Hiking trails through the fynbos-filled mountainside Bergkamp, where you might spot giraffes, zebras and other game.
- Bouchard Finlayson (Hemel-en-Aarde): A fynbos hiking trail through pristine scenery with fantastic views; dogs on leashes permitted.
- Knorhoek (Stellenbosch): Has four family-friendly trails (from 2km to 7km), for hikers and mountain bikers, with sea views and forest sections. Dogs on leashes are welcome.
- La Motte (Franschhoek): A leisurely 5km circular route taking in flora, fauna, valley views, vineyards and the protea garden.
- Muratie (Stellenbosch): A circular 3.5km route taking in the Gillooly’s viewpoint. Also sunset and full-moon hikes are run by Dirtopia (based on the farm).
- Plaisir de Merle (Stellenbosch): In the scenic Banhoek Conservancy, you can access 14km of trails (shared with mountain bikers).
- Rhebokskloof (Paarl): From a 3km loop to a 35km route (shared with mountain-bikers), plus full-moon hikes in summer to the Flat Rock lookout point.
- Thelema (Stellenbosch): At the top of stunning Helshoogte Pass, this estate is the access point for a six-hour hike up into the Simonsberg Mountains. Tough but stunning.
- Welvanpas (Wellington): A 7.5km trail follows the Kromme River, through forests and the Hawequas Mountains, and passes a waterfall.