There are endless Cape Town outdoor highlights. The city is a unique metropolis at the “most beautiful end of the world”! Cape Town is a very special city and hardly comparable to other major cities. You can probably do something different every single day of the year. There’s no shortage of leisure activities. Cape Town is colorful, trendy, modern, cozy, bustling, and also “cool urban.” We immediately fell in love with this city – and we definitely want to come back.

In addition to the cool markets, the beautiful waterfront, the beaches, the shops, the cafés, and restaurants, Cape Town has much, much more to offer. The city is set amidst a unique backdrop – Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, and Clifton Bay on one side, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch, and the ocean on the other. A metropolis couldn’t be more perfect. Cape Town is a top destination for nature lovers and especially hikers. In today’s first post, we present the best Cape Town outdoor highlights.

• Cape Town Outdoor Highlights – Table Mountain
• Hikes on Table Mountain
• Cape Town Outdoor Highlights – Lion’s Head
• Sunset on Signal Hill
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
• Silvermine Nature Reserve
• Duiker Island and the Fur Seals
• Cape Town’s Beautiful Beaches
• The Cape Peninsula
• Travel Reading for a Trip to South Africa

Cape Town Outdoor Highlights – Table Mountain

Let’s start with the city’s most popular highlight – Table Mountain. No one leaves Cape Town without having been to Table Mountain. It has a height of almost 1,087 meters and dominates Cape Town’s skyline. The cable car takes you high up Table Mountain.

The 1,224-meter ascent takes about five minutes. During this time, the gondola rotates 360 degrees. Once at the top, you can enjoy the view from a vast plateau. In strong winds or low-hanging clouds, the cable car is usually closed. Then you face a one- to two-hour descent.

There is a souvenir shop, a café, and a restaurant on the mountain. If you made it up on foot, you can also take the cable car back down. The last cable car goes back down between 5:30 PM and 8 PM, depending on the month.

• Adult ticket: Return ticket R255 (€16.60), single ticket R135 (€8.80)
• Child ticket (4-17 years): Return ticket R125 (€8.15), single ticket R60 (€4)
• Opening hours: Depending on the month and weather, between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM

Take MyCity Bus bus number 107 to the “Kloof Nek” station. From here, bus number 110 runs between Lower Table Mountain and Upper Table Mountain, where the cable car entrance is located. Contrary to the information provided, there are also buses running on route 110 that run between the Civic Center and the cable car. Alternatively, you can also travel by Uber or a regular taxi.

Hikes on Table Mountain

There are many different hiking trails on Table Mountain. The three most popular trails are the Pipe Track (7 kilometers, not very strenuous), the Platteklip Gorge/Maclear’s Beacon Trail (steep, but manageable), and the Skeleton Gorge Trail (the fastest way to the plateau, easy).

The start of the Platteklip Gorge Trail is located directly behind the cable car station in the valley. The trail leads you through the Platteklip Gorge directly to the plateau of Table Mountain. It is the fastest way to reach the mountain. This trail is particularly suitable for the descent if the cable car is no longer running or it is simply too crowded at the top.

There’s something for everyone

The Sums Track starts at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and leads through the densely forested landscape and through the shady Skeleton Gorge. The trail runs along the eastern flank of the mountain to the summit and ends at the mountain station. The views are beautiful and the trail is in excellent condition. But it is still strenuous. The walk from the Botanical Garden to the cable car on Table Mountain takes about 5 hours.

You can also start from the other side. The Kasteelspoort Trail begins in Camps Bay and takes you steeply up the Kasteelspoort Gorge between the ledges of the Twelve Apostles. Caution is advised here, as the trail is no longer in the best condition.

Are you in good shape and looking for action? Then the Right Face & Africa Ledge Track might be for you. The trail runs almost entirely beneath the cable car. Occasionally, you’ll have to climb over rocks, and you shouldn’t be afraid of heights. The starting point is the cable car valley station. You can find more information about the hikes here (link).

Cape Town Outdoor Highlights – Lion’s Head

Along with Table Mountain, Lion’s Head is another of Cape Town’s local mountains. It has a height of almost 670 meters and promises beautiful views of the city, the sea, and the coastline with Camps Bay, Clifton Bay, and the 12 Apostles. A view from the top of the mountain is particularly worthwhile in the evening, when the city is illuminated in its most beautiful colors.

The climb is not particularly strenuous, but you should wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and plan at least 3 to 4 hours for the ascent and descent.

How to get there: Take bus number 107 to the “Kloof Nek” stop and then follow Signal Hill Road until you reach the trailhead on the left. The path takes you leisurely around the mountain before becoming steeper, requiring occasional scrambling. Alternatively, you can reach this point on foot, by Uber, or by regular taxi.

Sunset on Signal Hill

Want a beautiful sunset with a view of the ocean, the waterfront, and the city? Then head to Signal Hill. The 350-meter-high mountain is located in front of Table Bay and Lion’s Head. In the mornings and evenings, many tourists and locals gather here to watch the sun rise or set.

A jacket or sweater is recommended, as it can get quite chilly after the sun sets. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view and mesmerizing lights. If the weather is good, you can even enjoy a leisurely picnic.

Cape Town Sunset Bus

By the way: From Signal Hill, you can take a super-exciting paragliding flight. The landing zone is down on the Sea Point promenade in front of the Winchester Mansions Hotel. There’s also the Cape Town Sunset Bus, which offers a sunset tour daily. The tour lasts 2-3 hours and costs R140 (€8.58). You can find more information here (link).

How to get there: Take bus number 107 from MyCity Bus to the Kloof Nek stop and walk the almost 3 kilometers to Signal Hill. It’s definitely worth it. Alternatively, you can book a cheap ride with UBER or order a taxi.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

What a plant paradise, what an oasis – the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden boasts an impressive variety of South African plants. The grounds extend over different elevations (100-1000 meters), so many specific plants have found their habitat here. Especially in spring, you’ll see a colorful sea of flowers, shrubs, and trees. Numerous concerts also take place on a stage in the summer.

Those who want to explore the grounds in peace should plan on about 2-3 hours. It’s also a good idea to make themselves comfortable with a blanket on the lawns. The following free tours are offered on site: Monday – Friday at 10, 11, 12, and 2 p.m., and every Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m.

A beautiful grounds to linger in

You should allow even more time for hiking. Within the garden, you can follow a variety of paths. The most famous hiking trail leads you all the way to Table Mountain. We spent just under 90 minutes on the so-called “Skeleton Gorge Trail.” But you’re not at your destination yet, because you’re first on the plateau of Table Mountain.

On your way, you’ll pass a map showing the various hiking trails, including their duration and distance. It took us another three hours to get to the Table Mountain cable car. The hike isn’t particularly difficult and promises repeated, magnificent views. On the plateau itself, you can choose from various hiking trails. Highly recommended!

• Opening hours: September to March from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., April to August from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Admission: Adults R75 (€4.59), children aged 6-17 R20 (€1.23), children under 6 free

How to get there: Kirstenbosch is located just under 13 kilometers from Cape Town. The easiest way is to take an Uber taxi. The cost is around €3-5. The Blue Line of the hop-on hop-off buses goes to the entrance of the Botanical Garden.

Silvermine Nature Reserve

If the weather is good, a trip to the Silvermine Nature Reserve is recommended. This part of Table Mountain National Park is also part of the park and is a popular spot for a relaxing picnic. The Silvermine Reservoir is home to a beautiful reservoir, although swimming is “actually” not permitted there.

Yet you can still see locals jumping into the cool water. Would you rather have some adventure and action? There you can also undertake various hikes and trails (tip: overnight stay at the luxurious Hoerikwaggo Camp).

• Getting there: between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on the M64, it is best to take a taxi or UBER
• Entrance: Adults R122 (7.52€), Children R61 (3.76€)
• Opening hours: October to March 7am to 6pm, April to September 8am to 5pm

Duiker Island and the fur seals

In the South African summer, Duiker Island, a small An island off Hout Bay, home to up to 8,000 fur seals. They live here in their natural habitat and can be viewed on boat tours. Several operators operate at Hout Bay harbor, offering tours several times a day.

PS: As an alternative to the tour, you can simply walk along Oude Skip Road to the end and then walk over the hill. From there, you’ll also have a view of Duiker Island (free and includes exercise).

Getting there: MYCity Bus line 109 goes directly to Hout Bay. Alternatively, you can also arrive by UBER or a regular taxi.

• Departure: Hout Bay Harbour
• Cost: Adults from R90 (5.55€), children from R50 (3.08€)
• Duration: from 40 minutes
• Tickets: can be purchased directly at the harbour from the respective operator (more information here: Cape Point Route)

And while we’re on the subject of seals, the operator Animal Ocean offers a special experience. If you want to get even closer to these animals, you can get up close and personal with them on a snorkelling tour.

• How to get there: The MYCity Bus route 109 goes directly to Hout Bay. Alternatively, you can also take an Uber or a regular taxi.
• Cost: R800 (52€)

Cape Town’s Beautiful Beaches

The beaches around Cape Town are the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Here you can relax, swim, exercise, surf, have a picnic, and experience incredible sunsets. The water in the Atlantic Ocean is generally quite cold, so swimming isn’t for everyone.

Camps Bay

A palm-lined promenade with lovely cafés and restaurants, a fine sandy beach, a unique atmosphere, and a view of the Twelve Apostles mountain range – it has to be Camps Bay! It’s not without reason that photo shoots often take place here. The scenery, the sand, the sea, and the sunsets are simply stunning. A visit is a must!

Although the water here is quite cold, you shouldn’t miss this area! Camps Bay is located south of the city center between Clifton Bay and Hout Bay and can be easily reached by bus lines 107, 108, and 109.

Clifton Bay

At the foot of Lion’s Head are the numbered beaches 1 to 4. Along with Camps Bay, these are the most popular in the city. But unlike Camps Bay, the beaches here are protected from the wind thanks to the rock formations. You’ll also find bars, restaurants, people seeking peace and quiet, and cool seawater here. You can rent umbrellas and loungers all day for around R20-30 (1-2€). Parking is only available along the busy road. However, thanks to the good bus service, you can do without your car (lines 108 & 109).

Bloubergstrand Beach

A fairly quiet beach with a sensational view of Table Bay and Table Mountain. Bloubergstrand Beach is located about 15 kilometers north of Cape Town city center. As there is a strong breeze there, it is particularly popular with kite surfers. Due to the wind and the very cold water, the beach is not suitable for those who love to swim. The beach is easily accessible by bus line 217. The stops are “Bokkombaai” and “Kleinbaai”.

Other Beaches

• Muizenberg Beach
• Dias Beach
• St. James Beach
• Llandudno Beach
• Hout Bay Beach
• Noordhoek Beach
• Boulders Beach (Penguins)

The Cape Peninsula

The beautiful Cape Peninsula is just a stone’s throw from Cape Town. With a rental car, you can take a relaxing, wonderful day trip. Not only the “Cape of Good Hope” awaits you, but also Hout Bay, Simon’s Town (Penguins), St. James, and Muizenberg.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

On the way there, you will first be greeted by Chapman’s Peak Drive, arguably the most beautiful panoramic road in the world. And so the road winds for miles along the coast. You’ll stop again and again to take photos or simply enjoy the view to the fullest. This stretch of coast is incredibly beautiful and hard to describe in words. More about it here: Cape Peninsula & Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Cape of the Good Hope National Park

But the Cape of Good Hope National Park has much more to offer than just the view from the steep cliffs. How about a hike along the “Shipwreck Trail” or a swim at Buffels Bay? With a bit of luck, you might spot whales in False Bay, even if they’re farther from land.

You should allow about 90 minutes for the “Shipwreck Trail.” It leads you to the remains of two wrecks that ran aground here in 1942 and 1965. The national park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. from October to March and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April to September. Adults pay R303 (approx. €19) and children R152 (approx. €9).

For adventurers: From Cape Town, you can also take a helicopter tour over the Cape.

Cape Point

Bartolomeu Diaz was the first European to discover the legendary cape in 1488 while searching for a sea route to Asia. He encountered a storm, which is why he called the cape the “Cape of Storms.” Names like “southernmost point of Africa” or “where two oceans meet” are still common today, but these are more apt for Cape Agulhas. The Cape of Good Hope is, after all, the southwesternmost point of Africa.

Meter-high waves, steep cliffs, a strong wind, and the occasional baboon (monkey) searching for food – welcome to the Cape of Good Hope. You should head to Cape Point relatively early and explore the area. If you arrive too late, you’ll have to share the view with hundreds of tourists arriving on the numerous tour buses. With a little patience, you can take the famous souvenir photo with the town sign here.

Travel reading for a trip to South Africa

We highly recommend the travel guide by Stefan Loose* as well as the guide from Dumont Verlag*. We have been extremely satisfied with both guides for years and always enjoy browsing through them. You can find even more travel guides about Cape Town and the Garden Route here: The best Cape Town travel guides.