Cape Town is full of natural beauty. The itch to see it from a greater vantage point is real, but where should you begin? Here are our top five picks of great entry level hikes in Cape Town with a few insider tips. Happy climbing!

Lion’s Head

Let’s start with a Cape Town staple. Everyone knows that once you have conquered the Lion you are truly on your way to becoming an honourary Capetonian. It’s one of the quickest hikes in the area at roughly two hours up and down, yet offers some of the most rewarding views of the city. It’s a great place to start, and we’re sure it will inspire you to clamber around more of Cape Town.

This gem is accessible from the city bowl, so there is a lot of foot traffic on the mountain on sunny days. Although this is frustrating at first, it gives you ample opportunity to rest and take in the views. It is also a great selfie spot, so you might be grateful for the pauses to document the climb!

Local tip: try this hike at full moon!

Maclear’s Beacon

Now that we have mentioned one of the lowest mountains to climb, let’s jump to the highest! Maclear’s Beacon is the highest point of Table Mountain. The route starts at the upper cableway station and is marked by a plaque and the rest of the trail is marked by yellow footprints.

This is another low risk high reward option, as most complete the up and down within an hour. Why not gather a group for a picnic on the mountain?

Local tip: the flowers are beautiful but the mountain is a conservation area. Please don’t pick them – just like you they long to be wild and free.

Kasteelpoort

This hike easily competes with anything flaunted on Instagram. It starts in super glam Camps Bay and leads you straight into a ravine. Halfway up there is a spot called “breakfast rock” – we’re not sure who coined the term but it is definitely the best place for a rest and snack!

You will see many other (riskier) resting spots as you go, such as “Diving Board Rock” which is almost exclusively used for making friends back home jealous of your adventures. Continuing in the spirit of adventure there are also a few ladder climbs, but nothing too strenuous and the view makes up for it.

Local tip: don’t underestimate yourself. You can pace the climb to suit your level of fitness. Go big or go home!

Skeleton Gorge

Ok, so it may sound ominous, but we promise there are no nasty surprises. This particular hike is a great introduction to the lush forests which are spread across the Cape. You can pick up this trail from Kirstenbosch Gardens or Cecilia Forest. If you choose Kirstenbosch, you can begin or finish your trip with a walk around (or even picnic in) the gardens. Entrance will cost you R35 with a valid student card.

The trail itself, however, is definitely not a picnic with some steep inclines and a few ladders thrown in for good measure. It is the perfect route for working up a sweat and there is a beautiful lake at the top of the mountain to reward your efforts.

Local tip: wear long pants/ tights. Those rocks and bushes are a force to be reckoned with!

Constantia Nek

This three to four hour hike (up and down) is best done on a “moody weather” day. When “climbing” (it is more like a walk up a steep incline) you will be treated to impressive views of the greater Southern suburbs area. This is particularly stunning when covered by a faint blanket of mist.

The hike starts and ends in the same area between Newlands and Hout Bay, which means it is leafy and green. When you have cleared the canopy, it is more open and there is also a mini lake if you want to take a dip. Please remember not to litter the forest.

Local tip: take a hat even when it is overcast – the African sun is notorious for surprising unsuspecting tourists.

Make sure you take enough water wherever you hike, and keep these emergency numbers with you just in case you need them:

Emergencies: +27 (0)21 480 7700

Table Mountain National Park: +27 (0)21 957 4700

Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 (0)21 948 9900