The best hikes in Cape Town: Lion's Head, Platteklip Gorge and more

Cape Town has world-class hiking within minutes of the city: most of the best routes are in Table Mountain National Park, and many are free. Here are the hikes we recommend, from easy forest walks to the classic climbs, with what to expect on each.

1. Lion's Head

Cape Town's favourite hike spirals around Lion's Head to a 669 m summit with views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Seaboard and Robben Island. Allow two to three hours return. The direct route uses chains and ladders near the top; there is an alternative path if you prefer to avoid them. Go for sunrise or sunset, bring a headlamp, and expect company: it is very popular, especially on full-moon evenings.

2. Platteklip Gorge

The straight-up route to the top of Table Mountain, starting from Tafelberg Road. It is steep and relentless, climbing about 700 m in roughly 3 km, so most people take one and a half to three hours to reach the top. Many hikers take the cable car down. Check that the cable car is running before relying on it, because it closes in strong wind.

3. Skeleton Gorge

A steep climb from Kirstenbosch up a forested ravine with wooden ladders and rock steps, to the top of the mountain near Maclear's Beacon. A common loop goes up Skeleton Gorge and down Nursery Ravine. You pay Kirstenbosch entry to start here. Avoid it after heavy rain, when the gorge becomes slippery.

4. The Pipe Track

A mostly level path from Kloof Nek along the back of the Twelve Apostles, with views down to Camps Bay. It is the best choice for beginners and families because you can turn around whenever you like. There is little shade, so go early in summer.

5. Chapman's Peak

A shorter climb from Chapman's Peak Drive to a summit with some of the best views on the Peninsula, across Hout Bay to the Sentinel and down Noordhoek Beach. Allow about two to three hours return.

6. Elephant's Eye

A climb from Tokai to a large cave high on the Constantiaberg, named for its shape when seen from below. The route passes through the Silvermine section of the park, with views over the southern suburbs and False Bay.

7. Cecilia Waterfall

An easy-to-moderate walk through Cecilia Forest off Rhodes Drive to a small waterfall. It is shaded for much of the way, which makes it a good summer option. The waterfall is best after winter rain.

8. Silvermine and Tokai (with your dog)

Silvermine Nature Reserve, Tokai Forest and Newlands Forest are the best places to hike with a dog in Cape Town. They are designated dog-walking areas; each person walking a dog needs a SANParks dog-walking permit. See our dog-friendly hikes guide.

Safety on Table Mountain

• Weather changes fast. Cloud (the "tablecloth") and wind can roll in within minutes. Carry a warm layer and rain jacket even on sunny days.
• Start early and plan to be down before dark unless you are doing a planned sunrise or sunset hike with a headlamp.
• Hike in a group on popular routes, and tell someone your plan.
• Carry water: there is little or none on most routes.
• In an emergency, call 112 from a cellphone.

Further afield

Within a couple of hours of the city you can hike the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve Hiking Trail above Franschhoek, the Cederberg Wilderness Area rock formations, or the coastal walk at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve on the West Coast. See all Western Cape trails, or get the free Bundu app for directions, fees and GPS recording on every hike.