Five lesser-known hiking trails to explore in Cape Town

Here are five lesser-known hiking trails to explore in and around the Mother City:

Lion’s Head Loop

This is the perfect afternoon walk/hike for those wanting to be in the midst of natural splendour, but also not wanting to hike for days to achieve this. Lion’s Head Loop is a noteworthy part of Cape Town. This trail is great for walking dogs through beautiful pine forests, indigenous veld, a protea forest with spellbinding views of the city and ocean below. There is a steep drop at one of the sections nearing the road so it would be advised to behave cautiously when navigating these sections.

Table Mountain Contour Path

This is a surprisingly low energy hike situated very close to the popular Table Mountain hike. This hike should definitely be on the bucket list when visiting Cape Town to explore the nature of the area, which abundant everywhere. The path joins with the more popular route up Table Mountain, Platteklip – alternatively, you may carry on with your journey through the breathtaking Newlands Forest.

Devil’s Peak

This hike is fairly close to other more prominent hiking areas; however, it differs due to the fact that one gets views of both sides of the city leading all the way to the Southern Peninsula. The hike has become a popular alternative to hiking the Table Mountain area.

India Venster

This hike is a bit trickier than Platteklip Gorge and requires a bit of hiking experiences. However, if hikers do decide to use this route they will be treated to some of the most remarkable views in the area. The views at India Venster fails to disappoint, but hikers are warned to be cautious on this root as they will have to navigate some steep sections.

Kloof Corner Hike

Described by many as hardest route up Table Mountain for so many reasons – one has to do adequately prepared to go on this hike. Hiking accidents are a real thing, and it’s strongly recommended to go on this hike with at least one other experienced hiker who has completed the route before. It does promise to have some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see, however, centrally not for the squeamish or ones scared of heights.

Getting there

Many of these hiking trails are quite near to each other, however, Cape Town is a big city so if you’d like to visit most if not all of these trails it's best to hire a car. If you’re new to Cape Town and plan on exploring the City like a local, check out Cape Town Airport Car rental and get out to explore all these hiking trails.