Cape Town is a hiker’s paradise, with trails that wind through mountains, forests, and coastlines offering some of the most breathtaking views you’ll find anywhere in the world. If you’re new to hiking or just visiting the Mother City and want to explore its natural beauty without tackling anything too extreme, you’re in luck. The city offers plenty of beginner-friendly trails that pack stunning scenery into manageable routes.
Whether you’re looking for ocean views, forest walks, or mountain panoramas, these beginner hikes in Cape Town will help you fall in love with the outdoors without pushing you beyond your comfort zone. Lace up those hiking boots and let’s explore some of the best trails for newcomers.
1. Pipe Track
Starting with one of Cape Town’s most popular beginner hikes, the Pipe Track offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Seaboard without requiring any serious climbing. This relatively flat trail runs along the Twelve Apostles mountain range and provides stunning vistas of Camps Bay and the ocean below.
The trail is about 6 kilometers one way, but the beauty of Pipe Track is that you can turn around whenever you feel like it. Most beginners walk for about an hour before heading back, making it a flexible option for different fitness levels. The path is well-maintained and wide enough that you won’t feel intimidated by any steep drop-offs.
Keep an eye out for dassies (rock hyraxes) sunbathing on the rocks along the way. The best time to hike here is early morning when the trail is quieter and you can catch the sunrise over the mountains.
2. Lion’s Head (via the Easy Route)
While Lion’s Head is famous for its chains and ladders route, there’s also a gentler spiral path that beginners can tackle comfortably. This iconic peak offers 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean that are absolutely worth the effort.
The easier route takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit, covering approximately 5 kilometers round trip. The path spirals around the mountain, gradually gaining elevation without any technical climbing required. Yes, there are some steep sections, but you can take your time and rest whenever needed.
Many hikers choose to do this trail for sunrise or sunset, and on full moon evenings, the mountain comes alive with headlamp-wearing adventurers. Just remember to bring plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes with good grip.
3. Kirstenbosch Tree Canopy Walkway (Boomslang)
If you want a gentle introduction to Cape Town’s hiking scene, the Boomslang walkway at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is perfect. In fact, it’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town. This isn’t a traditional hike, but rather an elevated walkway that winds through and above the treetops, offering beautiful views of the gardens and Table Mountain beyond.
The walkway itself is accessible and easy to navigate, making it ideal for families or those who want to enjoy nature without breaking a sweat. From the Boomslang, you can extend your walk along several garden paths that meander through different plant collections and indigenous forests.
The gardens also offer several other easy trails, including paths to Dell and the Vlei, where you might spot various bird species and small wildlife. It’s a wonderful way to spend a morning, and you can pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawns afterward.
4. Silvermine Reservoir
Located in the southern part of the Table Mountain National Park, the Silvermine Reservoir trail is a gentle walk around a scenic dam surrounded by mountains. This is one of the most beginner-friendly hikes in Cape Town, with minimal elevation gain and well-marked paths.
The loop around the reservoir takes about an hour to complete at a leisurely pace, covering roughly 3 kilometers. The trail offers beautiful reflections of the surrounding peaks in the water and is particularly lovely in spring when wildflowers bloom along the path.
What makes Silvermine special for beginners is the variety of routes available from the same starting point. If you’re feeling energetic after the reservoir walk, you can extend your hike to Elephant’s Eye Cave, which adds about another hour but rewards you with stunning views over False Bay.
5. Cecilia Forest Trails
For those who prefer walking under a canopy of trees rather than exposed mountainsides, Cecilia Forest in Constantia offers several easy, well-shaded trails. The forest features pine and eucalyptus trees that create a peaceful atmosphere, quite different from the typical fynbos-covered mountains.
The main loop through Cecilia Forest is about 3 to 5 kilometers depending on which path you choose, and the terrain is relatively flat with well-maintained dirt paths. It’s an excellent choice for hot summer days when you want to stay cool, and it’s also popular with trail runners and mountain bikers, so you’ll have plenty of company.
The forest can get muddy after rain, so choose your timing wisely. On clear days, you can combine your forest walk with a visit to the nearby Kirstenbosch Gardens for a full morning of nature exploration.
6. Chapman’s Peak Circular Walk
Chapman’s Peak Drive is famous for its scenic coastal road, but did you know there’s also a fantastic beginner-friendly walking trail? The circular walk starts from the bottom parking area and takes you along a path with absolutely spectacular ocean views.
This 3-kilometer loop takes about an hour and offers some of the best coastal scenery you’ll find among beginner hikes in Cape Town. The path is well-marked and relatively easy, though there are a few sections with steps and some elevation changes that give you a bit of a workout without being overwhelming.
The views over Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are phenomenal, especially during whale-watching season when you might spot southern right whales from your vantage point. Bring your camera because the photo opportunities are endless here.
7. Newlands Forest to Shepherd’s Tree
Newlands Forest offers several trails suitable for beginners, with the walk to Shepherd’s Tree being one of the most rewarding. This trail takes you through beautiful indigenous forest before opening up to stunning views of the city bowl and Devil’s Peak.
The round trip is about 5 kilometers and takes roughly 2 hours at a comfortable pace. The path is mostly shaded, making it another excellent option for warmer days. You’ll walk through streams (they can be quite full after rain), past giant tree ferns, and through sections that feel almost prehistoric.
Shepherd’s Tree itself is a lovely spot to rest and take in the views before heading back down. The forest is peaceful and you’ll likely encounter other hikers, dog walkers, and trail runners along the way.
8. Oudekraal to Llandudno Coastal Path
For a coastal walk that feels more remote than it actually is, the path from Oudekraal to Llandudno is fantastic. This 5-kilometer trail hugs the coastline, offering incredible ocean views and taking you past secluded beaches and rocky coves.
The trail is relatively flat with a few minor ups and downs, making it accessible for most fitness levels. You’ll walk through coastal fynbos and might spot seals, dolphins, or even whales depending on the season. The path is narrow in some sections, so watch your footing on rocky parts.
What’s great about this hike is that it’s a one-way trail, so you’ll need to arrange transport at both ends or be prepared to walk back the way you came. Many hikers prefer to start at Oudekraal and end at beautiful Llandudno Beach, where you can cool off with a swim.
9. Tygerberg Nature Reserve Summit Trail
Often overlooked because it’s not on the Peninsula, Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers some excellent beginner hikes in Cape Town with the bonus of being less crowded than the more famous trails. The summit trail is about 4 kilometers round trip and rewards hikers with panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Winelands, and the surrounding areas.
The trail is well-maintained with moderate inclines that most beginners can handle comfortably. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, and the summit area has benches where you can sit and enjoy the vista. The reserve is also home to various wildlife including zebra, bontebok, and numerous bird species.
This is a great option if you’re staying in the northern suburbs or want to avoid the sometimes-crowded Peninsula trails on weekends.
Tips for Hiking Safely in Cape Town
Before you head out on any of these beginner hikes in Cape Town, keep a few safety tips in mind. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need, wear sunscreen and a hat, and let someone know where you’re hiking. It’s also wise to hike with a buddy or in groups when possible, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Wear appropriate footwear with good grip, even on easier trails, and consider bringing a light jacket as it can be windy at higher elevations.
Wrapping Up
Cape Town’s hiking trails offer something truly special for beginners and experienced hikers alike. These nine trails are perfect for building your confidence and fitness while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery South Africa has to offer. So grab your water bottle, throw on your hiking shoes, and get out there to explore what makes Cape Town such an incredible hiking destination.
