If you are an adventure lover and craving for some hiking experience, then Cape Town is the place for you to explore the inner trekker within you. There are many breathtaking hikes that can be best experienced in winter.
Don’t let the colder months stop you from enjoying a beautiful hike in Cape Town and go for these trails that are quieter in winter than in summer and offer a completely different, yet beautiful perspective.
Try these in and around Cape Town treks suggested by Love Cape Town, this winter:
Lion’s Head
If you are really a hiking person then you must hike up Lion’s Head at least once. This is the iconic peak that offers 360-degree view, of the city, ocean, Table Mountain and Robben Island, well worth climbing.
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Here, the hike starts off Signal Hill Road and takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to snap photos. The trail spirals around the mountain, offering ever-changing views, before a short but steep scramble to the summit. There are ladders and chains to assist you near the top.
Also, there’s an alternative footpath if you don’t feel like waiting for the crowds to climb-up. Whether you hike at sunrise, sunset or under a full moon, Lion’s Head is an unforgettable experience, even in the chilled season. The adventure activity here is completely free.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is home to one of the favorite winter hikes of the travelers. Tail along the Yellow-woods Trail and you will come across a waterfall that is particularly spectacular after the winter rains.
It feels like you are living in the heart of a forest while you are only fifteen minutes away from the centre of town. It kicks off at the Frangrance Garden and walking clockwise, follows smuts Track alongside the babbling Skeleton Stream all the way to the dramatic Skeleton Waterfall on the 300m contour path.
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On the way back, you will come across Nursery Stream twice, so keep your eyes peeled for the towering yellow-woods. And once you are done with this, take time to explore the rest of the Kirstenbosch.
The activity do cost you some price, as for adults it is R230, and considering the discounted fee for South African residents and SADC nationals aged 18 years and older (with ID/proof of residency) costs R100.
The discounted fee for African residents living outside SADC aged 18 years and older (with ID/proof of residency) is R140. For students/learners of 18 years and older from a South African institute (with student card) costs R60. For all children aged from 6 to 17 years the price is R40, and for all children aged under 6 years, the activity is completely free.
Also, for South African residents over the age of 60 (with ID) the entry is free on Tuesdays except on public holidays.
Woodstock Cave
After the city receives a good rainfall, the small waterfall at Woodstock Cave on the slopes of Table Mountain transforms into a stunning curtain of water. If you are fortunate enough, you might even catch sight of a rainbow here.
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The cave offers a breathtaking view of the city, as the place is relatively easy, family-friendly and hiking here is perfect for all seasons. The surroundings here allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature, all year-round.
There are two starting points for the hike, first is climbing via Tafelberg Road. Drive past the Cableway Station and Park near the beginning of the Woodstock Cave route.
Alternate way is, you can begin you hike at Rhodes Memorial by making your way to the King’s Blockhouse. Beyond the Blockhouse, the path splits, from there take the left fork and then at the next junction, turn right towards the Cableway.
And enjoy your adventurous trip!