Cape Town - Cape Point Hiking Trails
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| Cape Point National Park |
We love visiting Cape Point for the amazing scenery, the birds, the flora that changes according to the seasons, the beaches, the tidal pools at Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay, the fresh air and the climb to the top! The Hiking Trails are great for those with more time - pop in at the Visitor Centre for more info.
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| Tidal Pool - great to cool off after a hike |
Here’s our selection of some of the best short walks and hikes in and
around Cape Point Nature Reserve:
Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail is often overlooked by visitors eager to
pay a visit to the iconic old lighthouse atop Cape Point, but this short trail
that runs below the well-known landmark should not be missed. The trail begins
just behind the upper funicular station, and a narrow but well-established path
will lead you along a sheer cliff-face towards the lesser-known new lighthouse.
It offers a fascinating perspective of the old Cape Point lighthouse which
towers many metres above, and it walks you through historical bunkers and
beautiful fynbos until the path runs out, at what certainly feels like the very
tip of Africa.
Departs: Behind upper funicular station. Park at the Cape Point main
parking area and walk to the station or save energy and take the funicular.
Distance: +-2km, one hour return
Difficulty: Easy
Cape of Good Hope Trail
The Cape of Good Hope trail takes you along a well-maintained and marked
boardwalk towards the famous Cape of Good Hope sign, located on the rocky
shoreline far below. The trail is popular for its accessibility, and for the
unsurpassed views over the pristine Diaz Beach and rugged western shoreline.
Make your way all the way to the very end of the trail, and you’ll have reached
the most southern point of the Cape Peninsula – a perfect photo opportunity to
prove that you’ve visited the most South Western corner of Africa.
Departs: Cape Point main parking area. Follow signs towards Cape of Good
Hope.
Distance: +-3.5km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy
Antoniesgat Trail
Buffels Bay Beach is a gem hidden from the main tour groups, and the
Antoniesgat Trail that departs from nearby offers beautiful views, a moderate
level of difficulty, and the opportunity to cool off in the tidal pools, or
enjoy a braai at the well-maintained facilities, at the end of the walk. The
walk takes you close to the action where powerful waves pound the peninsula,
and there are a number of caves and tunnels to explore en-route. The views over
the bay, towards the mountains, and of course up towards the Cape Point
lighthouse make this one of the region’s most enjoyable short trails.
Departs: Traffic circle south of Buffels Bay Beach
Distance: 3.5km, 2-3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Gifkommetjie
The Gifkommetjie trail follows the south western shores of Cape Point,
and offers beautiful views of the unspoilt shoreline, lush green dune
vegetation and open pans and marshes. It’s a great option for the moderately
fit looking to get some good distance on a flat route, but can also be
shortened if you’re just looking to stretch your legs, away from the busier
sections of Cape Point. It’s an often overlooked region of the nature reserve,
and the result is a feeling of true isolation and escapism in one of the most
picturesque locations.
Departs: Gifkommetjie parking area, follow signposts upon entry into Cape
Point
Distance: +-5.5km, 2 hours return
Difficulty: Easy
Kanonkop
The Kanonkop trail, which is a 3 hour circular route departing from the
visitor centre, is one of the most popular among Cape Point hiking enthusiasts.
Named after the old canon located at its peak, the Kanonkop trail provides
impressive views over False Bay, Cape Point, Buffels Bay Beach, and the
prominent Da Gama monument, and it also passes an interesting old lime kiln
along the way. The trail requires only a moderate level of fitness, but if
you’re feeling less energetic follow the road to Venus Pools and park close to
the signs directing you up Kanonkop, a few hundred metres after the turnoff at
Bynes.
Departs: Cape Point visitor centre
Distance: +-5.5km, 3 hours return
Difficulty: Moderate
Phyllisia Circuit
The Phyllisia Circuit, named after the large trawler that ran aground on
the nearby shoreline in 1968, also departs from the Gifkommetjie parking lot.
This circular route takes you parallel to the western Cape Point coastline, and
returns along the shore. This too is an often overlooked route, and even on
busy days can offer beautiful Cape Point tranquility.
Departs: Gifkommetjie parking area, follow signposts upon entry into Cape
Point
Distance: +-7km, 3 hours return
Difficulty: Easy
Shipwreck Trail
Perhaps the most popular of the shorter walks at Cape Point are the
shipwreck trails. These unique walks depart from the Olifantsbos parking area,
and each offer fascinating insight into the early days of the many Cape Point
maritime disasters and access to unspoilt fauna and flora."
The Article above is courtesy from the Official Website:
