Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Hiking Trails with Waterfalls in Cape Town That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
- Skeleton Gorge
- Silvermine Waterfall
- Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine
- Cecilia Waterfall
- Crystal Pools
- Newlands Forest
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
- Silvertree Trail
- Woodstock Cave
- Bobbejaans River Trail
- Boesmanskloof
- Groot Winterhoek
- Jason’s Hill
- Harold Porter Botanic Gardens Trail
- Krom River Trail
- Constantia Nek Hiking Trail
If you think Cape Town is all about wine and sunsets, it’s time to venture off the beaten path!
When I set out to find the city’s stunning waterfalls, I realised that the true treasures lie in the lush trails that lead to them. These hikes offer a chance to connect with nature while being rewarded with cascading waterfalls at the end.
Ready to make a splash? Let me guide you through these trails!
Skeleton Gorge
Media from hiking.southafrica
Starting Point: Kirstenbosch Gardens or Newlands Forest
End Point: Maclear’s Beacon
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
The Skeleton Gorge hike is a steep climb up Table Mountain, passing through shaded forests, streams, and waterfalls before reaching Maclear’s Beacon at the summit. It’s a tough but scenic route, with ladders and rockfalls adding to the challenge.
I started from Newlands Forest to avoid the late opening at Kirstenbosch, adding a 4 km walk along the Contour Path. The views from the top, stretching across the city and Robben Island, made it worth the effort.
| Pro Tip: For a more manageable hike, use Nursery Ravine for the descent. The two trails meet at points, making them an ideal combination for exploring Table Mountain. |
Silvermine Waterfall
Media from casual_climbers_club
Starting & End Point: Silvermine East Gate
Duration: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
I started the Silvermine Waterfall hike by taking the path to the right of the wooden huts, which quickly opened up to a wide gravel track. After about a kilometre, I spotted a narrow trail leading me to a waterfall, where I scrambled down to the base.
The shaded spot near the waterfall felt refreshing, especially with the spray cooling the area. If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can head back to the jeep track and continue towards the Amphitheatre or Kalk Bay Peak.
| Pro Tip: Silvermine is dog-friendly, but dog walkers need a Level 1 My Activity Permit, which costs R320 for a year. For more details, contact the Tokai Plantation Office at 021 712 7471. |
Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine
Media from nasreenroberts
Starting Point: Farriers Way
End Point: Suikerbossie Restaurant or Farriers Way
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Hike is a lovely spot above Tarragona Estate in Hout Bay.
To start, I parked at the end of Farrier’s Way and followed the dirt path up the mountain. After passing through a coded gate, I turned right at the intersection and continued to the waterfall, about a 30-minute walk.
The hike steepens as you cross a rocky riverbed to a ferny area where the Disas bloom. While they aren’t as plentiful as on Table Mountain, this hike is accessible and rewarding for anyone looking to enjoy nature.
| Pro Tip: If you’re aiming to see the red Disas, plan your hike for the middle two weeks of February, as this is when they bloom most abundantly. |
Cecilia Waterfall
Media from thenorthfacesouthafrica
Starting & End Point: Cecilia Forest parking lot on Rhodes Drive
Duration: +/- 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy to average
Cecilia Forest has lovely paths winding through trees and streams. While the wide, flat trails are great for a leisurely stroll, the hike to Cecilia Waterfall offers a rewarding challenge, especially after rainy days.
I started my hike on the gravel path past the parking area, taking the right turn up Cecilia Ravine. The wooden steps and beautiful scenery led me to a spacious area by the waterfall, ideal for a snack while soaking in the surroundings.
| Pro Tip: If you want to enjoy a quieter experience at the waterfall, hike later in the day. Most families tend to visit in the morning, so visiting in the afternoon allows for a more peaceful atmosphere. |
Crystal Pools
Media from secretsouthafrica
Starting & End Point: Steenbras Nature Reserve entrance
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Difficulty: Average to difficult
The Crystal Pools Hiking Trail is a 2-kilometre hike leading to mountain pools in the Steenbras River Gorge, starting about 6 kilometres past Gordons Bay along the R44. The trail begins easily but becomes steeper as you follow the little yellow footprints.
After about 45 minutes, I reached the first pool. The second pool is just ten to fifteen minutes away, and the third pool offers swimming and picnic spots with sights of the Steenbras Dam and False Bay towards Cape Point.
| Pro Tips: The trail is open only from 1 November to 30 April, so plan your visit accordingly to enjoy the best hiking conditions.Be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water to keep your energy up during this half-day trek through rocky terrain to the waterfall at the top. |
Newlands Forest
Media from jaycabozlandscapes
Starting Point: Newlands Forest main parking
End Point: Newlands Forest main parking
Duration: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Newlands Forest provides a calming retreat into nature, featuring lush greenery, ancient trees, and serene waterfalls. It’s suitable for short, easy walks or longer hikes that lead further up Table Mountain for those looking for a challenge.
I appreciate how, within minutes of parking, you’re already deep in the forest, surrounded by the sight of small waterfalls. It has become my go-to spot when I need a quick recharge or a peaceful afternoon picnic by the river.
| Pro Tip: If you use the braai area, remember to bring your own wood or charcoal and a braai grid, as these are not provided on-site. |
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Media from secretcapetown
Starting & Point: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a lush escape featuring various hiking trails. I chose the Swartboskloof Trail, which ascends to Kurktrekkernek and descends past a beautiful waterfall, ideal for a refreshing dip on warm days.
The reserve offers other trails like the scenic Swartboskloof to Sosyskloof hike, winding along the slopes for stunning views. Additionally, the Panorama Circuit showcases the area’s beauty, while the Tweede Waterval trail leads you along the Eerste River/
| Pro Tips: Remember to purchase a permit to visit the reserve; it costs 60 ZAR per person and is available at the gate. A car is essential for visiting Jonkershoek, so consider renting one in Cape Town if you don’t have your own wheels. The ideal time to explore Jonkershoek is from April to May when mild temperatures and vibrant autumn colours create a stunning backdrop for your adventure. |
Silvertree Trail
Media from gouswp
Starting & End Point: Rycroft Gate (Gate 3)
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Average
The Silvertree Trail is a circular route through the Kirstenbosch estate, starting from Cecilia Plantation and returning via Lubbert’s Gift. Walking along the trail, I enjoyed the shimmering silver trees and the ever-changing views of the mountains.
I spotted the garden’s irrigation dam, built in 1968, but entry is prohibited. A short detour took me to Vaalkat Waterfall, where I saw red disa flowers blooming in late summer, and near Dassieklip, the fynbos aloe was in full bloom.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the trail, including various bird species and unique plants that flourish in the fynbos. |
Woodstock Cave
Media from jaycabozphotograph
Starting & End Point: Rhodes Memorial parking area
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Average
The Woodstock Cave, easily reachable on foot from De Waal Drive, is one of the largest caves on Table Mountain. It’s defined by a long horizontal crack, roughly 50 metres wide and 15 metres deep, and is visible from Woodstock and Salt River.
I visited in winter to witness the waterfall cascading over the cave’s entrance, which added a lovely touch to the scenery. The panoramic views of Cape Town, Lion’s Head, and Table Bay from the cave were impressive, making it a great picnic spot.
| Pro Tip: Plan for a total of 2.5 to 3 hours for the hike and picnic, giving you plenty of time to relax and soak in the views. |
Bobbejaans River Trail
Media from sidcam84
Starting & End Point: Bainskloof Corner Lodge parking area
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
The Bobbejaans River Trail is a favourite of mine, especially in summer when the weather is just right for exploring. I love crossing the Witterivier while following the yellow footprints that lead the way.
Along the trail, I love discovering waterfalls and inviting pools for a quick dip. When heading towards the three-tiered waterfall, I know the last stretch involves some scrambling, but the stunning view at the end makes it worthwhile.
| Pro Tips: Book your permit from CapeNature before heading to the trail. Print two copies—one to carry and one for your car’s dashboard, as rangers check for permits regularly. Avoid the trail in winter, as heavy rainfall can make the Witte River quite rough. |
Boesmanskloof
Media from hiking_trails_sa
Starting Point: Greyton / McGregor
End Point: McGregor / Greyton
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
Boesmanskloof offers a scenic overnight trek, taking you through valleys and steep paths between Greyton and McGregor. I found the journey challenging but rewarding, especially with the cool mountain pool and gushing waterfall at the halfway point.
The path winds through a landscape full of vibrant flowers, and the valley views stretch for miles. Although the last stretch has its ups and downs, reaching the peaceful huts at the end felt like a great accomplishment.
| Pro Tips: If you’re planning a one-day hike, arrange transport back to your starting point in advance or hike the same route back the next day. Book a hut at Onverwagt for your overnight stay; the Berg Train cottages are a budget-friendly option at R200 per person. |
Groot Winterhoek
Media from tarrin.vn
Starting & End Point: Groot Winterhoek parking area
Duration: 8 hours
Difficulty: Difficult
The Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve offers an overnight hike to Die Hel, a lovely valley that every hiker should explore. With its colourful fynbos, scenic mountain views, and charming waterfalls, this wilderness area is ideal for wild camping.
On my hike to Die Hel and back, I followed the river to refreshing mountain pools and a nice waterfall for a break. I crossed the low water bridge to refill my bottles before reaching De Tronk, where I camped under the oak trees.
| Pro Tips: If you want a more relaxed experience, hike to the huts on your first day and spend the night there. The final descent to Die Hel features a steep and technical path. Be careful as you navigate this section to reach the beautiful mountain pool and waterfall at the bottom. If you hike during late January to mid-February, look out for red Disas along the streams, as they are rare and can be difficult to spot. |
Jason’s Hill
Media from jasonshillwinery
Starting & End Point: Jason’s Hill Private Cellar
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Jason’s Hill Private Cellar is a gem that offers much more than just award-winning wines. The winery also serves as a great starting point for an engaging hiking adventure.
The 6.6 km hiking trail takes you through the stunning scenery of the valley, where you can spot beautiful waterfalls and listen to the soothing sounds of trickling streams. As I navigated the path, I appreciated how the route balanced challenge and ease.
| Pro Tip: For a rewarding experience, plan to start your hike by 1 PM to fully enjoy the scenery and ensure a safe journey. |
Harold Porter Botanic Gardens Trail
Media from jaycabozlandscapes
Starting & End Point: Botanic Gardens parking lot
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
The Harold Porter offers an easy walk through beautiful landscapes, with winding trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. I wandered through the shaded woodlands, following the stream as it led towards the Disa Kloof Waterfall.
Crossing a bridge by the dam, I found myself in a quieter part of the gardens, where the path opened up to a lovely valley. The sight of Leopard’s Kloof Waterfall in the distance made the hike even more rewarding as I circled back towards the entrance.
| Pro Tips: Leave your vehicle at Harold Porter Botanical Gardens if you’re planning the one-way hike, or backtrack after reaching the Oudebosch gorge waterfall. Start the hike before 2 PM to avoid being locked out, as the botanical garden’s gate closes at 6 PM. For a more in-depth experience, guided tours are available daily to learn about the garden’s diverse plant life and history. |
Krom River Trail
Media from hiking.southafrica
Starting Point: Huguenot Tunnel exit, take the first left about 700 m ahead, following the Krom River signs to the parking lot
Duration: 5 hours (back and forth)
Difficulty: Average
The Limietberg Nature Reserve is a beautiful spot with fynbos-covered slopes and stunning kloofs. The reserve’s Krom River Trail takes you through an indigenous forest to two lovely waterfalls, offering great views of the surrounding mountains.
The trail crosses two rivers, ideal for a quick dip before the first waterfall, where I enjoyed a picnic by the clear pool. The second waterfall is bigger and requires climbing a chain ladder, but the deep rock pool at the top is great for a swim.
| Pro Tips: This hike is best in September/October and April/May to avoid crowds. Summer can be busy, and winter often makes the path inaccessible. You need a permit costing R50 per person to hike, which helps limit the number of visitors and keeps the area peaceful. Only 24 people are allowed on the trail each day, so please respect the system. |
Constantia Nek Hiking Trail
Media from neliussporty
Starting & End Point: Constantia Nek Parking
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Average
The Constantia Nek Table Mountain Hike offers a scenic route up to the Table Mountain plateau. I’ve enjoyed this trail for its gentler ascent compared to other routes, and it’s a great option for those looking to spend a night on the mountain.
I found the steps to be manageable, leading to stunning views over False Bay and the sound of a nearby waterfall. This hike opens up access to various dams, including the de Villiers Dam.
| Pro Tip: If staying overnight, book the Overseer’s Cottage in advance for a unique group experience, and make sure to check what amenities are provided. |
