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A Hiker’s Guide to Woodstock Cave
It was spring when my friends invited me to a hike to Woodstock Cave. Without hesitation, I packed my things for the next day’s hike.
Walking to the cave was tiring. But stepping inside it felt like walking into a hidden gem tucked away from the city’s bustling energy. I’m glad I went with them!
If you want to explore it like we did, this guide will take you through everything you need to know before setting off on your adventure to Woodstock Cave.
Things to Know
Location: Table Mountain (Nature Reserve)
Entry Fee: Free
Background
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Seen from the De Waal Drive, the Woodstock Cave is one of the largest on Table Mountain. From the outside, one can see it as a long horizontal crack in the mountain. It’s 50 meters wide and 15 meters deep.
The area around Devil’s Peak, including Woodstock Cave, has historical significance for the indigenous Khoikhoi people who inhabited the region long before European settlers arrived.
With the arrival of Dutch settlers in the 1600s, the landscape began to change. The area was initially known as Papendorp, named after Pieter van Papendorp who settled there in the mid-18th century.
Today, it’s one of the most famous hiking spots in the area.
How to Get There
By Train: From the Cape Town Station, take the Southern Line or Cape Flats Line, then stop at Rosebank. Check here for the schedule. The travel time is around 15–20 minutes.
Then take a 23-minute walk to Rhodes Memorial.
By Car:
- Via Tafelberg Road: Drive past the Cableway station and park at the Woodstock Cave route’s start.
- Via Rhodes Memorial: Parking is available in the memorial.
Best Time to Hike
Start early to avoid the midday sun. Most hikers get to Rhodes Memorial or Tafelberg Road around 5 am to watch the sunrise before starting their hike at around six or seven.
As for the season, it’s best to hike between October and March. Hiking during the spring and summer coincides with the blooming of the area’s local flora, specifically pelargoniums and watsonias.
What to Do
Hike to the cave
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Via Tafelberg Road
Duration (round trip): 2.5 to 3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Points of Interest: Cableway Station
The Tafelberg Road route is suitable for beginners and families. The trail is well-marked and less steep compared to the Rhodes Memorial route.
It begins past the lower cable station on Tafelberg Road. As you ascend, you’ll get to enjoy the views of Cape Town, with the path zigzagging up the slopes of Devil’s Peak.
Via Rhodes Memorial
Duration (round trip): 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Point of interest: King’s Blockhouse & Contour Path
The steeper ascent to the cave makes the Rhodes Memorial route more challenging.
Starting at Rhodes Memorial, hikers first head towards King’s Blockhouse. This route offers views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend. The initial climb is steep but rewards you with beautiful vistas.
Explore the cave
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Take a rest and marvel around the cave. Inside, you’ll find graffiti art and ample space to enjoy a picnic while taking in the panoramic view of Cape Town, Lions Head, and Table Bay.
Spot wildlife
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In either route, you’ll see darting lizards basking in the sun and hear melodic songs of local birds echoing through the diverse ecosystems that thrive along the trail.
Other animals include bugs, small mammals, and reptiles.
Take a picture of the fynbos vegetation
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The area’s fynbos vegetation is the reason I hike between October and March. During the flowering season, you’ll see a bunch of pinkish-purple pelargoniums and striking watsonias along the way.
Join a guided walk
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Website: https://trailfitsa.co.za/product/woodstockcavepvt/
Phone: +27 84 267 5833
Business hours: Open 24 hours
Pricing:
- R850 per person
- 20% discount for 3-5 persons
- 30% discount for 6-9 persons
For beginners, a guided tour is the ideal way to enhance your Woodstock Cave hike. For R850, you can book a 2.5 to 3-hour tour led by a qualified guide who is knowledgeable about the area’s ecology and history.
The tour also includes a first aider, ensuring your safety throughout the adventure.
Safety Tips
- Hike with a group since there have been reports of muggings.
- Stick to the marked trails.
- Don’t bring valuables.
- Check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Keep your distance from baboons and don’t feed them.
- If you get lost or injured, call Mountain Rescue: +27 (0)21 937 0300
What to Pack for the Hike
- Picnic
- Water
- Garbage bag
- Sunscreen and hat
- Snacks
- Camera or smartphone
- Windbreaker or jacket
- Hiking shoes
