Waterland is encircled by the mountainous expanses of the Table Mountain National Park, with numerous hiking trails starting mere kilometres from our doorstep.
Gain elevation, either via a leisurely stroll or along trails that require you to lace on your hiking boots and you are met with breath-taking views of the Cape Peninsula.
Choose your trail of choice from the list below. We guarantee is that whichever path you set off on, you will have the chance to snap your own postcard photos to send home.
An easy 5km return hike, park at the East Fort car park just before the tollbooth where you can collect your free day pass. Pass the old cannon fort on your way up and enjoy views of Fish Hoek, Simons Town, Cape Point, and Hout Bay’s Karbonkelberg and Klein Leeukoppie peaks.
Images via Climb ZA
Another easy trail, it starts off from Mount Rhodes Drive, off Victoria Road, Hout Bay and offers the best vistas early morning or late afternoon. Security will buzz you through the gate, take a left at the radio mast, with a final scramble over rocks to the top.
Images via Cape Hike
A short two hour trail to a waterfall and the forest beyond, this hike starts at Baviaanskloof Road, Hout Bay along a set of concrete steps, with a right turn into the valley near the fencing, perfect for meandering and self-discovery.
Images via Cape Hike
Orange Kloof is a protected area above Hout Bay known for its beautiful Afromontane forest, with the 8km Disa Gorge its most popular hike, starting from Constantia Nek parking area. Only one group is allowed into the Kloof daily so a guide is recommended or book your free permit on +27 (0)21 689-4441 at least two weeks ahead.
Images via Cape Hike
Part of the Karbonkelberg Traverse, a seven-hour difficult trail that connects Hout Bay to Llandudno, Oude Skip is moderately easy and can be as long as you like. Start from the corner of Eustegia Way and Brunia Way, Hout Bay at the road boom and signboard for Sandy Bay, the Cape’s only nudist beach. Choose the bush trail to your left or cross Sandy Bay beach to reach the Oude Skip point shipwreck.
Images via howsouthafrica.com
Adjacent to Table Mountain, the easy three-hour hike from Lion’s Head offers magnificent views of the city, Table Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Call the Kloofnek office on T: 021 422 1601 should you need more information.
Images via hikelionshead.co.za
A six hour traverse from one side of Table Mountain to the other, this trail starts off in Kirstenbosch Gardens, with a steep ascent up Skeleton Gorge to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain with views of Robben Island. The cable car from the top takes you back down to Tafelberg Road but you need to be extremely fit to tackle this hike. Contact Table Mountain National Park T: 021 712 0527 or Kirstenbosch Gardens T: 021 799 8899 when planning your hike.
Images via hiketablemountain.co.za
One of the most demanding hiking trails in the Cape, you will require good hiking shoes and an advanced level of fitness but once you have cross the Myburgh River and some serious ravines, the views of the Twelve Apostles, Clifton, Camps Bay, Oudekraal, and Llandudno are simply outstanding.
If you are looking for a local guide, try Ridgeway Ramblers. For serious hikers who’ve moved onto competitive trail runs don’t miss the Hout Bay Trail Challenge.
Images via Cape Hike
Planning your hiking holiday ahead of your arrival in the Cape?
Book your self-catering accommodation online at www.waterland-lodge.com or call Waterland on Tel: +27 82 602 1005 or +27 21 791 0231 Email: grant@waterland.co.za
