Hiking in Cape Point
The Cape of Good Hope is found an hours drive from the centre of Cape Town at the tip of the Cape Peninsula. A wild and lonely area it holds some of the most magnificent hiking in the world. With ship wrecks, sheer cliffs and a variety of wildlife to add further interest to a walk, it really is well worth getting off the beaten track and exploring some of the many trails found in the area.
Ridgway Ramblers offer guided hikes throughout the Cape Point area. Contact us for further information.
The Cape Point 2 day trail
The Cape Point 2 day hike is without a doubt the best way to explore the area. On day 1 you follow the False Bay side of the Cape and then on day 2 the Atlantic side. The 2 days are entirely different with day 1 being along cliff tops with steep drops into the sea below whilst on day 2 much of the day is spent following the beach.
Day 1 follows the cliffs of the False Bay coast
Both days are quite strenuous. Day 1 is considerable shorter but the terrain much harder. On day 2 you travel 20km so don’t be fooled by the lack of gradient.
Hiking along the beach on day 2 of the Cape Point hike
The overnight huts are basic. But comfortable and well equipped. Nothing can beat watching the sun go down on one side of your hut and rising again on the other side the following morning.
The False Bay scenic walk
For those without 2 days to spare the False Bay scenic walk is magnificent. This follows the overnight trail for the first 5km as far as Kanonkop. (This is an out and back route) The route is relatively demanding as the path meanders up and down quite steeply around the back of Judas and Paulsberg peaks.
False Bay scenic walk
The highlight of this walk is reaching Kanonkop itself. Here you will find a cannon perched on the hill that dates back to the early British occuption of the Cape and was used to signal Simons Town when ships arrived in False Bay.
Vasco Da Gama Peak
Staying on the False Bay side of Cape Point the hike along Vasco Da Gama peak is a short but extremely satisfying hike. It starts at the main parking area at Cape Point itself and heads back North. Initially the path is quite steep with some very easy scrambling. Once at the top the path leads around the back of the peak before descending to the Rooikrans parking area. This route takes an hour one way. So you can either retrace your route, or get someone to drive around and pick you up.
Vasco Da Gama Peak
Gifkometjie Beach
Th Atlantic side of the Cape Point Reserve is characerised by wide expanses of beautiful, harsh and deserted beaches. Gifkometjie beach is just one of these and is found about 6km from the entrance gate. From the parking area there are a couple of possible routes.
1. Gifkommetjie to Platboom beach
Platboom beach is found 3km South of Gifkommetjie beach. From the parking area you descend some steep steps and follow a clear path along a wetland area for about 15 minutes. At the end of the path you find yourself on a rocky beach with kelp beds and rock pools surrounding you. To find your way to Platboom you follow the coast to the beautiful Platboom beach recognisable by its vast expanse of empty white sand. (either retrace your steps or get someone to pick you up at the Platboom parking area)
Platboom Beach lookng towards Cape Point
2. Gifkommetjie to Hoek van Bobbejan
This trail takes you North from Gifkommetjie and along a clear path to Hoek Van Bobbejan. This is a +/-6km circular route. The path is hard to find at times as it leads through dense coastal thickets. After about 3km you come to a junction. Only those with permits can continue straight on as the area directly North is a restricted part of the reserve. You may however turn left towards the coast. The path takes you directly to the Hoek where you can see the wreck of the Phylissia where it ran aground in 1968.
Gifkommetjie beach
To return follow the path back to the juction and follow the 3rd path up the slope. This leads to a ridge and takes you directly to the car park.
Sirkelsvlei
Sirkelsvlei is the largest freshbody of water in the area covering some 6 hectares. It has a maximum depth of 1.6 metres so is generally quite warm for anyone wanting a dip. Although there is no obvious inflow to the vlei rarely dries up as it is filled by underground aquafers.
The easiest route to Sirkelsvlei is from the link road to Olifantsbos. Park after +/- 2km where a small dirt road joins the link road. About .5km back towards he main road you find a small path leading off into the fynbos. Follow this path for about an hour and you will reach the vlei. (return the same way)
The largest freshwater body in Cape Point. Sirklesvlei
An alternative circular and longer route to the vlei starts in the Olifantsbos parking area. The hike starts on the road side of the boom. After a steep ascent the path leads through the fynbos and past some quite amazing rock formations for about 1.5 hours to the vlei itself. Once at the vlei take the left fork. The path now follows the Southern side of the vlei before heading back to the carpark. Parts of the path are quite stony and difficult to navigate in some areas.
