Cape Town, South Africa, has received numerous ‘Best City’ awards for a number of reasons. The largest portion of why is Cape Town stand out, though, is its amazing, awe-inspiring splendor. Residing in a city in between the legendary Table Mountain and also the glimmering Atlantic Ocean makes it a permanent holiday vacation, with a lot of diverse scenery to discover. Coming from the sun-kissed, soft sand coast line to the rich, mountainous areas ready to be discovered, Cape Town is a perfect hiker’s paradise.
Next time you go to Cape Town ensure that you pack your hiking boots – the Mother City provides a few of the world’s most panoramic hiking trails which simply should be explored. Here’s the best 5:
1.) Lions Head Full Moon Hike
Table Mountain might be Cape Town’s most famous landmark, however its neighbor, the distinctively formed Lions Head, is equally as fascinating to climb up. Looking over the city as well as Table Bay on one hand, and the picturesque Atlantic Ocean shoreline on the other side, Lions Head is particularly well-liked by Full Moon Hikers. In the top you can actually view the sun setting across the sea and then the moon rising up above the mountains – a magnificent picture. Remember to take anything to drink, so as to have a well-deserved toast the moment you’ve gotten to the peak!
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: Roughly two hours
2.) Silvermine East
The Silvermine Nature Reserve, that is portion of the Table Mountain National Park, is just a quick drive coming from Cape Town’s city center. The park spreads out from the winding Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) in the Tokai, Westlake and Constantia part, across the summit and into Noordhoek, Fishhoek and Sun Valley, looking over the ocean. Hikers would be brought on a picturesque journey over the fynbos, in which a large number of plants exclusive only to the Cape Floral Kingdom, such as the renowned South African Protea, can be found and admired – remember to bring your camera!
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Time: Roughly 3-5 hours according to course taken
3.) Olifantsbos Shipwreck Trail
The Olifantsbos Shipwreck Trail will take adventurers on a journey over the Cape Town’s history as the trading post – a long time ago a lot of Portuguese, English, Dutch and French ships went into trouble down the coast, with a few ship wrecks still can be seen these days. Mainly because the trail falls inside the Cape Point Nature Reserve, an extra reward is wandering among the native flora and fauna to be seen on this southern end of the African continent. You could choose one of three paths coming from Olifantsbos, all of these easily end back on the starting point.
4.) Table Mountain Pipe Track
The Pipe Track, initially a service path for keeping pipes directing from the higher reservoirs, is among Table Mountain’s simplest walks because it doesn’t involve very much climbing. The minor drawback though is that it’s an out-and-back track, which means that you’ll need to retrace your steps on your way back. In spite of this, the spectacular views of Table Mountain, Lions Head, the 12 Apostles mountain range as well as Camps Bay will definitely compensate it!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: One to three hours
5.) 12 Apostles Mountain Picnics
Visitors staying in The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa enjoy the mountain range on their own doorstep – in a literal sense! There are numerous mountain trails to experience, from ten minutes to forty-five minutes – the assistance desk could assist with recommendations and will provide you with maps. Solely for hotel guests, the 12 Apostles also can set up a gourmet picnic on a exclusively arranged picnic spot, so you can treat yourself in style right after your hike. Physical exercise, landscapes and foodie delights – it’s the right combination.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Moderate
Time: ten minutes – forty five minutes