Cape Point Hiking

Cape Point hiking offers some of the most spectacular hiking on the Cape Peninsula. It’s very accessible, hugely rewarding and you can choose between flat beaches and mountain paths – or do both.

Hikers also have the choice of half day and full day Cape Point hikes and there’s time to visit the penguins at nearby Boulders Beach too.

You’ll be hiking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; Cape Point refers to one of the three ‘Capes’ or headlands that jut out into the ocean at the very bottom of the peninsula. The reserve has two very different faces: a mostly flat, western-facing Atlantic shoreline and a largely mountainous eastern-facing coast that overlooks the Indian Ocean.

The Atlantic coastline is home to long sandy beaches and abundant animal life. It’s easy walking, ideal for families or the not-so-fit, and there’s a lot to see: shipwrecks and shore birds, fynbos-covered hills and you’ll usually have sightings of ostrich, bontebok antelope and baboons. Read more about Cape Point wildlife here.

The paths that wind down the Indian Ocean coastline offer sublime views over False Bay, diverse fynbos and even the chance to spot whales from August to November. The path dips down onto the coastal plains and beaches for a taste of the marine environment, and there are often baboons and antelope around.

Cape Point hiking requires no great degree of fitness or specialist hiking equipment though the longest full day hike requires some endurance. Normal hiking clothes are fine, though a sunhat, sun block and sunglasses are essential: the reserve is highly exposed to the elements with sun and wind an almost constant feature.