5 Unforgettable hiking trails in Cape Town

Arguably the best thing to do in the Mother City is throw on some hiking boots and hit the trails to discover the true beauty Cape Town has to offer.

There is an abundance of trails, waiting to trekked but here are our top five most unique and memorable hikes.

1.The Pipe Track

Hike name – Pipe Track Duration – 1 to 2 hours(one way) Difficulty Level – Easy From Cape Town – 5 min drive Tag a friend who hasn’t been to Pipe Track yet! The Pipe Track path was laid out in the 19th century to carry water from Disa Gorge in Table mountain’s Back Table and accommodate the influx of people to the city.Today the path serves a less practical purpose and is mainly visited by hikers and anybody else who loves being out in the nature. Pipe Track is a very flat and easy hike and is perfect for beginners or taking your four legged friend for a walk. This trail is located on Tafelberg Road which is only five minutes drive from the Cape Town city centre.Visitors will be spoiled by views of Lions Head,Camps Bay,Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles. Come for a hike,take your dog for a walk or just sit on one of many benches along the trail and watch the sunset ? #hiking #hiker #nature #naturelover #natureaddict #beauty #africa #capetown #amazingcapetown #capetownadventures #lovecapetown #capetownhike #capetownmag #capetowntourism #southafrica #southafricatravel #tourafrica #thisisafrica #travel #outdoors #outdoorliving #adventure #livetheadventure #instagood #instagram_sa #igerssouthafrica #wonderlust #picoftheday #pipetrack #layingthepipe

A post shared by Hiking Tours In Cape Town (@hikescapetown) on Jul 10, 2018 at 11:11pm PDT

Notably named and known for it’s unusual path leading along a large water pipe. The Pipe Track is a definite must-do and a good start out for beginner hikers.

This hike provides the perfect Instagram backdrop and whether you snap a picture or not you’re sure to remember this adventure.

2. Devil’s Peak

Did you watch the lunar eclipse last night? It was really spectacular over Cape Town. Snapped this photo just after sunset as the moon was rising before the eclipse, from the saddle at Devil’s Peak. #WHPlight

A post shared by Kyle Goetsch (@kyleincpt) on Jul 27, 2018 at 11:22pm PDT

Devil’s Peak is a hike for the more adventurous and experienced. The trail can be quiet challenging, amounting to roughly four hours of hiking up a slope that leads to various vantage points.

Known for it’s crowd-favorite vantage point, “The Saddle”, where some of the best panoramic views can be enjoyed while standing on tall pillar like rock formation.

3. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

It doesn’t matter what others are doing. It matters what you are doing. . . . #Gopro #goproza #bialetti #coffee #sunset #stellenbosch

A post shared by ASICS FrontRunner (@kobus._uys) on Jul 29, 2018 at 11:40pm PDT

With it’s variety of landscapes, Jonkershoek is a hiking adventure not to be missed.

From rolling hills, grassy planes and tall forests to it’s abundant rivers – no matter what direction you hike in at Jonkershoek, you’re sure to find something that will make the trip worth while.

Located close to Stellenbosch, this natural adventure can set you back up to 6 hours depending on your route.

4. Kogelberg Trail 

Wholesome AF with @simaclennan and @tylergolato.

A post shared by Jeanne Kepaan (@jeannekepaan) on Jul 28, 2018 at 11:21am PDT

A short journey to Kleinmond and into Kogelberg Nature Reserve will bring you to the Kogelberg Trail.

Renowned for its vast collection of lush plant life, stretched across flat plains cooled by the Palmiet River.

Start your hike early as this trail can take up to eight hours.

5. Newlands Forest

“The Road goes ever on and on Down from the door where it began…” (Tolkien) . #capetownmag #capetown #tablemountain #newlandsforest #newlands #path #pathlesstraveled #pinetrees #pines #sanparks #hiking #hikingadventures #summerinwinter #winter #wintersun #goldenlight #windinthetrees #getoutthere #adventure #getoutthere #tolkien #lotr #quotes

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Spangled with numerous rows of tall green trees covered in vines and accompanied by flowing streams that interlace the trail –  Newlands Forest is scene straight out of Lords of The Rings.

The perfect trail for an adventure with your favorite four-legged friend or even a scenic jog to clear your mind over a weekend.

Newlands offers many trails that vary in length and difficulty. Pick your route on arrival.

Picture: Unsplash