While spending the morning climbing Lion’s Head sounds like a fantastic idea, there are countless hiking trails around the Western Cape that will simultaneously steal your heart and get it pumping.
Not sure where to go? Here are a few ideas:
Mont Rochelle
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s dream and is truly a blast, no matter the season. There are 10 hiking trails varying in difficulty with the toughest trail (Perdekop Trail) taking you roughly seven hours and the easiest one (Breakfast Rock Trail) taking you less than an hour to complete. Each trail has a little something different to offer but one consistency is the breathtaking views!
For more information on the trails, visit the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve website.
Cape Point
Is there anything better than strapping on your hiking boots and soaking up the beauty of the Mother City? There’s certainly no better place to do this than Cape Point thanks to the panoramic ocean views and mountainscapes you get to admire. There’s a trail for all fitness levels with white sandy shores, vibrant fynbos and rare wildlife sightings all available when choosing one or more of the reserve’s trails. The Shipwreck trail is always a goodie or take things easy with the Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail.
Not sure which one you’ll love? Visit the website for more info.
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
The mesmerising Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it the perfect location to embrace nature, waterfalls, and incredible hiking trails. Surrounded by the majestic Jonkershoek Mountain range, you’ll get to enjoy amazing views as you meander past rivers, forests, waterfalls and views of the valley. There are a range of trails to choose from that vary in length with the easiest taking two hours and the longest around six hours.
For more information, check out their the Cape Nature website.
Crystal Pools Hiking Trail
This is a favourite amongst hikers looking to enjoy a glorious hike followed by a delicious swim in cool water. Nestled in Kogelberg Nature Reserve, hikers will have the opportunity to come across unadulterated natural beauty and diverse fauna and flora. This specific hiking trail is only open in the summer and spring months (November – April) and requires an entrance fee (between R25 – R75) – it’s well worth it though!
For more information, make sure you check out the website.
Tygerberg Nature Reserve
Exploring Tygerberg Nature Reserve is ideal for beginners with a number of hiking trails to suit every fitness level. There is an abundance of bird life, which is perfect for eager birdwatchers, but the reserve also offers a ton of fauna and flora if you’re looking to breathe in fresh air while exploring this spot. If you’re looking to get your heart pumping, check out the reserve’s Ukhetshe trail or take it easy with its Watsonia Trail.
For more information, visit the reserve’s website.
Also read:
Picture: @marz_merwe