It’s no secret that Cape Town is home to some seriously breathtaking views. Renowned for kaleidoscopic sky displays and an array of natural wonders, view-chasing adventures in the Mother City have long been outdoor enthusiasts’ favourite pastimes.
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But sometimes you need to wander a little off the beaten path to find something extra special. Most require some effort to reach but all are well worth the journey.
Discover the Cape’s hidden gems and soak in the views with these five scenic adventures:
Little Lion’s Head:
If Lion’s Head is Cape Town’s ‘cool kid’ when it comes to popular hiking trails, then Little Lion’s Head is undoubtedly the younger sibling that serves equally picturesque views on a silver platter.
This 2.4-kilometre hike may sound easy, but there’s a bit of scrambling required to reach the top. The vistas, however, will be well worth the small effort.
Once you summit the peak, take in the 360-degree views of Hout Bay and Llandudno. You’ll start at the top of Valley View Drive, Mount Rhodes, where you can park your car and buzz in through the pedestrian gate. The path is mostly clear, but if you get stuck, continue heading towards the top and look out for the little cairns (piles of rocks hikers leave to mark the trail).
Dutoitskop Trail
Franschhoek might be renowned for its exquisite wine, but it’s also home to the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. The entire area spans 30 kilometres and has several well-kept trails that cater to hikers of all shapes and fitness levels, from full-day hikes to quick two-hour walks.
The in-and-out Dutoitskop trail takes between two and five hours to complete and starts at the main entry gate to the reserve. The 12-kilometre trail peaks at the Dutoitskop mountain, where you’ll find some of the most magnificent vistas that stretch over the Franschhoek Valley and Wemmershoek Mountains.
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Antoniesgat Trail
Escape the bustling Clifton atmosphere and spend the day at Buffels Bay Beach in Cape Point instead. While you’re there, you might as well explore the short but exciting Antoniesgat Trail that departs nearby.
The trail is about seven kilometres long and takes you on a two-hour-long (depending on your fitness level) journey along the coast, where you earn front-row seats to powerful waves pounding the peninsula, and inland among some pristine fynbos.
Experience beautiful views, tidal pools and thrilling adventures en route as you stumble across several caves and tunnels waiting to be explored. At the end of it all, you can reward yourself with a braai at the well-maintained facilities.
Cecilia Contour Path
There are two starting points for this trail. You can start your trek at the Cecilia Forest parking lot or pay an entrance fee and start at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Once you cross this first hurdle, the rest of the hike will be a breeze.
Popular for both walking and trail running, you can soak in panoramic views over False Bay and the inland mountain ranges beyond the bay during the seven-kilometre trek. And since almost all of the route is in the shade, it’s an idyllic adventure for the summer.
The two-hour adventure is great for novices and the path itself is relatively straightforward, but remember to stay left when the path splits.
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Picture: Angelo Pantazis / Unsplash
