Cape Town is blessed with astonishing displays of colour and textures when the sun goes down. Depending on the day of the month and the moon cycle, your sunset might even be followed by a magical full moon. We’ve gathered several of the best hikes for anyone who wishes to witness the glorious full moon or to have a front-row seat to the wonder that is a Cape Town sunset.
Full moon hike at Rhebokskloof
Looking for hiking events in Cape Town, with a difference?
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate regularly hosts a very popular Full Moon Hike, which allows an exclusive group of up to 50 people the chance to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Paarl Valley under the light of a full moon. Book quickly, as these are sold out each time!
The route taken is created and guided by Paarl Adventure trails. It is between five and six kilometres of hiking trail.
The walk starts as the sun sets and reaches the Flatrock viewpoint as the moon appears, where you’ll have a beautiful view of Paarl and the Du Toitskloof Mountains.
At the Flatrock viewpoint all the appetizers and drinks will be ready for you to indulge in. The view is spectacular for taking pictures or just sipping your drink.
Hikers usually stay for about two to three hours before hiking back down again. The guide will inform hikers about the terroir and surroundings, and if you are lucky you will even spot some interesting night animals!
It truly is an unique experience which you can enjoy with friends, or your partner.
- Location: Noord Agter – Paarl Rd, Windmeul, 7623
- Website: rhebokskloof.co.za
Kloof Corner
Kloof Corner is well-known for hiking, and if you’re willing to work for it, it offers incredible panoramic views of Cape Town and is the ideal spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.
The Kloof Corner steps start just after one or two twists and turns up Tafelberg Road as if you’re going up to the cable car. You’ll notice a parking lot before you see the sign for the route. Park and get ready for a bit of light cardio.
The route starts with some steps as you ascend before levelling off for a little while as you journey round the corner to spot Lion’s Head and the view over Camps Bay and Clifton. You then reach another set of gradual steps that lead you further up to the top.
If you want to extend a little longer, you can walk the contour path that leads off from this spot towards Devil’s Peak. Follow the path until it meets Platterklip Gorge, and then walk down from there.
- Location: Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Lion’s Head
Whether you’re an explorer, craving breathtaking views, or a thrill-seeker in search of your next hiking adventure, the Lion’s Head sunset and full moon hikes will feed your soul and kickstart your wanderlust.
Located next to the iconic Table Mountain, the Lion’s Head peak reaches an elevation of 669 metre above sea level and towers over Signal Hill at 350 metre.
You’ll have to put the work in to reach those glorious views, but once you make it to your destination – boy, is it oh so worth it!
The trail is not too technical, but has sections with staples and ladders that adds to the spectacular adventure. There’s an alternate route avoiding the staples, but this will be decided upon once you embark on your magical trek.
Following a circular route, you’ll hike up Lion’s Head from the back, which is a less travelled route and offers stunning views of Signal Hill and the surrounds.
When reaching the top, you can expect a sense of achievement, accompanied by panoramic views. This slice of paradise is one of the best spots in Cape Town to watch the sunset!
- Location: Signal Hill Rd, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001
Little Lion’s Head:
In Cape Town, you’ll never gaze upon the same scene twice. A different hue sprinkles magic over our eyes each time, a warm reminder that our city is breathtakingly beautiful. A kaleidoscopic experience that can only be found in one unique location: the Mother City.
This picturesque backdrop is worth eyeballing over and over again, and the Little Lion’s Head Sunset Hike serves these stunning views on a silver platter.
Located between Hout Bay, Sandy Bay and Llandudno, Little Lion’s Head might be small, but the incredible views speak for itself! Dynamite comes in small packages after all.
Also known as Klein Leeukoppie, this is a relatively short hike with spectacular vistas to boot. The hike is steep, but not for too long so you won’t be huffing and puffing as you make the trek. The last section is a bit challenging and might require some manoeuvring over rocks but once you reach the destination, it’s oh so worth it!
The hike will take less than an hour to get to the top, and once you reach the glorious finish line, you’ll be able to soak in the spectacular scenery while enjoying a beverage.
- Location: Mount Rhodes Dr, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7806
Meerendal’s full moon hike
Join Meerendal Wine Estate every month during summer for their monthly full moon hike. This family-friendly trail is only 5 kilometres long and snakes through the vineyards on Meerendal, offering spectacular views of the night sky along the way.
On occasion, Meerendal will even pair up these hikes with a follow-up picnic on the lawns of the estate so you can end your hike with a light meal under the stars.
- Location: Vissershok Rd, Durbanville, Cape Town, 7550
- Website: meerendal.co.za
Sunset hikes at Muratie
Sunset Hikes @Muratie is hosted by Dirtopia, an outdoor, off-road event and trail construction company. They constructed a popular circular hiking trail that starts at the Trail Centre at Muratie, reaches a viewpoint with stunning views of the Winelands and Table Mountain, and continues down a path that cuts through the forest. The route is approximately 3.5 kilometres in total and can be completed in 60 minute without any stops along the way.
But you will no doubt want to stop! The beautiful scenery at the viewpoint has made this a choice picnic spot, so bring a blanket, pack a snack basket and a bottle of Muratie wine, and make yourself comfortable while you marvel at the picturesque sunset. There are also snacks, coffee and Muratie wine (per glass or per bottle) available to purchase at the Trail Centre.
Timing is key for this hike. You don’t want to miss the sunset or the moonrise, so plan your arrival carefully. The hike up to the look-out point normally takes about 40 minutes, depending on your pace, but give yourself enough time to enjoy the walk and set up a picnic when you get to the top.
When you’re ready to head back, pack up your things, collect any litter from your picnic, and continue down the circular path. Remember to bring a flashlight or headlamp to help you see the signs that guide hikers along the single-track route. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the journey back to the Trail Centre.
Permits are required and booking is essential. Permits are R100 per person or R50 for children under ten years old.
- Location: Knorhoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7607
- Website: muratie.co.za
Also read:
3 waterfall hikes to enjoy in and around Cape Town after it rains
Picture: Pexels
