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Hiking heaven: Five easy Cape Town trails to explore this summer

Looking for an easy and scenic hiking trail in Cape Town? Here are five that you should DEFINITELY consider this summer…

Check out these five fabulous hiking trails in the Mother City. Photo: E. Diop / unsplash

Cape Town hiking routes are plentiful.

The beauty of exploring Cape Town lies in its inclusivity and accessibility to people of varying fitness levels.

Visitors to the area may feel a little intimidated by some of them though. That’s why we’ve identified some of the easiest and most scenic hiking spots in the Mother City. Start with these and you’ll never go back.

ALSO READ: Five reasons why hiking is incredibly good for you

CAPE TOWN HIKING TRAILS FOR BEGINNERS

LION’S HEAD

If you’re a Capetonian then you’ve probably scaled Lion’s Head at least once this week. There’s no wonder that it’s a popular hiking route, given the sensational views. It’s also relatively easy and only takes up a couple of hours of your time.

The trails surrounding Lion’s Head are a delight for runners and hikers alike, especially when adorned with pink flowers in spring. IMAGE: jamofreemantle / IG.

ALSO READ: Trek and Trail: Magaliesburg hiking trails to check out

KASTEELPOORT

Kasteelpoort is quickly becoming a firm favourite for families. It offers staggering views and the start of the pipe track is just five minutes from the Cape Town CBD. The first three kilometres are flat, and then you ascend Table Mountain, sipping water from streams along the way.

KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS INTO SKELETON GORGE

It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Meet your pals at the tea room and explore the panoramic beauty that surrounds you. Explore everything that the gardens have to offer including all of the indigenous flora & fauna and then consider your next move on the mountain.

ALSO READ: Just in: Cape Town voted 11th best city in the world

SKELETON GORGE HIKING TRAIL

If you feel like a proper hike from Kirstenbosch, tackle Skeleton Gorge. It’s doable for the whole family but it certainly elevates the heart rate. At the top you’re greeted by full dams and beach sand. It’s worth the effort.

Skeleton Gorge isn’t scary as it sounds, and provides beautiful forest shelter. IMAGE: @jamofreemantle / Instagram

THE MISSING LINK

No better feeling than getting out of the busier areas of the Cape Town Atlantic seaboard and hitting the trails. The Missing Link looks back on Lion’s Head and also offers elevated views of Victoria Road and Oudekraal. It’s stunning.

By: James Freemantle

The South African

The South African is an independent, impartial, and fact-driven online news platform. Visit TheSouthAfrican.com for all the latest news, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle stories from South Africa and around the world.

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