Cape Town Walk

Cape Town is the second-most populated city in South Africa. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country.The city is famous for its Waterfront as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, as well as for such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is not only the most popular international tourist destination in South Africa, but Africa as a whole. This is due to its good climate and natural beauty. While walking through the city’s streets and meeting its people, you will fall in love with its natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit.

Highlights

Table mountain

Table Mountain is one of the official New7Wonders of Nature. The view from the top of Table Mountain has been described as one of the most epic views in Africa.

Fynbos plants and wildlife

The Cape Floral Region is the smallest but richest of the world’s 6 floral regions – no less than 9,000 species. It has been identified as one of the world’s 18 biodiversity hot spots.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical garden

Kirstenbosch is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004- home to more than 22 000 indigenous plants.

Views

Magnificent and unequalled views over False Bay and the Constantia Valley all the way to the Hottentot Holland Mountains and spectacular views over the whole of the Table Mountain chain all the way to Cape Point. You will also see Table Bay, Robben Island and Devil’s Peak, with the City of Cape Town, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill and Camps Bay also later coming into view.

Accommodation and restaurants

At least 3 star hotel or guest house and a range of restaurants and bars.

Robben island

From the 17th to the 20th centuries, Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment. Today it is a World Heritage Site and museum, a poignant reminder to the newly democratic South Africa of the rate paid for freedom.

Day 1

Arrival in Cape Town and transfer to Kirstenbosch area. Relax at your Guesthouse and/or visit attractions in the ares

Day 2

Spend the day in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain.

Distance 8 – 10 km (5 – 6 miles) – Whole Day.

Day 3

Walk from Kirstenbosch along Nursery Ravine via Maclear`s Beacon to the top Cable station on Table Mountain. You will have spectacular views of the Cape Peninsula. Visit various viewing points and take Cable car down from the Mountain.

Distance 8 km (5 miles) – Whole Day.

Day 4

Explore the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in the historic heart of Cape Town’s working harbour – South Africa’s most-visited destination. Walk along the Sea Point promenade to Camps Bay.

Distance 11 km (6.7 miles) – Whole Day

End of tour

Day 5 (Optional extra day)

Optional extra activities- not included in quoted rate: Option 1: Full day guided tour. Road trip via Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Simonstown and Kalk bay. Short walk to Cape of Good Hope- the most South-Western point of the African continent and visit to the Boulders penguin colony. Option 2: Take a ferry to Robben Island -World Heritage Site and museum

Walking distance- option 1:  4 km (Drive about 150 km) – Whole Day

You will stay at some of Cape Town’s finest hotels and guesthouses and visit restaurants serving mouth watering international cuisine. We have selected a panel of establishments, offering differences in character. Our choice for your holiday is subject to availability. Non availability may result in a rate amendment. Examples of our hotels:

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Rates

From R7 350 per person sharing for the Standard option- 4 Star standard. Superior accommodation will be 5 star or a boutique hotel or superior rooms. Rates for single accommodation or more than 4 people will be quoted on request.  A minimum of 2 people per group. 

Included

• 3 nights accommodation in selected hotels, incl breakfast
• Hotel to hotel luggage transfer along the trail
• Detailed Route directions
• Detailed Route Guide
• Information about the area

Not included

• Transport to and from Cape Town, other lunches, snacks and drinks
• Entrance fees at Nature reserves and other attractions

Alternative/additional options

Your trip can be extended or amended to include additional activities such as a guided tour to Cape Point and Simon’s Town or Robben island visit. The costs of these options are not included in the Rate of the standard 4 Day trip. It is available on request.

Grading

Overall rating is moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 12 and 20 km per day and be able to cope with some hills on mountain paths. On Day 3 there is a steep ascent of 500m over a distance of about 2,5 km. Refer to Walking grades ,for definition of grades.

Day 1 – Arrival; Day 2 – Easy; Day 3 – Moderate; Day 4 – Easy

When to go

Any time of the year, but the weather is more predictable during “High season” (Oct-Apr). Reserve early to obtain the best rooms. “Low season” is a good option for local guests who are either prepared to accept weather risks or to change their plans at short notice. During low season accommodation is normally more freely available.

Climate

Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate with mild, moderately wet winters and dry, warm summers. Rainfall measures up to 1 000 mm (40 inches per year)

Getting there

For international visitors: Fly to Cape Town International Airport

From Cape Town to start of the trip in Kirstenbosch: Drive to Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa GPS Co-ordinates: E 18°26’06.48″ 33°59’15.76″ S Long 18.43209 Lat -33.99039

What to take

Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots  (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit, camera, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.

Insurance

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.

Route description

Our detailed route notes and -description allow you to walk self-guided and at your own pace amid splendid scenery while we transport your luggage. As soon as we have finalised your booking and hotel schedule we will forward your Hotel guide per email. This will specify your hotel schedule and directions. (We are using different hotels/guest houses from time to time) The second component of your route description is your Route guide. This specially prepared guide include route notes, maps and GPS references. Going self-guided is simple and convenient with our Route-and Hotel guide. It allows you to set out when you like, stop where you want and visit sites en route that are of interest to you. The Route guide will be given to you on the date of your arrival.

Availability and Booking

To enquire or reserve a date, go to: Availability request

For general information: Contact us, or

email: info@trailsandtravel.co.za, or

Booking process and -conditions – Go to  How to book

Map

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Gallery

For pictures of Cape Town go to Cape Town gallery. Fynbos pictures can be viewed in the Fynbos gallery

Attractions

Refer to the following websites:

Reviews

Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by WalkingHolidays.co.za in South Africa “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” Read all  Reviews  

Cape Town- area information

Read more about the attractions of Cape Town- the most popular tourist destination in South Africa.

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