Trail with Thule | 8 Must Experience Hikes In Cape Town

Looking to spend some time outdoors and in the water?

Skip the hotel pools and beaches and visit these hiking trails in and around Cape Town and The Winelands.

We packed our Thule Backpack with some Gin, Tonic, bottled water and snacks and headed with the dogs to The Berg River dam, see more along with 7 other epic spots to hike below.

Jonkershoek First Waterfall Hike

We’re so lucky to have the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve on our doorstep.

We also love the fact that we can gather in the best panoramic mountain views and collect our breaths at the first waterfall on this gentle trail, after only 15 minutes of walking.

Overhangs of foliage next to the Eerste River banks generate the perfect picnic spots along the way.

Jonkershoek Panorama

The 17 km Panorama Trail in the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is for nature lovers who prefer a moderate to strenuous outing.

The trail takes its name from the views of the Jonkershoek valley, more dramatic with every kilometer.

Botmaskop Mountain

This big brother of mountain peaks, Botmaskop Mountain, is said to be the 578th highest in the Western Cape.

Hiking to the top is short in hours (2-3) but steep in gradient. It’s worth the breathless anticipation and pain in the calves, because the views at the summit are inspiring.

Berg River Hiking Trail

This 7 hour trail traverses scenery that is worthy of intermittent “wows”. The start is the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, and enquiry at the office will get you more detail on the specifics of the route.

Hikers will traverse the Panorama tails over the saddle into Franschhoek, inviting views of the valley, pristine fynbos and the Berg River along the way. An early start is a must-do as well as a healthy penchant for the outdoors.

Boland Trail

While all routes begin and end at the Nuweberg offices, not all paths are equal. There are 5km trails for those who enjoy leisure hiking and a return to creature comforts at the end of the day.

For the adventurous and fit, longer hikes intervened by overnight hut stays at Landroskop or Boesmanskloof are popular.

Steenbras Crystal Pools

The numerous pools at Steenbras Nature Reserve near Gordon’s Bay are on various levels and they’re connected via beautiful waterfalls. A hike to Crystal Pools is certainly a Cape Town bucket list item and if you love swimming in freezy water then this one is perfect for you.

First off, you need to book permits (the hike is only open from November until the end of April annually). Once you have your permits and you’re off, the first pool is about 45 minutes from the start of the trail and you can stop here for a snack or break in the shade.

For some serious swimming and kloofing opportunities, it’s best to hold out for the second pool, which is another ten to fifteen minutes up.

Here’s where you’ll find the glorious waterfall where you can have an outdoor shower. Don’t jump off the rocks into the pool unless you have a guide or experienced hiker with you who has done it before.

Krom River, Du Toitskloof

If you’re keen for a day trip, head on over to the Krom River Hiking trail at Du Toitskloof just outside Paarl.

The trail starts right after the Worcester exit of the Huguenot Tunnel, where you’ll walk back towards the tunnel, looking out for the sign beneath the two bridges marking the direction to the Krom River Trail.

The hike crosses the Krom and Molenaars rivers. It’s in the Limietberg Nature Reserve, so you ‘ll need to pay for your permits at the reserve office or book ahead through CapeNature Central Reservations.

It’s a gratifying 7km hike that should take about five hours to complete there-and-back.

Silvermine Nature Reserve

If you’re looking for an easy walk or hiking with kids and/or dogs then the waterfall walk in Silvermine Nature Reserve is perfect for you. It’s about an hour of walking there-and-back.

Park and pay an entry fee at Gate 2 and take the marked path to the waterfall.

The trail starts off nice and easy but narrows closer to the 30m waterfall. While you’re there you can also stop off for a swim, picnic or braai at the Silvermine Dam.

Looking for a new backpack come overnight bag?

We use our Thule Subterra Carry-On 40L on hikes which doubles up as a backpack with built in backpack handles and carry-on luggage for domestic flights. Which Retails for about R2400.00 . Winner!

Features

• Can be carried in two different ways: as a backpack and a shoulder bag (all straps tuck away when not in use)
• Laptop and tablet can be carried separate from the bag in removable sleeve with tablet storage, PowerPocket and accessory organization
• Cords are neatly managed between your device and your mobile charger in the internal PowerPocket
• Keep belongings organized and contained with the zippered mesh divider in the main compartment
• Separate your shoes and dirty laundry from other belongings in the multi-purpose compartment
• Smooth lifting and rearranging in overhead bins with top, side and bottom grab handles
• Complies with carry-on requirements for most airlines
• Effortless travel thanks to secure attachment to rolling luggage using the pass-through panel
• Securely store and easily access important documents in hidden passport pocket behind pass-through panel
• Quick access to keys, wallet and smaller items through zippered mesh pocket