Hidden gems
The Cape Peninsula mountains are a walker's paradise. With hundreds of routes crossing the range there are countless hidden Cape Town hikes waiting to be discovered. Even after a lifetime of exploring these mountains, I'm still finding new paths and hidden corners.
While Table Mountain, Lion's Head and Skeleton Gorge attract most visitors, some of the Cape's most rewarding hikes lie beyond the well-trodden routes.
These are five of my favourite lesser-known walks, quieter trails that offer spectacular scenery, fascinating geology and a genuine sense of escape.
Tranquility Cracks
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Moderate
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4–5 hours
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Steady climb with some rocky sections
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Ideal for confident hikers with moderate fitness
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Sandstone fissures and spectacular Atlantic views
High on the slopes of Slangolie Buttress, above Camps Bay, lies one of the mountain’s most magical places. Tranquility Cracks is a series of deep sandstone fissures carved into the mountain, forming natural windows that frame extraordinary views of the Atlantic Ocean far below, offering stunning photo opportunities.
There are many routes up, and my favourite starts at Theresa Avenue above Camps Bay. From there, we join the Pipe Track and climb steadily up Corridor Ravine until reaching the Twelve Apostles Contour Path. From here, a quieter mountain path leads across the slopes to Tranquillity Cracks.
It’s a peaceful and sheltered spot, perfect for exploring, resting and simply taking in the scenery.
You can go back the way you came up, but I like to return via Kasteelspoort, completing a wonderfully varied circular route.
Kasteelspoort to the Valley of Isolation
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Challenging
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6–7 hours
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Crosses the full width of Table Mountain
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Ideal for experienced hikers
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Valley of the Red Gods, Valley of Isolation and Blinkwater Peak
This is one of the most dramatic and rewarding traverses on Table Mountain.
Starting again from Theresa Avenue, climb the historic Kasteelspoort path, a steep but beautiful ascent with constantly expanding views over Camps Bay and the Atlantic.
At the top, turn towards Table Mountain and soon enter the evocatively named Valley of the Red Gods, before continuing into the remote and beautiful Valley of Isolation. It’s a place that truly lives up to its name, quiet, wild and deeply peaceful.
From here, the route climbs towards Blinkwater Peak before descending into Echo Valley and finally traversing towards Platteklip Gorge and the upper cable station.
It’s a demanding but unforgettable journey across the mountain.
Kirstenbosch to Smuts’ Track
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Moderate
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5–6 hours
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Mostly level summit walking with a long descent
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Ideal for walkers with moderate fitness
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Historic Smuts Track and Kirstenbosch finish
This is one of the great historic traverses of Table Mountain, a route walked many times by General Jan Smuts, a former Prime Minister of South Africa and a passionate lover of the mountain. He reportedly called Table Mountain a great spiritual presence.
Starting at the upper cable station, we cross the plateau to Maclear’s Beacon before joining Smuts Track, which leads across the quieter Back Table towards Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir. Smuts used this route regularly, often walking down to Kirstenbosch, where he was closely associated with the early botanical conservation movement.
From the reservoir, we descend through the beautiful forest of Skeleton Gorge and into Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, a fitting end to one of Table Mountain’s most historic walks.
Silvermine and Noordhoek Peak
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Moderate
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3–4 hours
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Steady climb with well-maintained paths
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Ideal for walkers with moderate fitness
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False Bay, Chapman's Peak and peninsula views
The Silvermine area is one of my favourite parts of the peninsula: open, wild and endlessly scenic.
Starting near the Silvermine Reservoir, we follow paths that circle the dam before climbing steadily up to Noordhoek Peak. The views from the summit are exceptional. On a clear day, you can see across False Bay, along Chapman’s Peak Drive, and far down the peninsula.
It’s one of the best places I know to sit quietly and watch the world.
We return via a circular route that brings us back to the reservoir.
Chapman’s Peak
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Easy to moderate
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2.5–3 hours
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Steady climb on well-defined paths
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Ideal for walkers of all experience levels
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Atlantic views, fynbos and abundant birdlife
You can see this hike from Noordhoek Peak, and honestly, I think the two names should be switched because Chapman's Peak is closer to the suburb of Noordhoek. Although often overshadowed by its famous road, Chapman’s Peak itself offers a wonderful and surprisingly peaceful hike.
Starting near the picnic areas along Chapman’s Peak Drive, the path climbs steadily towards the summit, following the mountain’s contours above the Atlantic Ocean. The scenery is constantly changing, with superb views, rich fynbos and abundant birdlife.
It’s a relatively short hike, but one that rewards you at every step.