Hiking in False Bay

Coastal Trails with a Wild Edge

Hiking in False Bay is an adventure that blends rugged coastline, rich marine life, and mountain paths that rise dramatically above turquoise waters. Stretching along Cape Town’s southern peninsula, the bay is a natural playground for hikers who love variety. Trails here move between fynbos-covered ridges, sheltered beaches, and high vantage points that deliver panoramic views of the Cape of Good Hope, Hangklip, and even distant Table Mountain.

For those seeking a challenge, sections of the Cape Point Nature Reserve and Silvermine offer full-day hikes with steep climbs and rocky tracks, rewarding you with unforgettable vistas and encounters with wildlife like baboons, dassies, and endemic bird species. Easier coastal paths, such as those near Kalk Bay or Simon’s Town, bring you closer to the sea and sometimes even whales breaching just offshore during season.

False Bay’s hiking routes also carry a sense of history. Many trails trace old fisherman’s paths, shipwreck lookouts, and vantage points once used for spotting whales and ships navigating these waters. With its blend of ocean air and mountain energy, every step connects you to both land and sea.

Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly stroll or a multi-hour trek into the Cape’s wilder corners, hiking in False Bay delivers variety and soul-stirring scenery. Pack good shoes, plenty of water, and a spirit ready for discovery — this bay doesn’t disappoint.