There's a renowned Cape Town proverb that says: "You will know there's a great sunset in Cape Town as it is all over Instagram."
Philosophical thoughts aside, with the sun setting late in the evening and Table Mountain in the backyard, Cape Town certainly offers great opportunities for sunset hikes. Watching the sunset from a mountaintop is a special feeling and one of the best ways to bring the day to a close.
The ideal sunset hike however needs three ingredients; firstly, of course, it needs a peak or vantage point to watch the sun kiss the horizon. Secondly, it needs to short be enough so that you can hike back to the trailhead in the twilight (with the aid of a headlamp). Finally, it needs to be accompanied by good snacks and even better company.
We'll leave the last ingredient up to you, but here are our 5 best sunset hikes in Cape Town that will satisfy your hunger for the perfect trail sundowner in Cape Town:
Little Lion's Head
Kloof Corner
Eagle's Nest
Oppelskop
Chapman's Peak
You may be wondering how a list like this doesn't include Lion's Head. Well, as great as it is, it is extremely popular and very busy. Part of our mission of Forge is to make the entire Table Mountain range more accessible, helping you explore more, beyond the popular go-to's.
PS: Always hike with a headlamp!
The top 5 best sunset hikes in Cape Town:
1. Little Lion's Head
Hike Little Lion's Head
Total Distance: 3.34 km
Time to top: 45 min
Elevation: 168 m Dog-friendly: Not recommended
Little Lion's Head Hiking Map
2. Kloof Corner
Hike Kloof Corner
Total Distance: 1.9 km
Time to top: 30 min
Elevation: 181 m Dog-friendly: Yes
Kloof Corner Hiking Map
3. Eagle's Nest
Hike Eagle's Nest
Total Distance: 2 km
Time to top: 30 min
Elevation: 191 m Dog-friendly: Yes
Eagle's Nest Hiking Map
4. Oppelskop
Hike Oppelskop
Total Distance: 4.63 km
Time to top: 1h45
Elevation: 463 m Dog-friendly: Yes
Oppelskop Hiking Map
5. Chapman's Peak
Hike Chapman's Peak
Total Distance: 5.18 km
Time to top: 1h15
Elevation: 388 m Dog-friendly: Yes
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