Kasteelspoort Hike

Kasteelspoort Hike is one of the most insta-worthy hikes in Cape Town. Made famous by the iconic diving board rock set above the great Atlantic, this Cape Town Hike is on every traveller’s bucket list. This is one of my favourite hikes up Table Mountain with some of the best views of the coast line and Lion’s Head. It’s steep but so worth it for the views!

Details:

Start Location: Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay

Distance: 4.7km

Duration: 2-3 hrs

Difficulty: Moderate- Difficult. The path is is easy to follow but very steep and strenuous. The steep uphill means you should have a good level of fitness to do this hike.

Conservation fee: None

The Route:

This hike begins at the top of the residential area of Camps Bay in Theresa Avenue. If you type ‘Kasteelspoort- starting point’ into Google Maps you will be taken to the right place. You begin your hike along the jeep track which winds its way up to the Pipe Track. After a few minutes of walking up the jeep track it will turn towards the right. A few metres along there is a small path to the left. This will take you straight up to the starting point of the Kasteelspoort trail. If you miss this more hidden path then not to worry as you will soon come across a more clear path that follows a hairpin bend to the left. Once you have arrived at the start of the trail (indicated by a sign pointing up the mountain: Kasteelspoort) the path is very simple to follow with many steep steps up to the top of the mountain.

Once you have summited Kasteelspoort you will reach a map indicating the various routes. Turn right and walk along to the path marked “Twelve Apostles Spine Route”. After approximately ten minutes you will reach another signpost. Take another right turn and make your way along the flat path marked “Old Cableway Viewpoint”. You’ll see the diving board rock from here as you walk out towards the direction of the sea. Please proceed with caution when taking your photos on the diving board rock. Don’t go too close to the edge and always remember your life is more important than a photo op!

You’ll come back down the way you came. Alternatively, you could also walk along to the Cable Station (go back to the signpost and then continue straight following the signs to the cable station instead of going back the Kasteelspoort path) and catch the cable car down. To do this you’d need to park one car at the cable station on Tafelberg Road and one at Theresa Avenue. Alternatively, if you are Ubering this shouldn’t be an issue and a nice way to experience both hiking Table Mountain and seeing it from the cable car.