Top 10 Nature & Parks in Cape Town, Western Cape

The mountain in the middle of Cape Town offers many hikes and magnificent views in all directions.

Platteklip Gorge is a national park trail of Table Mountain. The route that takes you the most directly up to the Cableway. Learn more about the various routes of Platteklip Gorge hike which takes place on Table Mountain tours and visit our website.

Enclosed by ocean, mountains and wine farms, the former fishing village offers a country affair with some adventure thrown in.

The V&A Waterfront is a 123-hectare mixed-use destination, and one of Africa’s most visited cultural and historical hubs. Set on the edge of a natural, historic working harbour with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers local and international visitors a cosmopolitan mix of experiences ranging from leisure, shopping and exclusive entertainment. It also offers prime residential and commercial property. The prime positioning of the V&A Waterfront boasts sweeping views of the ocean, city bowl and mountain peaks. Up to 100 000 people visit every day during peak season. Contributing R259.1 billion in nominal terms to the South African economy over the last twelve years, the V&A Waterfront’s cumulative contribution to the provincial GGP since 2002 was over R227 billion. The property also reported a 19% increase in retail trade sales for 2014, marking four consecutive years of consistent growth since 2011. By end 2014, total visitor numbers to the property had grown to 24 million a year. Although the V&A Waterfront remains South Africa’s favourite attraction for international visitors, they account for only 23% of all visitors. Visits by locals increased to 63%, while 14% of visitors were from upcountry. With 22 official landmarks on-site, it is also part of South Africa’s historical legacy. Jointly owned by Growthpoint Properties Limited and the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF), represented by the Public Investment Corporation Limited (PIC), the V&A Waterfront was developed in 1988 by the state-owned transport corporation, Transnet Limited, while official commercial trading commenced in November 1990.

Hiking, camping and bird watching are the top attractions in this majestic wildlife sanctuary nestled on the lower slopes of Helderberg Mountain. O

Though enticing for its fine white sand and clear blue surf, there’s no swimming at this beach—at least not for humans. Foxy Beach is strictly reserved for African penguins.

Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is internationally acclaimed as one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world. The 528 hectares estate includes a cultivated garden and a nature reserve. The developed garden displays collections of southern African plants including many rare and endangered species. There are also visitor facilities in the garden including restaurants, a nursery, a gift shop, a bookshop and a permanent Zimbabwean stone sculpture exhibition.

Just up Kloof Nek Road from the center of town is this thriving beach community. Plenty of trendy nightclubs, shops and cafes bring diners and shoppers, while tranquil seas and fine white sand draw sun worshippers and swimmers.

Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.