Skip to main content

Catch sunset on Kloof Corner

A dog-friendly trail with the most spectacular views

“There's a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they're absolutely free. Don't miss so many of them." - Jo Walton

Sunset from Kloof Corner
One of my favourite, short and sweet hikes to do is Kloof Corner. You shouldn’t underestimate the distance of the hike, which is only one kilometre from the start of the trail to the beacon, because it is quite a workout and will get your heart racing. 

The plus side is that it is dog-friendly and has the most scenic views of Lions Head, the Camps Bay beach strip, the 12 Apostles and the city bowl from the viewing point at the beacon. 

It is the perfect spot to catch an amazing sunrise or sunset. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous and want to do a longer hike, you can continue along the contour path, which has other routes that split off it like India Venster, Union Cave and even Platterklip Gorge. 




Where does the trail start?

If you’re driving on Tafelberg Road in the direction of the lower cable car station, the trail start is to your right as you take the turn on the second hairpin bend. 

Look out for the board that marks the start of the trail. You will start your ascend up the trail by following the staircase which is lined with various Protea bushes. Look out for the different flower varieties during the different seasons and the Cape Sugarbirds with the long tails feeding on the nectar of the Proteas. 

What the trail has to offer

The trail is a combination of a log and rock staircase. The rocks can be slippery when wet or covered in fine sand so make sure to wear trail shoes with good grip. As you zig zag your way up the mountain, take some time to appreciate the majestic views of Lions Head and Signal Hill as well as the City Bowl. 

Overlooking Camps Bay

You’ll see Robben Island in the distance and as you continue along the trail, you will see Camps Bay and look out over the 12 Apostles. Table Mountain with the Upper Cable Car Station will also be visible and makes for a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Occasionally you’ll see the cable cars making their journey up and down.  

Brace yourself for the final 300 metres which takes you to the beacon, as the steep staircase looks like it will take you right up the mountain. But once you’ve had a snack and something to drink, you would have long forgotten about the leg workout you’ve just had. 

The viewing spot does get quite busy just before sunset so arrive early to make sure you have a good view. Once the sun has set, we start our descend and you’ll be mesmerized by the colours of the sky as it goes from orange to pink and blue hues, before the last bit of the trail is completed in the dark. It is wise to take a headlamp or torch along and as the city lights flicker, you’ll have a very different view. 

Lions Head during sunset
For large breeds and heavier dogs, the trail is quite strenuous as they descend because they are putting 60 to 70% of their weight on their front legs and elbows, so take care as you know your dog’s capabilities.

Labels:
Location: Kloof Corner, Contour Path, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, South Africa

Comments

Post a Comment

I'd like to hear what you think about my posts, so leave me a comment...

Popular posts from this blog

Hiking the Noordhoek Peak Circuit in Silvermine

An easy 7km trail that is kid and dog-friendly My love affair with Silvermine Nature Reserve, part of the Table Mountain National Park, started four years ago when we hiked the Noordhoek Peak Circuit. I absolutely fell in love with the place - so much so that almost every Sunday, come rain or shine, you can find us exploring one of the Reserve’s trails.  Naturally when we got Kygo, our exuberant Rottweiler, we took him along on our hikes. Kygo was built with adventure hard-coded in his DNA. He absolutely loves water, swimming and outdoor adventures, and Silvermine offers all of this.  Kygo and I at the Noordhoek Peak Circuit looking out over Hout Bay About the Noorhoek Peak Circuit The Noordhoek Peak Circuit is a 7km hike that you can comfortably complete in about 2 and a half hours. With an elevation of 754m at the Peak, it offers spectacular views of some of Cape Town’s most amazing beaches. This hike is incredibly beautiful and as you are walking there are so many different...
4 comments
Read more

A review of Swimming upstream, a book by Shirley Zinn

It’s been a couple of months since I blogged. I’ve been a bit preoccupied. A few weeks ago I attended our company’s awards evening where we recognised the work of our staff volunteers. I was privileged to meet one of the guest speakers, Professor Shirley Zinn, who shared a brief synopsis of her story. She has a book Swimming Upstream, which I read cover to cover on the Saturday after we met. Shirley’s story is both mesmerising and heart-breaking. As the reader you are taken along on her journey which was not easy but her attitude and perseverance resulted in an inspirational tale of how hard work is rewarded abundantly. Here are some of the highlights from Shirley’s book that stood out for me: 1. Where you start out doesn’t have to determine where you end up. You are not a product of our circumstance. Shirley was born in Steenberg on the Cape Flats in the Western Cape. It is an area that is consumed with socio-economic conditions such as gangsterism, domestic violence, poverty,...
4 comments
Read more

Deer Park – a hidden gem – and a dog walker’s paradise

Deer Park is situated just below Tafelberg Road, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. The selling point for this trail is that it offers all the spectacular views of Table Mountain, Devils Peak, Lions Head and the Cape Town CBD without any intense climbs.  It is great for dogs of all abilities, even puppies, as you can moderate your walk by doing a shorter loop.  Click here for a quick 360 degree view from the Deer Park trail. In winter, this trail is a wonderland with lots of flowing streams and pools – any water baby’s dream. Deer Park is part of the Table Mountain National Park and one of the richest fynbos-dense areas and part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site.  Walking along the trails towards Devils Peak, you’ll see lots of Cape Sugarbushes, colouring the landscape you'll find lots bright pink and mellow yellow Proteas. These flowers attract the Cape Sugarbird and other bird varieties, who will serenade you as you pass by. It is also a birdwatcher’s ...
1 comment
Read more