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 paradise, you’ll spot the Verreaux’s Eagle and other hawks soaring way above you in the sky. 

Directions to Deer Park

If you drive through Vredehoek, the park is situation at the end of Deer Park Drive West. For directions, click here. Once you’ve entered the park, follow the road to the parking area. 

An easy trail with stunning views

From the parking area, we take the trail to the right. You’ll pass a picnic area on the right with concreate tables and seating areas. Be warned that it does get quite busy during the warmer months. If you continue, you’ll arrive at a beautiful open area just next to the stream, this is a popular spot to have kids’ birthday parties. 

Because it is a shared space with kids and other dogs, it is advisable to only take your dog off-lead if they have good recall but still keep your lead handy. Since this is part of the Table Mountain National Park, you do require a SANParks My Activity Permit and sometimes the SANParks officials will stop and ask to see your permit.

If you keep going on the path, you’ll reach a wooden boardwalk and just in front of it, there is a lovely stream with a deeper pool where Kygo likes to cool down. We then go over the bridge and up the boardwalk with an immaculate view of Table Mountain just in front of you. You’ll pass another water catchment area on your left. 

We continue going straight until the end of the path veers to the left (after heavy rains this can be flooded, and you may need to choose an alternate route). Once you’ve exited the tree canopy, you’ll have an amazing view of Lions Head as the trail loops to the right and you snake your way around until you get to the forested area. 

Keep following the path and there is a trail split to the right where you’ll have to cross a little stream and then turn right and continue to follow the path. 

The terrain offers a gentle to moderate walk and we usually do about four kilometres in 60 minutes, stopping often for pictures and for the dogs to cool down. 

You will have a choice to go in the direction of the lower slopes of Devils Peak (I recommend doing a part of this to see the views of the Cape Town Stadium, the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island) before making your way back down to your car. 

Always check the weather before going to Deer Park as the area is quite exposed and when its windy, it is not very pleasant. Depending on the time that you go, it can be quiet and isolated so be alert.