The Coastal Cliff Path & Kanonkop Circuit

Some of the most spectacular scenery, in a region known for its spectacular scenery is on this trail. It starts at the parking area at the base of the popular route that goes up to the historic Cape Point lighthouse, although the trail goes in a northerly direction, opposite to the lighthouse path. For those who have not visited the area before we usually start with an obligatory visit to the Cape Pont lighthouse, it is not a long walk and well worth the extra 45 minutes it take to get there and back.

What you can expect:

The main trail heads up to one of its high points near the top of Da Gama Peak, with views back down to Cape Point and Cape Maclear and then on the other side to False Bay to the east and the beaches of the Atlantic Coast to the West. After a short climb up and a rocky uneven path, the route comes down again to reach  the cliff hugging viewpoint at Rooikrans. Stop for a few moments to admire the view, before following the trail close to the cliff face for a short way and then heading slightly inland on a sandy path, through high stands of proteas to the visitors centre at Buffelsfontein.  If the timing is right this is a good place for lunch. The trail heads back toward the coast from here, although never quite reaching it as it meanders east and west before reaching the Kanonkop, where there is an old signal canon from the colonial era.

Circular Trails

There are few exit points along this path that lead back to the various starting points and provide options to walk back along the coast, for those who do not want to do the complete route or where the logistical support is not in place to allow for the linear route. These routes can vary between three and five hours, depending on the path taken.

After Kanonkop there is no turning back however and the trail turns inland behind Paulsberg, the highest peak in the Nature Reserve and then back toward the coast and the cliff path. There are a few peaks and valleys along the way, some of which climb all the way to the top of the ridges and some of which skirt the highest points. The underfoot conditions are uneven and rocky and there is a little bit of light scrambling on both the ascents and descents.

Some distance before the end you can see where the trail finishes and the cars are parked, but don’t be deceived as there are still the few ups and downs of De Boer and Judas Peak to negotiate. The total distance from the car park is to the end is just over 17 km and it usually takes about six hours.

Timing: It takes about an hour and a half to drive from the City to start of the hike at Cape Point. We usually allow an hour to walk up to the viewing point at the Cape Point Lighthouse, before the start of the trail proper. Collection from accommodation in the city is usually at 07h00 with arrival at Cape Point by 08h30 and the main trail starting by 09h30 with 10h00 being the latest. It takes about 2½ to 3 hours to get to Buffelsfontein for a ½ hour lunch break and a further 3 to 3½  hours back to the cars.

The longest circular route is to Kanonkop from the same starting point. It would take about the same length of time to get, with the route back along the coast to the viewpoint at Rooikrans and a retrace of the path back to the cars. There are however shorter options.