Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Hannah Stephenson
If you’re looking for an easy hike with a HUGE payoff, allow me to introduce you to Kloof Corner. It’s a short trail that takes you up to an incredible vantage point on the edge of Table Mountain that offers panoramic views of the city.
This is easily one of my favourite things to do in Cape Town. Sunsets here are something else, and it’s also a very safe and easy hike. I take all of my friends and family who come to visit up here, and now I’ve written this guide on hiking Kloof Corner so that you can go and experience its magic for yourself!
- An Overview of the Kloof Corner Hike
- What will I see at the summit?
- What is the best time of day to hike Kloof Corner?
- When is the best time of year to hike Kloof Corner?
- What should I wear to hike Kloof Corner?
- What should I bring?
- Who is the Kloof Corner hike suitable for?
- Is it safe to hike Kloof Corner by myself?
- Is Kloof Corner the same as Kloof Corner Ridge Trail?
An Overview of the Kloof Corner Hike
The trailhead for the Kloof Corner hike is along Tafelberg Road in Tamboerskloof.
The trailhead is easy to find, and you can park for free just around the corner, or get Uber to drop you off here. Once you’re out of the car, you’ll see a green gate marked “Kloof Corner” and this is where your adventure begins!
So now that you know how to get to Kloof Corner, let’s take a quick look at some stats:
- Length: 1.9 kilometres out and back (1.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate – it’s short, but you’ll probably be out of puff by the time you reach the top
- Time: 20 minutes each way
The trail is a combination of a winding dirt path interspersed with some steps. It’s easy to follow but it does get quite steep towards the end!
What will I see at the summit?
Once you get to the top, you’ll have panoramic views of Cape Town. You can see the city bowl, which encompasses many of the city’s most popular and well-known neighbourhoods.
You’ll also have a bird’s eye view of Lion’s Head, Clifton, and Camps Bay. Best of all, though, is the first-class view of the 12 Apostles!
What is the best time of day to hike Kloof Corner?
In my opinion, the best time of day to hike Kloof Corner is at sunset. It’s unbelievably beautiful, and it’s a little cooler to hike in the evening. Trust me, the final set of steps will have you sweating! For more amazing sunset spots, you can check out this guide.
When is the best time of year to hike Kloof Corner?
Kloof Corner is a year-round hike! You just want to make sure that you go on a dry, sunny day – of which there are plenty in Cape Town. Personally, I love doing it during the winter because it’s super quiet!
What should I wear to hike Kloof Corner?
Whatever you feel comfortable in. Since it’s only about 20 minutes each way, you don’t necessarily need to wear activewear. I do recommend closed-toe shoes with a decent grip, though.
What should I bring?
Definitely bring a bottle of water, as the final section is quite hard work.
It’s nice to bring some snacks to enjoy while the sun sets, too. Oh, and you’ll definitely need your camera to capture these amazing views.
If you’re going at sunset it is also a good idea to bring a torch for the way back down. Unless it’s a super hot day, I usually bring a sweatshirt for a sunset hike, too. Sometimes, the temperature really drops after the sun disappears.
Who is the Kloof Corner hike suitable for?
Pretty much everyone! You most commonly see couples and groups of friends hiking up together, but families make the hike, too.
The final section is pretty steep so it’s not suitable for super young kids, but kids aged 10 and above should be okay with it. You also wouldn’t really want a toddler crawling around up on the ridge, to be honest.
Is it safe to hike Kloof Corner by myself?
Yes! This is a pretty popular route so you’ll see others around, and incidents here are rare. I would feel fine about going by myself.
Having said that, at the sunset I would probably just head back down a little early to call an Uber before it gets completely dark.
Is Kloof Corner the same as Kloof Corner Ridge Trail?
No, these are two totally different hikes!
When you hike Kloof Corner, you just hike to the viewpoint. The Kloof Corner Ridge Trail is a much trickier hike that starts at the viewpoint and takes you along the ridge up the side of the mountain.
The Ridge Trail is super dangerous and requires chains and a ton of hiking experience. I have never attempted it, and I probably never will! So unless you’re a true hiking enthusiast, just stick to Kloof Corner. I mean, the views are definitely pretty enough to keep you satisfied.