Last Updated on March 22, 2026 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 20-minute hike 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 I usually get Uber to drop me 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!
Recently, I got super lucky at Kloof Corner and saw a tahr – a Himalayan goat that lives on Table Mountain! These fluffy, hooved creatures are actually descended from a pair that escaped from a zoo in the 1930s, and now they call the mountain home. They’re rarely seen, though, but keep your eyes peeled because you never know!
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! However, I always make sure to 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 and the cool weather is nice for the climb up.
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 usually wear leggings and casual sneakers or running shoes. As long as you’ve got comfy, closed-toe shoes with a decent grip, they’ll work!
What should I bring?
I always bring a bottle of water, as the final section is quite hard work. Some snacks while the sun sets are a good idea, too, and my friends and I often stash a bottle of wine in our bags to enjoy at the top.
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. I have a head torch but to be honest, a phone torch works just fine. If you leave right after the sun dips below the horizon, you should be back at the bottom before it’s completely dark.
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! I often see couples and groups of friends hiking up together, but families sometimes 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! Just leave as soon as the sun dips so that you’ll be back down at the bottom before it gets completely dark. This is what most people do, so there will always be other travellers around.
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.