Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Hannah Stephenson
The hike from Tafelberg Road to Kloof Corner is a firm favourite amongst Capetonians – myself included. And I promise, when you make it up here yourself, you’ll see why!
The route takes you up to an incredible vantage point with panoramic views of the 12 Apostles, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, and the city bowl. It really is an incredible place to take in the beauty and variety of Cape Town.
I’ve written this guide on hiking Kloof Corner so that you can go and experience all of this beauty for yourself!
An Overview of the Kloof Corner Hike
The trailhead for the Kloof Corner hike is along Tafelberg Road in Tamboerskloof.
Parking is free and the lot is just around the corner from the trailhead, which is a green gate marked “Kloof Corner”. It’s easy to Uber here, too.
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, 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 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.