Devils Peak

Hike or bike the mountain trails around Devil’s Peak to enjoy excellent views of Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. Gaze in awe at the breathtaking mountain scenery and a coastline peppered with picturesque bays, beaches and harbors. Visit historical landmarks, admire interesting geological formations and spot varied wildlife.

At 3,284 feet (1,001 meters) tall, Devil’s Peak is only slight smaller than its more famous neighbor, Table Mountain. Follow one of the zigzagging routes up to the peak’s summit. From the summit, cast your eye over the city and across to Lion’s Head and Table Mountain. Marvel as cloud cover gives the image of a tablecloth over the city and Table Mountain. All routes to the top are about a 4-hour round trip.

Several other trails, many of them interchangeable, skirt the mountain slopes and offer adventurous excursions on foot or bike. For a thrill-seeking challenge, take the steep and difficult Mowbray Ridge track.

In the peak’s eastern foothills is Rhodes Memorial, a Greek-style monument that commemorates the former prime minister of the Cape Colony, Cecil John Rhodes. Hike from the memorial up to the ruins of the King’s Blockhouse fortification. Don’t miss the Woodstock Cave, a dramatic overhang where rainfall often creates a waterfall and rainbow. Take time to appreciate the flora, which ranges from vast expanses of fynbos to red heath and multicolored protea plants.

Access to the easiest trail is at the end of Tafelberg Road, just a short drive from Table Mountain’s lower cable car station. A hop-on hop-off tourist bus stops at the cable car station. Other trails start from Rhodes Memorial, where there’s a large parking lot.

It’s free to explore Devil’s Peak and its many trails. Come equipped with comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing, especially in the winter months. Allow enough time to return before nightfall.