The Pipe Track hiking trail in Cape Town is a perfect Table Mountain route to tackle as beginners or for those seeking some stunning views of the Mother City without straining themselves. This incredible hike does not go all the way to the top of Table Mountain but circles around the mountain. You will therefore be rewarded with amazing views along your hike. The Pipe Track hiking trail follows a pipeline that was built in the 19th century to supply Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge. The pipe track is thus not only a beautiful hike but also boasts a rich history. Read along for a full guide to hiking the Pipe Track in Cape Town.
Hiking the Pipe Track in Cape Town
The Pipe Track hiking trail starts at the junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek and ends at Camps Bay. You are also able to start your hike at Camps Bay however, this will require more effort. We would therefore recommend you start your hike of Pipe Track at the junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek. From the parking area, you must walk up a few stairs till you reach a gravel path. This is where your Pipe Track hike starts. The trail will lead you along the slopes of Table Mountain towards Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles.
The trail is about 6 kilometers one way which means that the Pipe Track hike is 12 kilometers if you want to walk all the way to Camps Bay and back. One of the good parts about this specific hiking trail is that you can turn around whenever you want to. It is therefore possible to adjust the Pipe Track hike to your needs and fitness level.
No matter if you walk 12 kilometers, 6 kilometers, or just a few meters of the Pipe Track you are rewarded with some beautiful views. The Pipe Track hiking trail will take you through the western slope ravines of Table Mountain while you admire the magnificent views of the Mother City.
Take the bus to your Pipe Track hike
When we hiked the Pipe Track trail, we parked our car at the parking area at Tafelberg Road. As we are beginners when it comes to hiking, we thought that 12 kilometers was a bit much. Therefore, we ended up walking for about 1,5 hours before we turned around and walked back to the car. But as we returned to our car, we actually found out that the MyCiTi buses stop just near the junction of Tafelberg Road Kloof Nek. Therefore, we would recommend you take the bus to the start of the Pipe Track hiking trail – if you are not able to walk all 12 kilometers. By taking the bus you can walk all the way to Camps Bay and then just take the bus from there to your accommodation. That way you do not have to skip part of this amazing hiking trail in Cape Town.
Is it difficult to hike Pipe Track?
The Pipe Track hiking trail in Cape Town is relatively easy. It is generally flat, however, there are a few parts of the trail that are a bit steep – but very doable, even for first-time hikers. Other times on the hike you might find areas with a lot of small loose rocks. A pair of good shoes is therefore recommended. Other than that, the Pipe Track hiking trail is easy to tackle.
Time spent hiking Pipe Track
As mentioned earlier the Pipe Track hiking trail is about 6 kilometers. It should therefore take you about 2 to 4 hours to complete the hike. This time slot includes numerous stops along the route to take in the magnificent views. How much time you use on your hike of the Pipe Track also depends on your fitness level. If you are an experienced hiker, you might be faster, whereas beginners may use more time.
Best time to hike Pipe Track in Cape Town
The best time to hike the Pipe Track trail in Cape Town is in the morning hours or late afternoon. This is because of the sun. Most parts of the trail are exposed to sunlight, which can make a midday hike very hot. However, as the route is relatively flat there isn’t really a bad time to hike the Pipe Track.
What to bring for your Pipe Track hike
When you are hiking there are always a few things that you must bring. Therefore, we have gathered a list of the useful things you should bring for your Pipe Track hike in Cape Town.
- A good pair of shoes – A good grip is essential for a great hiking experience.
- A lot of water – The temperatures can be high in Cape Town. It is therefore important you bring enough water for your hike.
- Sunscreen – You will be walking in direct sunlight, so sunscreen is definitely a lifesaver to avoid sunburn.
- Snacks – A hike is never complete without a snack.
