Cecilia Waterfall
A rewarding hike through lush forests to a beautiful waterfall, offering stunning views and a refreshing escape in Cape Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Cecilia Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding hike through lush forests to a beautiful waterfall, offering stunning views and a refreshing escape in Cape Town.
"Amazing hike with beautiful views and the waterfall is the cherry on top!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential.
🗺️ Use an Offline Map
Some trails aren't on Google Maps; Maps.me is a reliable alternative.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cecilia Waterfall
End of the main trail
The majestic cascade is the ultimate reward, especially vibrant after winter rains.
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Cecilia Forest
Starting point and along the trail
Wander through lush indigenous fynbos and eucalyptus groves, a unique ecosystem.
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Panoramic City Views
Various points along the trail
Catch breathtaking glimpses of Cape Town and the surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Trail Conditions & What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential.
🗺️ Use an Offline Map
Some trails aren't on Google Maps; Maps.me is a reliable alternative.
💧 Go After Rainfall
The waterfall is most spectacular with ample water flow.
🐒 Baboon Awareness
Be aware of baboons; give them space and don't leave food unattended.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Good grip is essential.
🗺️ Use an Offline Map
Some trails aren't on Google Maps; Maps.me is a reliable alternative.
💧 Go After Rainfall
The waterfall is most spectacular with ample water flow.
🐒 Baboon Awareness
Be aware of baboons; give them space and don't leave food unattended.
🚶♀️ Trekking Poles Helpful
Recommended for older hikers or those needing extra stability.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Cecilia Waterfall hike, praising its beautiful forest scenery and the rewarding waterfall payoff, especially after rain. While generally considered easy to moderate, some find certain stretches strenuous. It's a popular spot, so expect crowds on weekends, but quieter spots can be found.
"Amazing hike with some beautiful views and the waterfall is of course the cherry on top. It gets busy on weekends, early mornings are the peak. There are however plenty quieter spots along the route to stop and enjoy being in the forest. It's clean and it's fun. Easy hike if you just follow the paths, intermediate - difficult in some stretches if you take the rocky paths and alternate routes. So much beauty to be seen and worth taking the time to explore the beauty of the forests."
Chris Roberts
"Cecelia Ravine is a walking trail in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Cape Town. The waterfall on this trail is almost right on top of the ravine. It's a beautiful natural gem hidden by natural shrubs and trees.
It took us almost 90 minutes from the entrance of the garden to the time we reached the waterfall. I don't know if this waterfall is active in summer, but what a beautiful view during the rain season.
It's a very strenuous climb and if you're not fit, do not attempt. Yet, if you do your reward will be the natural beauty Kirstenbosch has on offer.
Go find the Cecelia Ravine Waterfall next time you visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden"
Kobus Maasdorp
"It's a moderate (or easy-moderate) hike, but the elevation change is significant, so the round trip can take from two to four hours, depending on your speed.
Most of the trails are not marked on Google Maps (we used the maps me app). Immediately after the parking turn right and walk parallel to the eucalyptus grove with a stream (first intersection — continue moving in the same direction) until you find yourself on a gravel road. Go right along it till you reach the stream, turn left there, and follow a small path so that the water remains on your right hand. Pass two large boulders and continue up until you come to huge eucalyptus trees. Behind them, there will be a small staircase leading up, which is the path you need. This will be a fairly long section of the path without intersections. Eventually, you will find yourself in a place with a view of the city and a small sign "To the waterfall". Go there.
There are two or three places along the way where you have to climb on a rock, but overall, you can comfortably walk the entire route without fear of falling. Trekking poles will not be superfluous for older walkers.
During the walk (Friday, early afternoon) we saw a total of five other tourists.
We also met baboons (they, fortunately, ignored us, passing twenty meters away from us) and lost about ten minutes standing in place, waiting for the animals to leave the path."
Sergei Belousov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is the Cecilia Forest parking lot, opposite Hohenort Avenue along Rhodes Drive in Constantia. From there, follow the jeep track.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Cecilia Forest entrance. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving early is advised.
While direct public transport to the trailhead is limited, you can take a MyCiTi bus to a nearby area and then use a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach the Cecilia Forest parking lot.
Yes, Cecilia Ravine Waterfall is mentioned as being within Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, though access points and trails can vary.
While the main path is generally clear, using an offline map app like Maps.me can be very helpful as not all trails are marked on standard navigation apps.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, access to the Cecilia Waterfall hike from the Cecilia Forest parking lot is free. However, if accessing via Kirstenbosch Gardens, garden entry fees may apply.
Cecilia Forest is typically accessible during daylight hours. It's best to start your hike with enough daylight to complete it safely.
The hike itself from the Cecilia Forest side is usually free. If you are entering via Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, standard garden entrance fees will apply.
As the hike is generally free, advance booking is not required. However, it's wise to check for any seasonal park regulations or potential permit requirements.
There are no specific entry restrictions for the Cecilia Waterfall hike itself, but always be mindful of park rules, especially regarding wildlife and waste disposal.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 5km (loop) and can take around 2 hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the waterfall.
It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike. There's a significant elevation gain, making some stretches strenuous, but it's attainable for most fitness levels.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as the path can be slippery. Layers are recommended as the weather can change.
While the waterfall is beautiful, swimming is generally not advised due to the rocky terrain and potential for strong currents. It's more for viewing and enjoying the mist.
Yes, dogs are often seen on the Cecilia Waterfall hike, but ensure they are on a leash and you clean up after them.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The area around the waterfall itself offers stunning shots, especially with the mist. Also, look for viewpoints along the trail that capture the forest and city panoramas.
Early morning light can be beautiful, offering softer light and fewer people. Midday can be harsh, but the waterfall's mist can help diffuse light.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the beauty. If you have a DSLR, consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a polarizing filter for water.
Use a slower shutter speed to create a silky, blurred effect for the water. A tripod is highly recommended to keep your camera steady.
Look for the indigenous fynbos, the towering eucalyptus trees, and the baboons (from a safe distance!). The contrast between the forest and city views is also striking.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The waterfall itself is a prime subject, and using a slower shutter speed can create stunning silky water effects. Don't forget to frame shots that include the indigenous fynbos and the panoramic views of Cape Town visible from certain points along the trail. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cecilia Waterfall Hike Experience
The path winds through a mix of indigenous Peninsula granite fynbos and towering eucalyptus groves, creating a unique and fragrant environment. The ecosystem is critically endangered, making the hike a chance to appreciate rare flora.
Along the way, you'll encounter smaller streams and, if you're lucky, spot some local wildlife. The trail can become slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential, and some recommend trekking poles for added stability, especially for older hikers. Reaching the Cecilia Waterfall is the highlight, with its refreshing mist and picturesque setting. While the waterfall is most impressive after winter rains, it's a beautiful spot year-round. Some reviews mention that the waterfall is located near the top of a ravine, adding to its secluded charm.
Navigating the Trails and Wildlife Encounters
The hike offers a chance to experience Cape Town's natural beauty up close. You'll pass through dense forest, with the sound of streams accompanying your journey. Keep an eye out for the diverse indigenous fynbos, a unique and endangered vegetation type found only in this region.
The towering eucalyptus trees also create a distinct atmosphere. Wildlife encounters are common, with baboons being a frequent sight. While they usually ignore hikers, it's important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding them. One reviewer mentioned losing about ten minutes waiting for a troop of baboons to clear the path.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit