Pipe Track Cape Town
An accessible contour path offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and the Twelve Apostles.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Pipe Track Cape Town
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An accessible contour path offering breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town and the Twelve Apostles.
"The Pipe Track is proof that you don’t have to go hard to go far. One of Cape Town’s easiest trails with one of the most rewarding views."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Loose stones make good footwear essential for a comfortable walk.
💧 Bring plenty of water
No water points available, so stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Table Mountain Views
Along the entire trail
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed vistas of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Twelve Apostles.
Gentle, Accessible Trail
Starts at Kloof Nek
An easy, relatively flat walk perfect for all fitness levels, including families and casual strollers.
Sunset Spectacle
Western end of the trail
Witness a magical sunset painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Safety First on the Pipe Track
Footwear and Hydration Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Loose stones make good footwear essential for a comfortable walk.
💧 Bring plenty of water
No water points available, so stay hydrated!
🚶♀️ Hike in groups
Safety in numbers, especially near Kloof Nek.
📸 Capture the views
Unbeatable photo opportunities of the city and coast.
Safety on pipe track
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Loose stones make good footwear essential for a comfortable walk.
💧 Bring plenty of water
No water points available, so stay hydrated!
🚶♀️ Hike in groups
Safety in numbers, especially near Kloof Nek.
📸 Capture the views
Unbeatable photo opportunities of the city and coast.
🐶 Dog-friendly sections
Many visitors enjoy walking their dogs here.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Pipe Track's stunning panoramic views and its accessibility, making it a favorite for casual walks and photography. While generally safe and enjoyable, some caution is advised regarding loose stones underfoot and occasional safety concerns near Kloof Nek.
"I have walked pipe track coming out of Kasteelspoort Hiking trail and remembered it to be a quite pleasant hike.
I however this time round took the wrong slip and ended up looping on some of the off tracks underneath the pipe track which arnt as well marked.
This added about 2 more hours to my casual walk that I started at 4pm and with stopping and taking pictures, ended up coming out by kloof nek at around 7pm.
Nevertheless, hike was great. There was a ranger at the beginning of the track, this made me feel safer considering the crime that had peaked on table mountain. The pipe track is an all rounder. I bumped into people walking, running (with pets), hiking down from some of the difficult trails from the top of table mountain, and a few mountain bikers. The off tracks appeared to be more cemented, and this catered to those with bikes. The pipe track can be easily walked with young children, although there are alot of loose stones so careful footing is advised.
No water points, and only some cellphone reception in certain points, so factor preparing for this."
Nosipho Mthembu
"Beautiful place for an early morning stroll before a coffee of Kloof street.
Easy access and plenty of parking. No steep or difficult inclines, suitable for all styles of walkers and can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Look forward to coming back and doing it all over again!"
Josh Winchester
"Easy access, beautiful views and an easy hike with the occasional uphill. There are usually people in the morning, afternoons and on weekends so it’s a safer trail for women (but I wouldn’t walk it on my own, especially not at odd hours)."
Talya Galasko
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point for the Pipe Track is Kloof Nek, which is easily accessible by car with ample parking available. You can also reach it via MyCiTi bus routes.
Yes, there is usually plenty of parking available at the Kloof Nek entrance, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While Kloof Nek is the primary access, you can also connect to the Pipe Track from various points along the Twelve Apostles, such as Kasteelspoort.
Yes, MyCiTi buses serve the Kloof Nek area, providing a public transport option to reach the trailhead. Check their routes and schedules for convenience.
Driving to Kloof Nek is recommended for sunset access, as public transport might be limited in the evening. Allow ample time to find parking and start your walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Pipe Track is a public trail and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. It's part of the Table Mountain National Park.
There are no direct fees for accessing the Pipe Track itself. However, if you are driving, standard parking fees might apply in certain areas, though parking at Kloof Nek is generally free.
The Pipe Track is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor trail. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
The Pipe Track itself is free, so a student card isn't applicable for entry. However, some attractions in Cape Town offer student discounts, as mentioned in a TikTok.
It's advisable to avoid hiking very early in the morning or late at night if you are alone, due to safety concerns.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The Pipe Track is considered an easy to moderate hike. It's relatively flat with some gentle inclines and loose stones, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
A leisurely walk along the main Pipe Track can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views.
Yes, the Pipe Track is generally suitable for children, but they will need careful footing due to the loose stones.
While some people do run on the Pipe Track, the loose stones can make it challenging for a smooth running rhythm. Cycling is also possible on certain sections, especially those that are more cemented.
You'll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, Robben Island, and the dramatic Twelve Apostles mountain range.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography.
Focus on the expansive cityscapes, the vast ocean, the rugged Twelve Apostles, and the unique flora. Sunset shots are particularly popular.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the stunning views. However, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive landscapes.
The entire length of the Pipe Track offers incredible viewpoints. Keep an eye out for natural clearings and elevated spots for the best perspectives.
Besides your camera, consider a portable tripod for stable shots, especially during low light, and a lens cloth to keep your lens clean from dust.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Female Travelers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Pipe Track Trail
While the main Pipe Track is straightforward, there are numerous offshoots and connecting paths that can lead to more challenging terrain or different parts of the mountain. Some of these less-marked paths can be confusing, so it's wise to stick to the main route if you're unsure.
Many hikers use the Pipe Track as a starting point or a connecting route to other popular Table Mountain trails, such as Kasteelspoort or Tranquility Cracks. It's also a popular spot for trail runners and mountain bikers, adding to the dynamic atmosphere of the trail.
Safety and Community Insights
However, community discussions also highlight that increased patrolling in the area has improved safety. Hiking during peak times, such as weekday mornings or late afternoons when other hikers and runners are present, can significantly enhance your sense of security.
It's worth noting that the Pipe Track is part of the larger Table Mountain National Park, and while it's a free-access trail, being aware of your surroundings and sticking to the main path are key to a positive experience.
Photography Opportunities
Golden Hour Magic: The best times for photography are undoubtedly during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light casts a magical glow over the landscape, creating dramatic shadows and vibrant colors. Sunset hikes are particularly popular for capturing breathtaking ocean vistas.
What to Capture: Beyond the sweeping landscapes, look for interesting flora, the distant silhouette of Robben Island, and the interplay of light and shadow on the mountainside. Even a simple smartphone camera can capture stunning images here, though a wide-angle lens can help encompass the grandeur of the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit