There are a number of adventurous ways to discover Cape Town all within twenty minutes of the city centre. 

Voted as one of the 50 most iconic destinations in the world by National Geographic Traveler, Cape Town is the first city in Africa to feature on their 'Places of a Lifetime' list - places everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Natural wonders like Table Mountain and Lions Head have attracted travellers for centuries, dating back as early as 1652 when the Dutch first arrived in the Cape.

Today activities usually include a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, a ferry ride to Robben Island or a tour bus along the Twelve Apostles and Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point.

For the more adventurous ways to discover Cape Town, all you need is a backpack, a good pair of walking shoes and of course your camera.

I ventured along three of the many spectacular hikes - with every step it took my breath away, quite literally.

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Lions Head

On the right of Table Mountain is Lions Head, appropriately named due to its remarkable resemblance of the head of a lion.

It’s easily accessible and can take anywhere from one to two hours to reach the summit. The walk is easy if you are fit but follows a steep gravel path that will soon have you wiping the sweat away from your brow.

We decided to tackle the path just before sunset to avoid the heat of the day and to watch the cities lights twinkle below.

Proudly perched high above the ocean, Lions Head overlooks the city centre on one side and the Atlantic seaboard on the other.

Trail runners overtake us in an attempt to break their summit record.

Taking a minute to catch our breaths we marvel at the mammoth Twelve Apostles, neatly packed like novels on a bookshelf behind the table top.

The main route to the Lion’s head splits in two at a sheer rocky face. For the more adventurous there are chains to guide you over the boulders but otherwise the path continues around the mountain.

After much coaxing, panting and a few more water breaks we were welcomed by a panoramic 360-degree view of Robben Island, Signal Hill, Table Bay, the city, Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Clifton, Devils Peak, and the Twelve Apostles.

Oude Schip wreck

Only a twenty minute drive from the city along the Atlantic seaboard is Llandudno and just around the corner, Sandy Bay.

Accessible on foot from Llandudno, this isolated cove is Cape Town’s only “unofficial” nudist beach.

This is also the start of the seven-kilometre hike to the Oude Schip wreck on the wildest and western-most point of the Peninsula, reiterating Cape Town’s reputation as the Cape of Storms.

The path runs parallel to the ocean and meanders in all directions through dense fynbos and Milkwood trees.

With no clear markings to follow we were quickly lost, but with a little common sense and much determination we soon arrived at the rocky outcrop of granite boulders separating Oude Schip from the mainland at high tide.

Here the views of Lions Head, Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain are exquisite offering a new perspective on the iconic mountains.

Deer Park

If bouldering and salty air isn’t your thing and you prefer soft grass, shaded trails and waterfalls then Van Riebeeck Park, better known as Deer Park is the place to be.

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain on the upper reaches of the city, Deer Park is surrounded by pine trees with gravel trails branching out in all directions.

We set off from the grassy picnic area overlooking the city and Lions Head.

Mountain bikers and hikers as well as a group of teenagers, strumming their guitar enjoy the lush surroundings.

We explore the path along the stream as it winds its way up the mountain.

Heading for the clearing in the distance, Table Mountain peers through the trees, watching over our every step.

Following this path would have lead us onto Tafelberg road towards Devils Peak for 10 kilometres, however we decided not to go on but take advantage of our tranquil surroundings and relax next to the waterhole.

Know of any other good hiking trails, tell us about it by clicking here.

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