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South Africa’s Western Cape Boasts Two of the World’s Top 35 Hikes

May 11, 2023

1 min read

Explore! Ranks Robberg Peninsula and Cecilia Waterfall Among the World’s Most Stunning Hiking Trails

South Africa’s Western Cape is a popular destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and remarkable outdoor experiences. Recently, two of its hiking trails were recognized internationally, making the region even more enticing for adventure enthusiasts. The renowned travel adventure company, Explore!, has included the Robberg Peninsula hiking trail in Plettenberg Bay and the Cecilia Waterfall via Cecilia Forest in Cape Town in its list of the 35 best hikes across the globe.

Robberg Peninsula Trail – Rank 27

The Robberg Peninsula trail is a circular route around the beautiful Robberg peninsula, ranked 27th on the list. The track is known for its picturesque views, and it offers two shorter variations catering to hikers of varying skill levels. According to Explore!, the trail provides awe-inspiring views and accessible terrain, making it an ideal hike for beginners and seasoned hikers.

Cecilia Waterfall – Rank 29

The beautiful Cecilia Waterfall hike, nestled within Table Mountain National Park, landed at the 29th spot on the list. Similarly, the trail offers awe-inspiring views and accessible terrain that cater to hikers of varying skill levels. The hike is also suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a perfect choice for families and groups with differing abilities.

Evaluating the Hiking Trails

Explore! compiled the list titled “35 of the Best Hikes in the World” by evaluating hiking trails based on their length, elevation, duration, weather, and Instagrammability. Each path received weighted points in these five categories, and the more accessible and achievable the hike, the higher the points it garnered. In addition, ideal average temperatures for walking were considered, and more popular hikes garnered additional points for their Instagram hashtags.

The hiking trails featured in the ranking were compiled using recommendations from authoritative sources such as AllTrails and Komoot. Additional trail information, such as elevation change, length, and duration, was sourced from these platforms. In addition, Weatherspark provided weather data, while Instagram points were calculated based on the platform’s top descriptive hashtags for each location.

Rich History and Culture

In addition to the natural beauty and accessible terrain of these trails, hikers can enjoy the rich history and culture of the surrounding areas. For example, in the case of the Robberg Peninsula, the Nelson Bay Cave, a Stone Age archaeological site, can be found along the trail, offering insight into the region’s ancient past. Similarly, the Cecilia Forest is home to various historical sites, such as the remains of old stone buildings and the Cecilia Park Conservatory.

South Africa’s Western Cape offers diverse and unforgettable hiking experiences for adventure enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether exploring the rugged beauty of the Robberg Peninsula or the tranquil serenity of the Cecilia Waterfall, hikers are sure to create lasting memories in this stunning region. With two trails ranked among the world’s best, the Western Cape is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for hikers and nature lovers.

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Thabo Sebata
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Thabo Sebata is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the intersection of politics and daily life in South Africa's legislative capital, bringing grassroots perspectives to parliamentary reporting from his upbringing in Gugulethu. When not tracking policy shifts or community responses, he finds inspiration hiking Table Mountain's trails and documenting the city's evolving food scene in Khayelitsha and Bo-Kaap. His work has appeared in leading South African publications, where his distinctive voice captures the complexities of a nation rebuilding itself.

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South Africa’s Western Cape Boasts Two of the World’s Top 35 Hikes