Unleashing Adventure with Cape Town’s Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

3 mins read
dog-friendly hiking trails

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your furry best friend on one of Cape Town’s dog-friendly hiking trails. From the serene Newlands Forest via the Contour Path to the captivating Cecilia Forest Loop, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to grab a Level 1 My Activity Permit before hiking in areas within the Table Mountain National Park. With stunning scenery and boundless exploration opportunities, Cape Town is the perfect destination for those seeking outdoor excitement with their loyal companions.**

What are some dog-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town?

Newsletter

Stay Informed • Cape Town

Get breaking news, events, and local stories delivered to your inbox daily. All the news that matters in under 5 minutes.

Join 10,000+ readers
No spam, unsubscribe anytime

Cape Town has several dog-friendly hiking trails to explore, such as Newlands Forest via the Contour Path, the Cecilia Forest Loop, the Pipe Track from Kloof Nek, and Elephant’s Eye. It’s important to note that dog walkers need a Level 1 My Activity Permit to enter areas within the Table Mountain National Park.

Cape Town, affectionately referred to as the Mother City, provides a variety of outdoor activities for both humans and their furry companions. For those passionate about hiking and seeking to enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of nature with their devoted canine friends, Cape Town has numerous dog-friendly hiking trails to explore. In this article, we take a closer look at some of these enthralling hiking trails, perfect for your next unforgettable adventure with your four-legged companion.

Trail 1: Newlands Forest via the Contour Path

Located in a serene environment, Newlands Forest is a lush oasis for those looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. This beautiful area, filled with lush vegetation and stunning mountain vistas, was historically a migratory route for the Khoi people. Nowadays, it has evolved into a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts who gather with their furry friends to enjoy leisurely walks or energizing trail runs.

Trail 2: Cecilia Forest Loop

Experience the magical charm of Cecilia Forest’s loop trail, home to a diverse array of towering trees, murmuring streams, and a captivating waterfall. Primarily used for running, jogging, and walking, this trail is a favorite among dog owners. As you embark on this fascinating journey, you and your loyal canine are sure to come across numerous friendly faces and wagging tails eager to accompany you on your adventure.

Trail 3: The Pipe Track from Kloof Nek

A popular weekend spot for both locals and their four-legged friends, the Pipe Track from Kloof Nek offers an extraordinary trail that winds along the contours of the famous Table Mountain. As you journey along this path, you will be treated to breathtaking views of Camps Bay, leaving you in awe of nature’s incredible beauty.

Trail 4: Elephant’s Eye

Located near Noordhoek, the 5.3-kilometer Elephant’s Eye trail entices adventurers with the prospect of an exciting cave exploration. It’s a beautiful haven that your furry buddy will surely enjoy as they frolic amidst the stunning surroundings.

Important Information for Dog Walkers

Before venturing out to discover these marvelous hiking trails with your canine friend, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations. Areas within the Table Mountain National Park require dog walkers to hold a Level 1 My Activity Permit. Priced at R360, this permit can be purchased from the Tokai Plantation Office on Tokai Road, which is open from Monday to Friday between 8 am to 12:30 pm and 1 pm to 3:45 pm. Keep in mind that this permit will remain valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Special Offer for Northern Suburbs Residents

Northern suburbs residents can now treat their furry pals to a mobile full grooming service at a discounted price of R255 (valued at R340). Take advantage of this fantastic deal to spoil your cherished pet with a well-deserved grooming session.

Cape Town offers an extensive selection of dog-friendly hiking trails, ensuring a memorable experience for both you and your faithful canine companion. Whether you enjoy leisurely walks through lush forests or challenging treks along mountainous paths, these trails cater to all preferences and inclinations. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your dog’s leash, and embark on an exciting journey through the mesmerizing outdoors of the Mother City.

1. What is Cape Town’s dog-friendly hiking trails?

Cape Town’s dog-friendly hiking trails are a selection of hiking trails that allow dogs to accompany their owners on the journey.

2. Which are some of the dog-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town?

Some of the dog-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town include Newlands Forest via the Contour Path, the Cecilia Forest Loop, the Pipe Track from Kloof Nek, and Elephant’s Eye.

3. What do I need to know before taking my dog on a hike in Cape Town?

Before taking your dog on a hike in Cape Town, it’s important to note that you need a Level 1 My Activity Permit to enter areas within the Table Mountain National Park.

4. Where can I get a Level 1 My Activity Permit?

You can purchase a Level 1 My Activity Permit from the Tokai Plantation Office on Tokai Road in Cape Town.

5. How much does a Level 1 My Activity Permit cost?

A Level 1 My Activity Permit costs R360 and remains valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

6. Which is the best time to go on a dog-friendly hike in Cape Town?

The best time to go on a dog-friendly hike in Cape Town is in the morning when it’s cooler, or in the late afternoon when the sun is not too hot.

7. What activities are available at the dog-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town?

The dog-friendly hiking trails in Cape Town offer a variety of activities, including walking, jogging, running, and cave exploration.

8. Is there any special offer for Northern Suburbs residents?

Yes, Northern Suburbs residents can enjoy a mobile full grooming service for their furry friends at a discounted price of R255 (valued at R340).

Hannah Kriel is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food scene—from Bo-Kaap spice routes to Constantia vineyards—for local and international outlets. When she’s not interviewing chefs or tracking the harvest on her grandparents’ Stellenbosch farm, you’ll find her surfing the Atlantic breaks she first rode as a schoolgirl.

Previous Story

Unlocking the Secrets of Food Date Labels: A Path to Health, Savings, and Sustainability

Next Story

The Abdulkader Elyas Qualification Scandal and the Demand for Accountability in Cape Town

Latest from Blog

Forty Metres of Air: The Morning Kiteboarding Rewrote Physics

Hugo Wigglesworth, a young kiteboarder, defied gravity and rewrote the record books by soaring an incredible 40 meters into the air. He used powerful winds, a perfectly timed jump off a wave, and special gear to achieve this amazing feat. His careful planning and hundreds of practice runs made him fly higher than anyone before, showing the world what’s possible in kiteboarding.

Airbnb Under Fire: How Cape Town’s Housing Crunch Became a Tourism Blame-Game

Cape Town’s housing woes are NOT really Airbnb’s fault, even though a viral photo tried to blame them! The real problem is that not enough homes are being built, and lots of new people are moving to the city. Getting building permits takes forever, making homes expensive. Airbnb brings in lots of money and jobs, and even if all Airbnbs disappeared, it wouldn’t fix the big housing shortage. The city needs to build more homes and make it easier to do so, not just point fingers at tourists.

Cape Town’s Hottest Tables: Where Summer Tastes Like Salt, Smoke and Midnight Vinyl

Cape Town’s new restaurants are super exciting, offering amazing tastes from the ocean, farms, and even old recipes. Places like Amura serve unique sea dishes, while Tannin has a huge wine list and tiny plates. Café Sofi bakes heavenly pastries, Beach Buns makes awesome burgers, and Le Bistrot de JAN mixes French and South African flavors. These spots let you taste the city’s lively food scene, from fancy dinners to casual beach eats, making every meal an adventure.

Between Concrete and Current – Four Inland Hearts Meet the Indian Ocean

This article tells a beautiful story of four South Africans from inland places who see the Indian Ocean for the very first time. For many, the sea is just a picture, far away and hard to reach. But when these brave people finally touch the salty water, it changes them deeply. They feel the ocean’s power, taste its salt, and understand that this huge, blue world is now a part of their own story, breaking down old ideas about who can connect with the sea.