Cecilia Waterfall Hike: An Easy Beginner Hike in Cape Town

If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly hike in Cape Town with a waterfall as the reward, the Cecilia Waterfall Hike is an easy win. It’s scenic, manageable even at a slow pace, and ends with a peaceful waterfall moment that feels well-earned without being exhausting. It’s a great addition to a relaxed Cape Town weekend itinerary.

This 5 km loop hike starts in Cecilia Forest, just above Constantia, and is a great option if you’re new to hiking, easing back into fitness, or simply want something chilled with beautiful views. Want to watch instead? Click here.

Cecilia Waterfall Hike Overview

• Distance: ±5 km loop

• Duration: ±2 hours

• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

• Starting Point: Cecilia Forest, Constantia

• Highlights: Forest paths, waterfall, city views

Starting Point & Parking

The hike begins at Cecilia Forest, where there’s parking at the base. There’s usually a car guard on duty, which gives a bit of peace of mind before you head off. From the start, the trail eases you in gently before the real climb begins.

The First Section: Slow and Steady Wins

The initial stretch includes a steady incline as you wind around a bend before starting the main climb. This section is all about pacing. We recommend going slow and steady, especially if your fitness level is on the lower side.

The good news is that even at a very relaxed pace, this hike is completely doable. Take your time, soak in the greenery, and enjoy the calm of the forest, there’s no rush here. This is one of our favourite easy beginner hikes in Cape Town, in addition to Elephant's Eye.

Reaching the Waterfalls

After about one hour, you’ll reach the first waterfall, followed just a few minutes later by the second waterfall. This is hands down the highlight of the hike.

The combination of tall trees, flowing water, and filtered light makes this a lekker spot for photos. There’s even a place where you can stand close enough to the waterfall to get that picture-perfect shot with water cascading around you - very Instagram-friendly.

The waterfall marks the halfway point of the hike, so it’s a great place to stop, rest, take photos, and enjoy the reward before continuing.

The Second Half: City Views and Forest Paths

From the waterfall, you’ve got roughly another hour to go. This part of the trail opens up to spectacular views over Cape Town, and the route also links up with Kirstenbosch Gardens, adding a different feel to the hike as the scenery changes.

The last 30 minutes take you along a jeep track, which is admittedly the least exciting section. That said, you eventually reconnect with forest paths, and depending on recent rain, water from the waterfall often flows down here as a small stream, bringing some life back into the walk.

The perfect Instagram spot

How Long Does the Cecilia Waterfall Hike Take?

At a comfortable, steady pace, the hike takes about 2 hours. We’d recommend allowing an extra 15 minutes for photos, soaking in the waterfall, and capturing a few shots for the gram 😛😁

Why This Beginner Hike in Cape Town is Worth Doing

• Beginner-friendly and manageable at a slow pace

• Beautiful forest scenery throughout

• A rewarding waterfall halfway through

• Great views of the city on the return leg

• Ideal for relaxed weekend hikes or first-timers

This is a hike we’d happily recommend to first-timers or anyone wanting something scenic without pushing their limits. It’s one of those trails that feels rewarding without being intimidating. If you’re exploring the area, pair this hike with a visit to Kirstenbosch Gardens.

Check out similar hikes you can do when in South Africa, or if you want help with planning your trip to South Africa, reach out to us here, check out our itineraries, or subscribe to our blog.

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