Hard Cape Town Hikes: Bailey’s Kloof, One of Cape Town’s Most Scenic Hikes
- Saleha
- Jan 26
- 3 min read
If you’re ready to earn your views, the Bailey’s Kloof hike is one of the most breathtaking and rewarding, but moderate to hard Cape Town hikes. Sitting above Muizenberg, this trail delivers sweeping ocean views, dramatic climbs, and some of the most beautiful lookout points along the False Bay coastline. Want to see what it's like? Click here.
This Muizenberg Hike Has Some of the Best Views in Cape Town
It’s not a beginner hike, but if you’ve got average fitness and a willingness to push through a tough first section, this trail absolutely delivers. This is a hike we’d recommend for anyone with average fitness who’s looking to level up from beginner trails. We used AllTrails for navigation, took plenty of breaks on the climb, and found the route clearly manageable with good pacing.
Quick Hike Overview
Time: 2–3 hours total (with breaks)
Difficulty: Medium / average fitness
Location: Bailey’s Kloof, Muizenberg
Starting point: Opposite the Shark Spotters booth on Boyes Drive
Best time to start: Before 12pm
Getting There & Parking
The hike starts at Bailey’s Kloof in Muizenberg, directly opposite the Shark Spotters booth on Boyes Drive. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town city centre, and you’ll find parking right at the trailhead, which makes logistics easy.
Look out for the green information board at the start. It confirms you’re in the right place and gives basic trail details.
The Climb: Tough but Worth It
The trail begins right next to the road and briefly takes you through some bushes, but the path is clear and easy to follow.
The first 40 minutes are the hardest part of the hike. This section is steep, exposed, and often windy, and it’s where you’ll feel the burn. It’s a proper workout.
Our approach was simple: climb in sections, take breaks, and use those pauses to soak in the incredible views over Muizenberg Beach. Honestly, the scenery alone makes the effort worth it.
Once you push past this initial climb, the trail levels out into a more steady slope, and things start feeling far more manageable.
St James’ Peak & God’s Window (Stonehenge)
As the path evens out, make sure to veer right toward St James’ Peak. This is where the hike really shines.
One of the absolute must-stop points is Stonehenge, also known as God’s Window. The views here are nothing short of spectacular, with wide, open panoramas that make you forget how hard the climb was just minutes before.
Reaching the Peak
From God’s Window, you’ll continue ascending toward the peak. This section involves a bit of scrambling and route-finding, but it’s manageable. We highly recommend using AllTrails for navigation here. It guided us perfectly and removed any guesswork. When you reach the top, you’ll know you’re there by the trig beacon marking the peak. It’s a great place to rest, refuel, and take in the full sweep of the coastline below.
The Descent: Don’t Turn Back
When it’s time to head down, don’t turn around. Instead, continue forward along the loop.
On the way down, you’ll pass:
Muizenberg Caves
Nellie’s Pool
This section follows a comfortable contour path, giving your legs a bit of a break after the climb. Eventually, the trail loops back and reconnects with the same steep Bailey’s Kloof path for the final descent to the starting point. This is one of the most scenic coastal hikes in Cape Town, and you'll see why.
Why You Should Start Before 12pm
This hike is exposed, especially during the ascent. Starting before midday helps you:
Avoid harsh afternoon heat
Manage wind conditions more comfortably
Finish before visibility drops later in the day
Why hard Cape Town Hikes like this are Worth it
Some of the best coastal views in Cape Town
A rewarding challenge without being extreme
Iconic viewpoints like God’s Window
A proper sense of achievement at the summit
Easy access and parking at the trailhead
If you’re exploring the area, pair this with other Muizenberg activities!
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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