CapeTownMagazine.com

A guide to hiking Cecilia Waterfall

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

A guide to hiking Cecilia Waterfall

From hiking routes to conservation fees: all your questions answered

Last updated: 25 January 2022

Imagine this: A misty forest, the sound of water trickling down branches and dripping on the rocks beneath. Everything is perfectly still, and then you see a magical waterfall. This isn’t a scene from a movie. You’re in Cecilia Forest, which has many beautiful hiking trails, including a few to this mystical waterfall. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to the waterfall in Cecilia Ravine. 


One of the best things about these hikes is that dogs are allowed. Image: Jesslyn Jonathan (Instagram: @klausthecreamgsd)

HOW TO FIND THE WATERFALL

One of the great rewards of hiking through Cecilia Forest is finding the waterfall, which is at its best after it rains. It’s truly a magical sight, with the water gushing over ferns and green moss. You can stand under the water and cool off after the hike. The area is also full of rocks on which  you can rest and have a snack. 


The water tumbles over bright green ferns and delicate moss. Image: Carmen Lewis (@bohemian_sky)

HIKE THROUGH CECILIA FOREST

This hike is about 4.3 kilometres. It's not a casual stroll, but many families (dogs included) have done this route with ease. The route starts at the Cecilia Plantation car park along Rhodes Drive, opposite the Hohenort Avenue turn-off, and takes about 2 hours to complete. 

Distance: 4.3km
Duration: +/- 2 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate. Easy path to follow, but can be slippery after the rain.
Cost: Free


This walk is moderate, but can get slippery when wet. Image: Sa’diyah Chohan (Instagram: @saadiyahchohan)

HIKE FROM KIRSTENBOSCH GARDENS

The route from Kirstenbosch starts on the corner of Klaassen Street and Rhodes Drive. This trail is a bit longer, 6.8 kilometres, and is a bit more challenging. The plus side is you walk past a beautiful dam (you can swim in it) and the views are insanely beautiful. Note that you must pay to enter the garden. 

Distance: 6.8km
Duration: +/- 3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate to hard; must have a fair fitness level.
Cost: Standard entry fee for Kirstenbosch (between R45-R200)


This route has absolutely gorgeous views. Image: @rhafikas

YOU CAN CHOOSE TWO OTHER ROUTES

Cecilia Forest is part of Table Mountain, so there are many different routes to get to the forest. Other popular routes are from Constantia Nek or Newlands Ravine. Both routes can be moderate if you stay on the straight paths. 

TIPS FROM HIKERS

  • The waterfall is at its best after it has rained, so plan according to the weather.

  • The hike is quite popular, especially on weekends. It can get quite crowded so either avoid the morning rush by going in the afternoon or go before the morning rush. 

  • Choose a route that suits your fitness level. Some of the routes are longer and more difficult because of inclines. 

- By Lara van Zyl

---

FIND MORE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Go on an unforgettable adventure with Suicide Gorge. 
Discover 5 hidden gems about Green Point Park.
Hike to a magical cave with Elephant’s Eye. 
See what events are lined up for this weekend

---

Loved discovering this?  Make sure you get our popular weekly newsletter. Follow and like us on TwitterFacebookLinkedInInstagramPinterest for updates. 

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

mischu breakfast specialWeekends are for mischu

Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?

Cape Town Meadery mead tastingHave you ever tasted mead?

Taste beer, gin and more made from mead (until June)

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Vooma Zip Zap CircusElectrifying circus show for the whole ...

Trapeze, acrobatics, juggling + comedy for all

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Picnic in the parkPicnic in the Parks, fun workshops for ...

Book a picnic basket, get it delivered to the park + do interactive workshops

Distiller's UnionMake your unique brand of gin

At Distiller’s Union you get to also pick the flavour, colour + drink craft beer

Bar KeeperBar Keeper is open on Sundays till ...

Order 1 bottle to many cases online or in store, get it delivered same day, cold

Sweet River Brewery ingredientsBook out this distillery for your next ...

Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza

The Purple WindmillWeekend market that has it all

Craft beer, kids playpark, aqua golf, target shooting, donkeys and more

Black Elephant Vintners music and wine pairingEver imagined a rock ‘n roll ...

Silent disco, wine barrel tables + rock star murals at Black Elephant Vintners

Blue Train ParkKids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...

BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

StrollaGet Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...

Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)

Honeybee Heroes Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...

Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips