The Pipe Track is a beautiful and tranquil hiking route that takes you along the Atlantic coast and looks over Camps Bay and Lion’s Head. It is one of the most enjoyable hikes in Cape Town and a great way to gain some understanding of what Table Mountain hiking has to offer. Although the Pipe Track covers some distance, it is not steep or too strenuous.
One of Table Mountain’s oldest hiking routes, the Pipe Tracks dates back to 1887 when it was constructed to lay pipelines. These pipelines now carry water from the Table Mountain reservoirs to the City of Cape Town. The hiking route is fairly level and starts off on a single rock path which later joins onto a jeep track. There are a few slight hills which are not really worth highlighting. The Twelve Apostles mountain range provides amazing views throughout the walk.
The hiking trail starts at Kloof Nek and follows the old water pipe all the way to Slangolie Ravine. The walking trail is easy to reach and to follow, and it is suitable for children and those that are relatively unfit. The Pipe Track offers hikers a lot and is packed with Table Mountain’s unique fynbos including a wide variety of proteas. It is situated next to Table Mountain’s massive sandstone cliffs and passes through the beautiful ravines of the western slopes.
There are many places on the Pipe Track where you can stop to take in the breathtaking views along the way. The hike takes approximately two hours each way, but hikers can head back at any time along its course. It is shaded in the mornings, but receives a lot of sunlight throughout the day. In the hotter summer months it is recommended that you hike the route in the evening and mornings. Keep in mind that you should take enough drinking water along, apply a high-factor sunscreen. Avoid hiking alone and carry a cell phone with you.
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