DEVIL'S PEAK

Devil’s Peak, together with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, forms the dramatic skyline around Cape Town’s City Bowl. It’s the least visited of the three peaks, which makes it ideal for hikers who want solitude, wild scenery and exceptional views. If you’re fit, enjoy long hikes and want a real mountain experience away from the busiest trails, Devil’s Peak is a top choice.

How difficult is Devil’s Peak?

Although slightly lower than Table Mountain (about 1,000 m vs. 1,086 m), Devil’s Peak demands respect. The trails are steep and require solid fitness. There is no cableway, and the downhill can be tough on the knees, so hiking poles are strongly recommended.

The route we guide is primarily a B-grade with some light scrambling on the ascent. These scramble sections are not highly technical but do require good footwork, balance, and confidence. The descent follows an A-grade path without any scrambling; however, it is very steep with loose stones. Many people find this a hard terrain for hiking. We only hike Devil’s Peak in good weather because it’s known for being very windy. In fact, it used to be called “Windberg” by the Dutch settlers, which directly translates to “windy mountain”.

Nature, fynbos, and views

One of the highlights of Devil’s Peak is the stretch through dense fynbos, including proteas and other native species of the Cape Floral Kingdom. This vegetation is part of what makes the hike unique — fragrant, botanically rich and visually spectacular.

At the summit, you get a remarkable 360° panorama: Table Bay to the north, the Winelands (Stellenbosch and Paarl) to the east, False Bay to the south, and Table Mountain to the west. On clear days, the view can extend more than 100 km. 

Duration, fitness, and what to expect

• Typical duration: ±6 hours for the circular route (variable by group fitness and pace).

• Height gain: 610m.

• Fitness level: best for hikers with good endurance and some mountain experience.

• Equipment: sturdy shoes with profile on the soles, plenty of water, layered clothing, sun protection, and hiking poles for the descent.

We tailor the pace to the group.

Route choices & alternatives

Our preferred route is a scenic circuit that captures the best of Devil’s Peak. If Devil’s Peak feels too demanding or the weather isn’t right, good alternatives include India Venster (shorter, steeper, with scramble sections) and Wood Buttress (longer, more remote and technical). We’ll advise honestly on which route suits your fitness and experience level.

Why hike Devil’s Peak with a guide?

Guided hikes offer more than safety. Our guides bring local knowledge, show hidden viewpoints, explain the region’s flora and geology, and manage route choices around weather and group ability. For a challenging, less-trafficked mountain like Devil’s Peak, a guide adds confidence and an enriching experience.