Devil’s Peak, along with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, is one of the three major peaks forming the dramatic skyline of Cape Town. Together, these mountains create a natural amphitheatre, cradling the city centre in what is known as the Cape Town City Bowl. Of the three, Devil’s Peak is the least visited – but for adventurous hikers, this mountain offers solitude, wild beauty, and some of the most impressive panoramic views in the region.

Although Devil’s Peak is slightly lower than Table Mountain – rising to around 1,000 metres compared to Table Mountain’s 1,086 metres – it demands respect. The hiking routes are steep and require a decent level of fitness. Unlike Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak has no cableway, which means there’s no easy way down. Every step up has to be walked down again – and the descent, while less technical, is steep and can be tough on the knees. Hiking poles are definitely recommended.

Historically, Devil’s Peak was called “Windberg,” which translates to “Windy Mountain” – a fitting name, as it’s the windiest of the three main peaks. Strong gusts can whip across the ridges and make the exposed sections of the hike both uncomfortable and unsafe. That’s why we only guide hikes up Devil’s Peak in favourable weather conditions. Your safety is always our top priority.

Our preferred route is a scenic circular trail that gives you the best of what Devil’s Peak has to offer. The ascent is a B-grade route that involves some light scrambling. While the exposure is moderate, the scrambling sections are not technically difficult and can be tackled by most hikers with a reasonable level of agility and confidence. The descent, in contrast, follows an A-grade path that is steep but straightforward, with no climbing involved.

One of the highlights of the hike is the stretch through dense fynbos, including a thicket of Proteas – South Africa’s national flower. Walking through this lush, fragrant vegetation slows the pace slightly, but it offers a wonderful immersion in the unique biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the world’s richest botanical regions.

Once you reach the summit of Devil’s Peak, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama.

To the north lies Table Bay, to the east you can see the winelands of Stellenbosch and Paarl, and to the south, the land drops away toward False Bay. On clear days, the view stretches for over 100 kilometres in every direction – making the effort of the climb completely worthwhile.

The round-trip hike takes about six hours to complete, but this can vary significantly depending on your fitness level, pace, and group size. We always adjust the tempo to suit the group, ensuring a comfortable, enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

If Devil’s Peak sounds a bit too challenging, or if the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are fantastic alternative hikes to consider. Table Mountain itself offers a wide variety of routes, including the popular India Venster trail – a shorter, steep route with some fun scrambling and spectacular views. For those looking for something more remote and adventurous, the Wood Buttress route provides a longer hike with more technical sections and less foot traffic.

At Like2Hike, we specialize in guiding small groups on safe, well-planned adventures up Devil’s Peak and many other routes around Cape Town. With decades of combined mountain experience and deep local knowledge, we offer more than just a hike – we create unforgettable experiences in the wilderness.

If you’re looking for a hike that’s off the beaten path, packed with natural beauty, and guaranteed to get your heart pumping, Devil’s Peak is a perfect choice. Join us, and discover one of Cape Town’s most underrated gems – away from the crowds, closer to nature, and with views you’ll never forget.