What to Expect

• Start & Flow: We begin in the cool shade of Newlands Forest with a gentle warm-up, stretch, and introductions before stepping onto the trail. The path climbs steadily through forest cover, passing the famous Newlands Picnic Table for a short check-in. From here, the trail steepens as the trees fall away and sunlight breaks across the climb toward the Saddle. Beyond the Saddle lies the exposed, wind-swept final stretch to the summit — steep, demanding, and unforgettable.

• Turning Points:

  • Picnic Table: A natural pause where we regroup and assess how the climb is feeling. Casual hikers may choose this as their sunrise highlight.

  • The Saddle: The gateway between Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, often windy and dramatic. If conditions or group energy demand, this is a safe and scenic turnaround point.

  • The Summit: At 1,000 m, the peak crowns the climb with one of the most commanding views in Cape Town: Lion’s Head across the city, Table Mountain at your side, and both oceans stretching into the horizon.

• Descent: We follow the same path down, moving carefully as the terrain can be steep and loose. The goal is always to descend well before weather turns or winds pick up. Depending on the group and start time, we finish mid-to-late morning, or just after lunch for later departures.

Key Details

• • Distance: ~10 km round trip (6.2 miles)

  • Elevation Gain: ~950 m (3,117 ft) — with indirect trail routes adding variety and challenge

  • Duration:

    • Fast groups: 4–6 hours (minimal stops)

    • Standard groups: 6–8 hours (summit break included)

  • Difficulty: Hard / Challenging — steep sections, exposure, strong winds possible

  • Summit Elevation: 1,000 m (3,281 ft)

Logistics

• Meetup Point: Newlands Forest Parking (standard route). Alternative starts from Rhodes Memorial or Tafelberg Road available for private groups seeking a shorter approach.

• Times: Sunrise and morning/day hikes only.

  • Thrill seekers: Reach the Saddle by sunrise.

  • Casual challengers: Reach the Picnic Table by sunrise, with first light guiding the climb.

  • Late start option: 6–8 am departures, summiting near midday.

• Group Size: 2–6 preferred, max 8.

• Private Hikes: Strongly recommended for fast movers, slower-paced hikers, or those seeking a tailored challenge.

What to Bring

• Sturdy hiking shoes with grip

• Windbreaker or rain shell (winds and weather shift quickly)

• Headlamp (mandatory for sunrise starts)

• Water (minimum 2 liters per person, more for hot days)

• Snacks / light meal for the summit

• Warm layer for exposed summit conditions

• Optional: camera to capture the legendary “tablecloth” clouds

Optional Add-ons

• Light summit pack: Powerade, nuts & raisins, snack bar (+R150 pp)

Refunds & Reschedules

We hike in most weather, but Devil’s Peak is notorious for strong winds and fast-changing conditions.

• The guide may call a turnaround at the Picnic Table or the Saddle if conditions prove unsafe — this is non-negotiable.

• Cloudy or windy conditions may require early descent or postponement.

• Reschedules or refunds:

  • 24+ hours before: full refund or free reschedule

  • 12–24 hours before: 50% refund or free reschedule

  • Less than 12 hours: no refund; reschedule at guide’s discretion

  • On-site turnarounds: reschedule discount or partial refund at guide’s discretion

Why We Love It

Devil’s Peak is not about ease — it’s about triumph. Every step feels like a contest between body, mountain, and the Cape’s famous “veil of cloud,” born from the legend of Jan van Hunks and the Devil himself. The climb is steep, the winds can howl, and yet the reward is unmatched: a summit view that feels hard-earned, alive with history, and charged with adrenaline. For those who seek a true challenge, Devil’s Peak offers one of Cape Town’s most iconic victories.