Devil's Peak Hike

About Devil's Peak Hike

Start: there are three routes to the top
Duration: rougly 4 hours, give or take an hour
Fitness: moderate to super fit
Our tip: always take water and a wind breaker, no matter what the weather, but a hat, sunglasses and a snack are also advisable

Stand at the Waterfront and look up at Table mountain – Devil's Peak is the larger of the two peak's on the Table's right. Only slightly shorter than Table Mountain, connected to it by a saddle, it stands at 1 001 metres high.

Whilst there are easy walks on the Devil's lower slopes, there is only one safe ascent to the peak and that is from the saddle between the peak and Table Mountain.

There are three routes to reach the Saddle: from Tafelberg Road on the city side; up Newlands Ravine from Newlands Forest (the shadier version of the hike), or the upper contour path from Mowbray Ridge and Minor Peak.

One:
Tafelberg Road boasts the best views and starts just past the Table Mountain cableway. Quite steep, watch out for the wind and rough paths.

Two:
Mowbray Ridge is the most difficult of the three routes; it starts at Rhodes Memorial. Follow signs to the Kings Block House. This route can be tricky.

Three:
Newlands Ravine also starts at Rhodes Memorial. It joins the contour path eventually from the far left corner of the parking lot. The ravine is not easy, but the scenery and the shade is heaven.

Once on the saddle there is one path that climbs straight up to the summit. The views are well worth the slog, but the peak is exposed and hikers need to take care.

Be particularly cautious if descending on the southern suburbs side as paths are steep and can get wet and slippery (Second Waterfall Ravine, Dark Gorge, Els Ravine).