Devil’s Peak is the easternmost summit of the Table Mountain range and offers a more challenging, less crowded alternative to the city’s more popular hikes. The most common route starts from Rhodes Memorial and winds its way up through forested sections before becoming steeper and more rugged as you approach the summit.

The hike is about 6–7 km return and typically takes 3–4 hours. It’s considered moderately difficult to challenging, with sustained elevation gain and some rocky terrain near the top. The reward is panoramic views over Cape Town, Table Bay, and the surrounding mountains.

Devil’s Peak has long been part of the natural landscape used by early inhabitants of the Cape, including indigenous Khoi communities who moved across the mountain range. During colonial times, the slopes became associated with forestry and early settlements, which is why routes like the one from Rhodes Memorial developed as access paths.

The name “Devil’s Peak” is tied to local folklore, most famously the legend of a smoking contest between a pirate named Jan van Hunks and the devil said to explain the “tablecloth” cloud that often covers the mountain.

Over time, hiking paths were shaped by regular use rather than formal construction, giving the route a more natural and rugged feel. Today, it remains a favourite for hikers looking for a tougher climb with fewer crowds, while still being deeply connected to Cape Town’s history and mythology.

• Duration: 4-5 Hours return
• Elevation: 1001m
• 6km