Hiking to Hangklip at Pringle Bay, a short drive from Cape Town

While the coastline running from Rooi Els through to Betty’s Bay has loads to offer by way of pristine beaches and coves; quaint restaurants and shops, the absolute hidden gem of this region, Hangklip, requires a little bit more effort than drive and park but are oh so worth the while.

• The difficulty is moderate to difficult
• Hike not for people with walking difficulty and is not Wheelchair-friendly
• The hike will take you 3.5 - 4 hours
• Check the weather, climate may vary at the beacon
• Safety first

While it is advised to visit Pringle Bay for a weekend get-a-way to enjoy all it has to offer, the area is however near enough to Cape Town that so you can visit for the day. You definitely won’t get bored.

To get to Hangklip, you drive through the town of Pringle Bay. Drive-up Stream Road, to the start of the Hangklip trail. You will come to a small parking lot with an entry gate into the reserve.

You will follow a sandy path at first and will soon come upon a fork in the trail. Both routes will take you up to the Peak, but the right fork will mean a more strenuous climb and the left will be moderate. 

I went up the right fork and then followed the trail down the other side, making a loop. Be aware at all times that you are sharing this habitat, so keep your eyes open for beautiful flora and fauna, especially when taking young children with you. Pringle Bay has a troop of baboons that they are rather fond of. Below is a picture of the baboon monitor herding them back into the mountains for the day. We just stepped off the trail, and they marched past, avoiding the interaction.

Along the way, you may also spot a trail leading off the main trail about halfway up to the beacon. This is a bit more off the beaten track but leads to the caves. One of which has breathtaking views down the valley. The other which is hidden in a thicket of Milkwood Trees. A strong caution against entering the cave network it is hazardous to enter caves you are not familiar with.

After about two hours if you detour to the cave, you will come to the top of Hangklip. On a clear day, you can see right across False Bay into Simonstown! The views are simply spectacular and the effort well worth it.

• Water
• Sunscreen & hat
• Waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Snacks (Take the packets home with you)

Keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers dotting the landscape. Some of them are found nowhere else in the world other than the bio-diverse Fynbos kingdom of the Kogelberg we stopped counting at 60 different species!!