Twelve Apostles
The Atlantic-side ridge of Table Mountain — a serrated line of peaks above Camps Bay, reached from the Pipe Track.
Trip Role
Ideal stay
Best for
Our take
The Twelve Apostles are a dramatic, serrated wall of rock that defines the Atlantic side of Table Mountain. They are best appreciated from below as a backdrop or from the Pipe Track, which offers accessible, high-reward mountain walking.
The Twelve Apostles are a dramatic, serrated wall of rock that defines the Atlantic side of Table Mountain. They are best appreciated from below as a backdrop or from the Pipe Track, which offers accessible, high-reward mountain walking.
- Trip Role
- Day Trip
- Ideal Stay
- 90 minutes to four hours, depending on your route.
- Best For
- coastal views, fynbos, accessible mountain walking, photography, sunset watching
- Skip If
- strollers, wheelchairs, those seeking a quick, effortless tourist attraction
- Go If
- You want a reliable, scenic walk that avoids the intense vertical slog of a full summit climb, or you are looking for a dramatic coastal backdrop for a day spent in Camps Bay.
Why it's worth your time
Table Mountain's Atlantic ridge — a serrated line of peaks above Camps Bay.
What we love
The scale of the buttresses is genuinely imposing when you are walking directly beneath them on the Pipe Track. Unlike the crowded front face of Table Mountain, this side feels like a raw, quiet edge of the continent where the mountain meets the Atlantic.
What to know
The Pipe Track is the primary artery for accessing these slopes, but it is not a loop. You will walk out and back, so manage your energy accordingly. The path is exposed to the afternoon sun, which can be punishing in summer. Always carry more water than you think you need and check the wind forecast, as the mountain can become dangerous in high gusts.
The full guide
The Pipe Track Experience
The Pipe Track is the most practical way to engage with the Twelve Apostles without committing to a strenuous summit ascent. Starting from the Kloof Nek parking area, the path follows an 1887 water pipeline along the western flank of the mountain. It is a relatively level, gravel-based route that provides constant, sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Camps Bay coastline far below. You are walking directly beneath the towering buttresses, which gives you a sense of the mountain's true scale. The trail is popular with locals, trail runners, and families, but it remains a mountain path with uneven footing and sections of direct sun exposure. It is a straightforward out-and-back walk, meaning you can turn around whenever you have had enough, making it a flexible choice for a morning or afternoon outing.
Navigating the Ravines
If you intend to move beyond the base of the mountain, you will encounter the various ravines that cut through the Twelve Apostles. Routes like Kasteelspoort and Woody Ravine are the standard ways to reach the top of the mountain from this side. These are not casual hikes. They involve steep, rocky staircases, sections of scrambling where you will need your hands, and significant elevation gain. These paths are often poorly marked for the uninitiated and can be treacherous in wet or windy conditions. If you are not an experienced hiker, stick to the main Pipe Track. If you do choose to ascend, ensure you have proper footwear, a map, and a clear understanding of the weather, as conditions on the mountain can shift from clear to dangerous in minutes.
Combining the Visit
The Twelve Apostles are best paired with the amenities of the Atlantic Seaboard. After a morning walk on the Pipe Track, you are only a short drive or a steep walk down to the beaches of Camps Bay or Clifton. These areas offer a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and bars that are perfect for a post-hike meal. If you prefer to stay on the mountain, you can combine your walk with a visit to the historic water works near the top of the ravines, though this requires a much longer day. Parking at the trailheads on Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek is limited and often fills up early on weekends. Always remove all valuables from your vehicle before leaving it, as break-ins are a known issue at these popular trailheads.
Before you book
Questions Twelve Apostles always raises
- Are there actually twelve peaks?
- No. The name is a historical misnomer. There are eighteen distinct, named peaks along the ridge, ranging from Kloof Buttress in the north to Hout Bay Corner in the south. The name was coined by a British governor in 1820.
- Is the Pipe Track safe for children?
- The Pipe Track is generally safe for active children, but it is not a paved path. It has uneven, rocky sections and steep drop-offs in some areas. Keep children close, ensure they have sturdy shoes, and avoid the trail during high winds or extreme heat.
- Do I need a guide to hike the Twelve Apostles?
- You do not need a guide for the main Pipe Track, which is well-trodden and easy to follow. However, if you plan to ascend the ravines to the summit, a guide is highly recommended unless you are an experienced hiker familiar with Table Mountain.
- Can I see the Twelve Apostles from the city centre?
- You can see the buttresses from various points in the city, but the best views are from the Atlantic side, specifically from the beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton, or while driving along Victoria Road toward Hout Bay.