Farmer's Cliffs Trail
ModerateCape Point
At a glance
Distance
8 km one way
Time
4–6 hr one way
Elevation gain
400 m
Summit
200 m
An isolated and remote trail within Cape Point. This is genuine wilderness — there are no facilities and rescue response times are significantly longer than on Table Mountain. Do not hike alone.
Know before you go
- Point-to-point trail — arrange a shuttle to Booi se Skerm or Buffels Bay before you start.
- SANParks entry fee required — card only, no cash.
- Good whale-watching potential June–November from the clifftops.
- Start early — the park gates close in the evening.
If you need help
Very low rescue frequency but high consequence if an incident occurs. The remote location means WSAR ground response can take several hours. A helicopter is the most likely rescue option if deployed.
Emergency exit
Return to the Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint, or push on to Booi se Skerm parking. There is no lateral exit from this clifftop route — plan the shuttle carefully before starting.
Cell reception
Spotty. Signal is weak in the valley sections.
Start point
Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint, just inside the Cape Point entrance (SANParks entry fee applies, card only). Point-to-point hike — leave a second car at Booi se Skerm parking on Black Rock Road, or at Buffels Bay beach
Parking: Smitswinkel Bay viewpoint inside Cape Point. Card only at gate.
Elevation profile
Peak
200 m
Total ascent
400 m
Trail length
8 km
Best time of year
Whales pass June–November. Avoid hot summer days — no shade.
Tell someone where you are going
Share your plan with a friend or family member before you set off.
Last reviewed May 2026
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