Tranquillity Cracks
This hiking route takes us up and down the 12 Apostles to Tranquillity Cracks. On this route, we explore the secret hidden gems of the Table Mountain range.
Time: 5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps, jeep track, steep sections

Route Description
The hike takes you to a more peaceful side of the mountain to Tranquillity Cracks, away from the rush of the popular Table Mountain summit. It also doesn't summit on the famous plateau, nor does it take you to the cable car station. This hike takes place on the western slopes of the Table Mountain range. On the Tranquillity Cracks Hike, we hike up and down the scenic routes of the 12 Apostles. The routes have mixed terrain and gradient. These routes are steep, and once we reach the top, we hike along more level terrain. The route starts off on a jeep track, into a single rock path, and then turns into more stair like terrain as we reach the steeper sections towards the summit. Just like all Table Mountain hikes, you need to have a relatively good fitness level to enjoy this hike.
The route starts off in Camps Bay on Table Mountain's historic Pipe Track, famous for the water pipes that follow the path, as well as its display of proteas and wide variety of Table Mountain flora. We then head up the 12 Apostles, a beautiful route highlighting the beauty of the many elements on the mountain. This section has a great mix of scenery and breath taking views, making the hike to the summit a pleasure.
Once at the top, you will be surrounded by the beautiful landscape of the Back Table, often where there isn't a person in sight. We will then follow a discreet path leading us to Tranquillity Cracks, a secret hidden location on Table Mountain. With a bit of help from Mother Nature, huge sandstone boulders have formed cracks, caves, and passages filled with yellowwood trees, leading to spectacular viewpoints over Camps Bay and the Atlantic coastline. Tranquillity Cracks is famous for not being easily found, unless you know the way, of course.
We'll be sure to spend some time here to take it all in, before heading off on a more relaxing stroll along the beautiful landscapes of what lies above the Back Table. We will visit the old cable car ruins and some incredible photo locations, before heading down the 12 Apostles. This descent boasts magnificent views, and hiking down is superb, as you will be facing the Atlantic Ocean coastline the entire way down. The route taps back onto the Pipe Track, and we end the hike back where we began.
Hike Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Hike brief
- Hike to Tranquility Cracks via the 12 Apostles
- Enjoy the view points and explore the top of the mountain
- Hike back down to the start point via the 12 Apostles
Finish: 5 hours later
Highlights
- A peaceful, quieter alternative to Table Mountain’s busier summit routes
- Hike up and down the scenic 12 Apostles, away from the crowds
- Explore Tranquillity Cracks, a hidden network of sandstone caves, cracks, and yellowwood trees
- Spectacular, hard to find viewpoints over Camps Bay and the Atlantic coastline
- Peaceful landscapes of the Back Table, often without another person in sight
- Visit the historic old cable car ruins along the way
Meeting and Parking
- We will meet at the Kasteelspoort trail start point, located at the Pipe Track entrance on Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay.
- There is parking alongside the road.
Weather
- At times, Table Mountain hikes can be affected by Cape Town’s weather, so we keep a close eye on forecasts ahead of every hike.
- If weather conditions require us to cancel a hike, we’ll either reschedule you for another available date or issue a full refund, depending on your preference.
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Group Hike
Open for anyone to join, group sizes stay small, but vary from day to day. We try to match hikers with similar fitness levels, though this isn’t always achievable, so fitness levels within a group can vary at times.
| Price | $ 118per person |
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Private Hike
On private hikes you will have a more personalized experience with you own hiking guide. On private hikes you can set your own pace.
| Price | $ 118per person |
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