Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Hike (Cape Town’s Secret Waterfall Trail)

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a fairytale forest — moss dripping from the trees, waterfalls tumbling over slick rocks, and flashes of rare, blood-red disas — Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine is where that dream comes true.

Tucked quietly above Hout Bay, this hike feels like Cape Town’s best-kept secret. It’s raw. It’s beautiful. And it’s just wild enough to make you feel like you’re on a real adventure.

In winter, the waterfall roars to life after heavy rains. In summer, hikers hunt for the elusive red disa. 

The trail itself is a mix of shady forest, rock-hopping streams, and rugged mountain paths. It’s the kind of hike that really makes you feel alive (and maybe a little sweaty).

It’s not the longest or the hardest hike around, but it’s one of the most magical, perfect for anyone who loves exploring places that feel untouched and a little bit secret. If you (also) can’t stand the crowds on Lion’s Head, then this is the adventure for you. 

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this hidden gem.

Hike Overview

• Start Location: End of Farrier’s Way, Tarragona Estate, Hout Bay
• Distance: ~4 to 6 km (depending how far you explore)
• Duration: 2 to 3 hours (add time if you hunt for disas)
• Difficulty: Moderate (steep sections, light scrambling, but doable)
• Elevation Gain: ~300–400 meters
• Best Time: Winter for the waterfall; late summer (Jan–Feb) for red disas
• Permit/Fees: None
• Dog-Friendly: Technically yes, but only if your dog can handle steep, rocky sections.
• Cell Signal: Patchy at best, download maps offline!

Image: Trail Fit SA

How to Get There + Starting Point

Drive through Hout Bay into the quiet suburb of Tarragona Estate. Plug Farrier’s Way, Hout Bay into Google Maps.

At the dead end (cul-de-sac) of Farrier’s Way, you’ll spot a rough dirt track heading up toward the mountain. That’s your trailhead. Park along the road, but don’t block any driveways.

Important: You’ll soon reach a coded gate that protects the private land you’re crossing. To get the access code:

• Call the security office at +27 21 790 7901 (the code changes regularly).
• Or sometimes the guards at the Tarragona boom gate will give it to you.
  

It’s polite to check in if you can — hikers are welcome as long as everyone plays nice.

Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Route: Step-by-Step

Once you’ve found the trailhead, the route’s pretty straightforward. But, keep these steps in mind before you go.

1. Farrier’s Way to the Gate

Walk up the gravel road. After about 200m, you’ll hit the locked pedestrian gate. Pop in the code, step through, and keep heading up.

2. Through the Pines

The path threads through a stand of scraggly pine trees. It’s a bit eerie, especially in the mist, but it’s over quickly.

You’ll reach a junction — take the right-hand path (left goes to Suikerbossie; not your hike today).

3. Into the Ravine

After another 5–10 minutes, look for a faint trail branching left and uphill into thicker bush. Congratulations — you’re officially in Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine.

This is where things start feeling a little wild. It’s shady, cool, and mossy. The path becomes less obvious. Trust your instincts: keep heading uphill, following the watercourse.

You’ll cross the streambed a couple of times. No biggie. When in doubt, stay close to the trickling water.

4. The Waterfall

After about 30–45 minutes, you’ll reach the base of Myburgh’s Waterfall.

In winter (after rains), it’s an absolute beauty — water gushing over slick mossy rock. In summer, it might just be a gentle dribble… but the lush setting still feels like you stepped into a different world.

This is a good spot to stop, snack, and soak up the green.

5. Beyond the Waterfall (Optional Scramble)

Feeling strong? You can continue UP past the waterfall.

The trail becomes steeper and a little rough, hands-and-feet scrambling over boulders and through narrow rock cracks. But after 10–15 minutes, it levels out again.

6. The Red Disa Zone

In late January and February, if you’re lucky, you’ll start spotting bright red disas tucked among the moss and ferns.

These rare flowers only bloom for a few short weeks, and Myburgh’s Ravine is one of the few places in the world you can find them naturally. Look carefully — they blend into the rocks!

Pro Tip: Peak disa season is usually the middle two weeks of February. Time your hike if you’re hoping to catch the full show.

What to Pack

• Water: 2L minimum — there’s shade, but it’s still a sweaty climb.
• Snacks: Always. (Energy bars, naartjies, biltong.)
• Good Hiking Shoes: Grippy soles are non-negotiable for the rocky sections.
• Hat + Sunscreen: Even though you start shaded, the sun still sneaks in later.
• Windbreaker: It gets breezy up high, even in summer.
• Offline Map or GPS App: Very few signs; easy to get confused without.
• Camera: You’ll want it for the waterfall… and the disas!
• Emergency Contact Info: Just in case — signal can be dodgy.

Optional but smart:

• Trekking Poles: Nice for the steep descent.
• Small First Aid Kit: Plasters, antiseptic wipes, blister plasters.

Best Seasons to Hike Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine

If you’re not searching for disas, there’s never really a bad time to do this hike.

• Winter (June–Aug): Best for a full, flowing waterfall. Trails can be muddy and slippery.
• Spring (Sept–Nov): Crisp mornings, wildflowers, pleasant temps.
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot and dry — but the chance to see red disas! Go early in the morning.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Cool, golden light, fewer crowds.
  

Best Time of Day: Start early, especially in summer. Midday sun bakes the exposed upper sections.

Pro Tips for Hiking Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Safely

Even though it’s a very short hike, it’s still important to be prepared and safe when you’re out on the mountain. As always, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t Hike Alone: It’s a rugged ravine — better with buddies.
• Get the Gate Code Before You Go: This might save you from unwanted delays.
• Check Weather Reports: The ravine can get slippery fast after rain.
• Stick to Visible Trails: It’s easy to get turned around in the forested sections.
• Watch for Loose Rocks: Especially on the scramble beyond the waterfall.
• Respect the Flora: The disas are delicate and rare — no picking or trampling!
  

Emergency Numbers to Save:

• TMNP Rangers: 086 110 6417
• Cape Town Emergency: 021 480 7700

Image: Trail Fit SA

Wildlife and Nature to Look For

You’re hiking in Cape Town, so of course there’s beautiful nature to soak up! Keep an eye out for these:

• Rock Agamas: Flashy blue-headed lizards basking on warm rocks.
• Sunbirds: Darting between protea bushes.
• Dassies (Rock Hyrax): Chubby little mountain mammals, chilling on boulders.
• Fynbos Flora: Everlasting flowers, proteas, ericas, and — if you’re lucky — the mighty red disa.

Why Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine Hike is Special

This isn’t one of the manicured, signposted tourist hikes. It feels wild and secret, like you’ve discovered your own private slice of Table Mountain.

In winter, the mossy waterfall makes it feel almost tropical. In summer, the disa blooms turn it into a botanical wonderland. And year-round, the views of Hout Bay and Llandudno once you break onto the upper slopes are seriously underrated.

It’s short enough to tackle on a morning adventure, but rugged enough to satisfy your craving for the real outdoors.

If you want a quieter, lusher, more “off the beaten track” Cape Town hike… Myburgh’s Waterfall Ravine is calling.