Cape Town's cruise port is centrally located and offers one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world with views of Table Mountain. At the same time, the city is excellent for outdoor activities. This 10-km route takes you through the Waterfront district, several kilometers along the coast, and back past the famous DHL Stadium — entirely through areas that are generally considered safe.
We start very close to the cruise terminal. Since there can be traffic around the harbor area, we recommend walking calmly to the actual starting point outside the terminal area first. From there, the route leads through the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you cross a drawbridge — short waiting times are possible.
After the Waterfront, you reach the coastal promenade and run several kilometers along the ocean. You can choose between a wide sidewalk next to the road or a path directly by the water — the waterfront path is much more scenic. Shortly after the rhino sculpture at Rocklands Road Park, the route turns around.
On the way back, you initially follow the same route before turning toward Green Point Park at Three Anchor Bay. From there, the route passes DHL Stadium before returning to the Waterfront and the cruise port.
The Waterfront area can sometimes be busy, but apart from that the route is very comfortable to run. The promenade offers beautiful ocean views and wide paths. The section through Green Point Park adds a quiet and varied part to the route. Overall, this is an excellent route and ideal for a relaxed run directly from the ship. The route is also suitable for speed workouts. However, keep in mind that you may need to wait briefly at the drawbridge in the Waterfront area. The route is equally well suited for a longer walk.
Start your day with the hop-on hop-off bus, which is relatively affordable in Cape Town, and ride to the lower station of the Table Mountain cable car (alternative: Bolt or Uber). From there, you can hike up Table Mountain — either hike up and take the cable car down, or do the more demanding option and hike back down as well.
We recommend the Platteklip Gorge trail, which starts about 2 kilometers from the cable car station along the road. The hike should not be underestimated, but it is very popular and generally considered safe. Alternatively, you can simply take the cable car both ways.
After returning, hop back on the bus and continue to Camps Bay. Enjoy the coastline there before taking the bus back toward the harbor.
To finish the day, both our 5-km route through the V&A Waterfront district and this 10-km route are perfect for ending the day in a relaxed way.
The route starts just outside the port area very close to the cruise terminal. No transfer is required.
You can either follow the route directly on the map on this page or import the GPX file into a navigation app such as Komoot. We recommend using the GPX file because it is much more precise and provides clear GPS navigation while running. Once you have saved the GPX file in your app, you can usually use the map offline as well. We recommend testing the navigation beforehand in airplane mode without Wi-Fi to make sure it works without internet access.
**Tip:**
It is still useful to have internet access while traveling. For cruises, a global data plan that works in many countries can be useful, for example from eSIM.sm (advertisement).
Traffic plays only a minor role on this route because wide sidewalks are available everywhere. The route also passes through neighborhoods that are generally considered very safe. You will also see many other runners, walkers and tourists along the route. Still, you should always stay aware of your surroundings.
Especially for afternoon runs, make sure to leave enough time. If time becomes tight, you should consider turning around or shortening the route. Alternatively, you can usually order a taxi quickly via apps such as Uber or Bolt. For emergencies, it is also a good idea to save the ship's phone number in advance, as it is usually listed in the daily cruise program.
You can find toilets inside the shopping malls in the Waterfront district. There is also a water fountain inside Green Point Park.
The route runs on asphalt and paved paths. Regular road running shoes are ideal. In sunny weather, we recommend a cap, sunglasses and enough water. A collapsible soft flask (ad) is especially practical because you can refill it in Green Point Park. It is also useful to carry a payment method, although in Cape Town you can usually pay easily with card or smartphone.