Gifkommetjie to Platboom Beach, Cape Point National Park

The area of Cape Point National Park, located between Gifkommetjie and Platboom, is a quiet spot on the Cape Peninsula, offering natural beauty and peaceful views. The path runs next to the Atlantic Ocean, taking us through fynbos, marshes, and sandy dunes and over rocky ridges. It offers amazing sea views with hardly any crowds.

Join us to experience this area and find out how Gifkommetjie got its name.

Hike Details:
- Distance: 9km, linear hike.
- Elevation gain: 20m up, decending 120 meter.
- Grade 2A hike
- Duration: approximately 4-5 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: Intermediate hike with some rock scrambling at the start and when descending towards the beach

Basic agenda:
This scenic linear hike begins at Gifkommetjie and concludes at Platboom Beach. Before setting out, please park a few cars at Platboom Beach so they can be used to shuttle the group back to the starting point after the hike.
Early on, the trail leads to a viewing platform offering sweeping panoramic vistas—an ideal spot for a group photo. Just beyond, a striking rock formation draws hikers into a short rocky corridor, guiding the way along the edge of Kommetjieberg (114 m). The flat path meanders around boulders and rock outcrops until reaching the impressive Balancing Rock, a massive boulder precariously poised on three points.
The trail then descends, merging with other paths toward Hoek van Bobbejaan. Keep an eye out for the Phyllisia shipwreck, which ran aground here in 1968. In fact, Cape Point is home to a remarkable total of 26 shipwrecks.
From this point, the route hugs the rugged coastline southward, passing Oompiesgat and winding through a shadowy passage beneath Milkwood trees—aptly named the Milkwood Tunnel.
The path continues level along the shoreline until the Platboom Dunes come into view. Soon after, you’ll arrive back at the cars parked at Platboom Beach, ready to return to Gifkommetjie. Before heading back, consider a brief stop at the Dias Monument to round off the adventure.

Trail highlights:

• You might find antelope such as Bontebok and Eland here. Perhaps Ostriches too.
• Easy walking along the ridge, with views inland over the plains, north to beautiful windswept beaches, and west to the ocean and beaches below.
• Balancing Rock and other amazing sandstone rock formations.
• Phyllisia shipwreck
• The Milkwood Tunnels
• Shifting Platboom Dunes and Dias Monument (1488).

Post script:

• Gifkommetjie is pronounced ‘Hiff-kom-icky’ with a throat clearance on the first syllable.
• Gifkommetjie gets its its name from the Afrikaans word 'gif' meaning poison and 'kommetjie' meaning basin. The name originates from the abundance of plants such as the Medusa's Head that grow in the area. These plants contain a toxic milky sap that can harm animals.

Fee to join hike: R70.
Please add an additional R50 when paying via SWIFT.
Cash on the day, EFT on the day:
Entrance fee at Cape Point National Park: SA ID holders, R110
Bring your ID/Passport.
Free with wildcard.
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name and Kommetjie.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.

Bring along: Don’t forget to pack your day bag—with snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and, most importantly, a big sense of adventure and fun.

Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accept our Indemnity as below.

The participant understands that adventure activities (including but not limited to hiking, climbing, camping, water sports, and outdoor excursions) carry inherent risks of injury, illness, or property damage. The Participant voluntarily chooses to participate, fully aware of these risks. The participant waives and releases the organizer from liability for ordinary negligence relating to the inherent risks of adventure activities. The participant agrees to follow all safety instructions, rules, and directions given by the organizer. Misbehavior, including reckless conduct, substance abuse, or harassment, may result in removal from the event without refund. The participant confirms they are physically fit and have disclosed any relevant medical conditions. The organizer may require medical clearance for certain activities. The participant acknowledges that personal accident or medical insurance is their own responsibility. The participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the organizer against any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:
the participant’s own misconduct, negligence, or breach of rules, damage caused to property or injury to other participants due to the participant’s actions.