Overview

(Details vary depending on chosen route—most hikers approach via Corridor Ravine or the Kasteelspoort route.)

• Distance: 7km round trip

• Elevation gain: 700–800 m

• Time: 5 hours (return)

• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

• Approach: From the Pipe Track → Corridor Ravine

Route Description

The trail begins from Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay and joins up with the Pipe Track, a contour path running along the base of the Twelve Apostles. The walk here is easy and scenic, with constant views over the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay. The terrain is flat and sandy, making for a pleasant warm-up before the climb.

Ascending via Corridor Ravine

At the junction for Corridor Ravine, the real work begins. The trail steepens sharply, zigzagging up the eastern side of the ravine. The route is rocky but well-defined, climbing steadily through fynbos with increasingly wide coastal views.

• Corridor Ravine: Steep, shaded in the morning, and a direct route to the top of the Apostles.

• Kasteelspoort: Longer but slightly gentler, offering the iconic “Diving Board” photo spot.

Both routes eventually top out onto the Back Table, a wide, open plateau of weathered sandstone, ericas, and restios.

Traversing the Back Table to the Cracks

From the top of the ravine, hikers head south across the plateau. The trail becomes flatter but more rugged, weaving through fynbos and boulders. The key is to stay close to the edge overlooking Camps Bay—Tranquility Cracks are concealed just upslope from this cliffline.

There are no large signposts, which adds to the sense of discovery. A faint path leads toward a cluster of sandstone outcrops.

Entering Tranquility Cracks

Suddenly, the terrain opens into a hidden labyrinth of tall, narrow rock corridors. The temperature drops, the sound softens, and light filters dramatically through the slim gaps overhead. Some of the cracks are wide enough to walk through comfortably; others require squeezing or ducking.

Inside the cracks, you’ll find:

• Smooth, cool sandstone walls rising several stories high

• Pockets of yellowwood trees mysteriously growing in deep shade

• Quiet chambers where sound seems to disappear

• Secret openings that frame dramatic views of Camps Bay and the Atlantic

Exploring the cracks feels like stepping into a natural cathedral or a forgotten geological hideaway.

Return Options

Most hikers retrace their steps back to Corridor Ravine or Kasteelspoort for the descent. The return via the Pipe Track is gentle and scenic.

Highlights

• A truly hidden world of sandstone corridors and shaded chambers

• Rare indigenous yellowwoods growing in sheltered pockets

• Spectacular panoramic coastal views from the Apostles

• A sense of exploration—paths are unmarked and magical to discover

• Varied terrain: contour paths, steep ravines, and high-altitude fynbos

 Safety And Tips

• Good navigation helps; the cracks aren’t signposted.

• Avoid on very hot or very windy days—the Apostles plateau can be exposed.

• Wear sturdy shoes; the ravines are steep and rocky.

• Bring plenty of water—there are no natural fill points on this route.
  
  

Tranquility Cracks is a unique blend of adventure, mystery, and natural beauty—one of Table Mountain’s most captivating hidden gems.