Smuts Track from Kirstenbosch to Constantia Nek

Smuts Track is a point-to-point contour path on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, running from Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Newlands to Constantia Nek, within Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa's Western Cape. The trailhead is inside the garden on Rhodes Drive, about 25 minutes by Uber or Bolt from the city centre, and the garden entry fee applies. The route runs about 7 km and takes three and a half to four and a half hours, starting near 150 m, rising to a high point around 530 m and finishing at roughly 215 m at the Constantia Nek car park on Hout Bay Road. Hikers must arrange return transport, usually by calling an Uber or Bolt from the nek or leaving a second vehicle. The path follows a contour through forest, pine stands and fynbos, with several stream crossings, steps and sections of loose rock and roots. Shade is good in the forest, but the open slopes can be hot and exposed to wind. Navigation can be tricky in mist because several paths branch off toward the plateau, so an offline GPS track is useful. Landmarks include the junctions with Skeleton Gorge and Nursery Ravine, the stream crossings and the final descent into Constantia Nek. Streams may offer water in winter, but water should be carried. There are no huts or shops en route. The best turn-around points are the garden-side junctions within the first hour if weather closes in, because the track becomes isolated in the middle. The route is classed as hard because of its length and navigation, rather than technical difficulty. Visitors usually travel in groups and avoid hiking alone in poor visibility.