Hiking with dogs in Kleinmond takes on a whole new meaning on the Three Sisters trail, where three rugged peaks offer sweeping views over the Overberg coastline and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. It’s a rewarding but moderately challenging route, best suited to fit hikers and dogs comfortable with uneven terrain and a bit of scrambling. Here’s what to know before you and your dog take it on.
What is the Three Sisters hike in Kleinmond?
Some hikes are all about reaching the summit, while others are about everything that happens along the way. Our recent hike up the Three Sisters in Kleinmond was definitely the latter. With Sabalenka and Marmite joining me on the trail, and Live Your Passion Adventures leading the way, it turned into one of those outings that reminds you why exploring with dogs is so rewarding.
The route and what you'll see along the way
The Three Sisters are among Kleinmond’s most recognisable landmarks, overlooking the town, coastline and surrounding mountains. The route crosses three peaks; Maidens Peak, Gog’s Peak and Moses Peak. Each offering a different perspective over the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. From the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Kleinmond Lagoon and the fynbos-covered mountains that make this part of the Western Cape so unique.
Fitness level and terrain to expect
CARE WARNING
The hike is best suited to hikers with moderate to good fitness and dogs used to longer hikes.
Although the hike is achievable, it isn’t one to underestimate. It’s best suited to moderately fit hikers, with a steady climb, uneven terrain and several rocky sections that require a bit of scrambling. Having a guide meant we could focus on the experience rather than the route, especially through some of the more technical sections.
For Sabalenka and Marmite, the mountain was one giant playground.
Every new stretch of trail brought something to investigate, whether it was a fresh scent carried on the breeze, a rocky ledge to climb onto or another viewpoint to pause at. They settled into the hike almost immediately, finding their own rhythm while happily keeping pace throughout the climb.
Sabalenka confidently tackled the steeper sections, while Marmite took a more methodical approach, stopping often to inspect the fynbos and make sure nothing interesting was missed. Watching them experience the mountain in completely different ways was one of the highlights of the day.
The higher we climbed, the better the views became. Looking back over Kleinmond, the coastline seemed to stretch endlessly, with the lagoon, beaches and mountains all unfolding below us. It was one of those rare days where clear skies and perfect weather made it easy to appreciate just how spectacular this part of the Overberg really is.
What to pack when hiking with dogs
As with any hike involving dogs, we made sure to bring enough water and stopped regularly to let everyone cool down. The Stappie Sakkie worked well as a lightweight water bowl for the dogs to get a drink in between the peaks. On a hike like this, where every bit of space and weight matters, it worked brilliantly.
The trail itself offers a great balance between challenge and reward. There are enough climbs and rocky scrambles to keep things interesting, but the scenery constantly reminds you to slow down and look around. It’s also a reminder that hiking with dogs isn’t about racing to the top. They’re far more interested in exploring what’s right in front of them, and it’s surprisingly refreshing to experience a mountain at that pace.
For anyone planning to tackle the Three Sisters, it’s worth choosing a cooler morning, carrying enough water for both you and your dogs and making sure your four-legged companions are comfortable with longer hikes and uneven terrain. A guide also adds real value, making the day feel relaxed while sharing local knowledge of the route and surrounding area.
The Three Sisters delivered everything you’d hope for in a mountain hike. Challenging terrain, incredible scenery and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with good company. Judging by the muddy paws, wagging tails and contented naps afterwards, I’d say Sabalenka and Marmite would happily do it all again.
TOP TIP
Know the signs of heatstroke and dehydration before you hit the trail
Heavy panting that doesn’t ease off, bright red gums, wobbly steps or a sudden drop in energy can all be early signs of heatstroke or dehydration in dogs. If you notice any of these, stop immediately, move to shade, offer water and cool your dog down gradually with damp (not icy) water on the paws and belly. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, get to a vet as soon as possible.
Prevention matters more than treatment. Hike during cooler morning or late afternoon hours rather than the heat of midday and on very hot days, consider leaving your dog at home rather than risking the trail. Before you set off, it’s also worth knowing the location of the nearest emergency vet to your hiking spot, just in case.
COMMERCIAL DISCLOSURE: Lauren Ashman is the founder of Stappies. Product mentions in this article are included for educational context only; WLPSA does not sell products or endorse specific brands.
FAQ Section
Q: Is the Three Sisters hike in Kleinmond dog friendly?
A: Yes, the Three Sisters trail is dog friendly, but it suits moderately fit dogs comfortable with uneven terrain and rocky scrambling. It’s not an easy stroll, so first-time hikers should assess their dog’s fitness and comfort with longer, technical routes before attempting all three peaks.
Q: How long does the Three Sisters hike take?
A: The Three Sisters hike crosses three peaks, Maidens Peak, Gog’s Peak and Moses Peak and typically takes a full morning to complete comfortably with dogs. Pace slows naturally when hiking with dogs, as they tend to explore and investigate along the way rather than move quickly.
Q: How much water should I bring when hiking with my dog?
A: Bring enough water for both yourself and your dog, plus extra for regular cooling breaks. On longer or hotter hikes, stopping every 30 to 45 minutes to let your dog drink and rest helps prevent overheating, especially on exposed, rocky trails like the Three Sisters.
Q: What should I look for before taking my dog on a mountain hike?
A: Check that your dog is used to longer distances, uneven ground and warmer conditions before attempting a mountain hike. Hiking with dogs works best when you match the trail’s difficulty to your dog’s fitness level and build up gradually with shorter practice hikes first.
Q: Should I hire a guide for hiking with dogs on unfamiliar trails?
A: A local guide can be helpful on technical trails with scrambling sections, as they know the safest route and pacing for hikers and dogs. This lets you focus on enjoying the hike with your dog rather than navigating unfamiliar or challenging terrain alone.
Lauren Ashman, hiker & dog parent
Lauren Ahsman is an avid hiker and dog parent based in the Western Cape, where she regularly explores trails with her two dogs, Sabalenka and Marmite. She writes about outdoor adventures with dogs for Stappies, and draws on her own hands-on experience navigating varied terrain, weather and fitness levels with her dogs by her side. Lauren is affiliated with Stappies, whose products are referenced in some of her articles.