There’s more than one way to ascend the Cape’s most iconic landmark.
You wouldn’t exactly call Cape Town’s made-for-postcards mountain a “hidden gem”, since it’s kind of hard to miss. But while many are familiar with its iconic image, those who choose to explore the mountain’s lush reserve by foot will discover its true majesty.
No doubt the views from its summit are spectacular, but the old adage “the journey is the destination” certainly applies here. The multitude of trails that wind their way around the mountain (not all actually go to the top) range from gentle, forested trails to endurance-testing rock-scrambling adventures. Here is your essential guide to the best Table Mountain hiking trails.
Safety notes Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, visitors are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen.
Those venturing into the Table Mountain National Park should have the following emergency numbers on hand: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700. Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as able.
We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.
It helps to have a map, and for that, SANParks and The Inside Guide recommends Slingsby Maps as an essential resource for hiking enthusiasts. Their range of carefully compiled maps includes a Table Mountain hiking map, with details on popular routes such as the Pipe Track. Contact Slingsby Maps at 021 788 4545 for more information.
India Venster
Considered the more interesting, albeit challenging, alternative to Platteklip Gorge, this trail gets its name from the shape of the ravine, which resembles the Indian subcontinent. The hike starts off fairly easy, but becomes progressively more difficult as you ascend, requiring you to scramble over some rocks and traverse some rather narrow-looking ledges.
All in all, a rewarding hike, but one that is only recommended for fit and very experienced hikers. Casual hikers, beginners, and those with children in tow should opt for the more accessible Platteklip Gorge trail.
Starting point Lower Cable Station
End point Upper Cableway Station
Duration 4 hours
Need to know
- Do not hike the trail alone.
- Do not deviate from the trail (the correct route is marked by blue dots and yellow footprints).
- Do not attempt the trail in poor weather conditions. You should contact the Cable Station (021 424 8181) ahead of time to determine whether conditions are suitable.
- Descending via India Venster is not recommended, due to the steepness of the trail. Rather take the Cable Car down, or descend via one of the other trails.
- Be sure to pack plenty of water, a hat, and sunblock.
Child-friendly? No
Dog-friendly? No
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org (Table Mountain National Park)
Platteklip Gorge
Probably the second most well-known hiking trail in Cape Town (after Lion’s Head), Platteklip is not as easygoing, despite its popularity. Sure, there’s not much climbing or scrambling involved, but there’s a lot of upward walking, which probably makes it the ideal route for a workout. It provides a direct route to the summit of Table Mountain, for those who think taking the cable car is for lightweights.
Starting point Tafelberg Road
End point Upper Cableway Station
Duration 3 hours, though some ridiculously fit people have been known to run up the trail in an hour.
Need to know Platteklip is best avoided on a hot day, as there is little shade along the trail.
Be prepared for all types of weather, and bring a hat, sunblock and jacket.
Proper hiking shoes are required; do not attempt this trail with slip-slops.
If you plan to take the cable car down, make note of operational times and ensure you reach the station before the last cable car leaves.
Important note SANParks has informed us that many rescues are performed at this site, as people underestimate the heat and level of fitness required, or they miss the last cable car and end up stranded on the mountain at night. Please take the necessary precautions.
Child-friendly? Yes, although take note of the above.
Dog-friendly? Bringing dogs is not recommended on this trail, as they struggle in the heat.
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Maclear’s Beacon
At 21 metres above the Upper Cableway Station, Maclear’s Beacon is the highest point on Table Mountain. Plaques at the Upper Cableway Station point you towards the beginning of the hike, and from thereon the trail is marked by yellow footprints. If you do the Platteklip and Maclear’s Beacon trails in one go, then you can truly say you hiked from the bottom of Table Mountain to the very top.
Starting point Upper Cableway Station
End point Maclear’s Beacon
Duration 2 hours (approximately 1 hour each way)
Need to know SANParks does not recommend attempting this trail in cloudy or misty weather, as it becomes more difficult to find your way in such conditions.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? No
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
The Pipe Track
This trail is not only mesmerisingly beautiful, it also has an interesting history, in that it was built for the purpose of servicing a pipeline that used to supply 19th-century Cape Town with water from the Disa Gorge, hence its name…
Starting point The junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek (you can park your car in the Kloof Nek parking lot)
End point Camps Bay
Duration 4 hours. The route is easygoing, although it becomes slightly tougher after passing by Slangolie Ravine.
Good to know There are a number of trails that lead off the Pipe Track, but these should not be attempted without the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. Many of these trails are not beginner-friendly, and they are not open to dogs.
If you do have a guide, it’s recommended to visit Tranquility Cracks, a hidden gem that Capetonian hikers have only recently discovered. These are narrow, labyrinthine tunnels through the rock, formed naturally through erosion.
Need to know The Pipe Track can be tough on hot days, as large portions of it are exposed to the afternoon sun.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly?Yes, although Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks, which requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit (R305 per year).
Contact Tokai Plantation Office (021 712 7471) for more information.
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail
We love the Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail for its easy access to the mountain, and suitability to all fitness levels. Not to mention the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay. There are several paths leading to different points – such as the old Cableway Station and the two reservoirs – making each trek a different adventure.
Starting point Top of Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay / Top of Kloof Nek Road
End point Cableway
Duration 4 – 5 hours
Need to know While the path is shady in places, it’s best to get started in the early morning, and to bring a hat and plenty of water. There is a short section at the foot of Kasteels buttress that requires a certain level of scrambling over rocks, and Kasteelspoort Ravine can be quite slippery (especially after rain), so bring good, gripping shoes and be cautious.
Child-friendly? This trail is not recommended for children or novice hikers, as rock-scrambling can be quite challenging at certain points.
Dog-friendly? No
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Skeleton Gorge
This hike basically takes you from one side of Table Mountain to the other. Starting off in the serene Kirstenbosch Gardens, you will arrive at the steep ascent of Skeleton Gorge where indigenous trees provide shade. Along the way, you’ll encounter a stream, typical mountain fynbos and some interesting rock formations before arriving at Maclear’s Beacon – the highest point on Table Mountain. Take a rest and enjoy panoramic views of the city and Robben Island.
Starting point Kirstenbosch Gardens
End point Cableway
Duration 5 – 6 hours (depending on your level of fitness)
Good to know Nursery Ravine provides an easier alternative route that also joins up with the Skeleton Gorge trail at certain points. This makes them a popular pairing, with one trail being used for ascent and the other (preferably Nursery Ravine) being used for descent.
Need to know This is a long hike with ladders to assist climbers to the top, and a rockfall to overcome, meaning you have to be extremely fit. Parts of the gorge can be quite slippery, even during summer. It’s recommended to avoid this route during and immediately after heavy rainfall.
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? No
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org (Table Mountain National Park)
021 799 8899, Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za (Kirstenbosch)
Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch
A relatively easy walk on a dirt road and wooden track, it consists mainly of mild uphill sections, but is mostly downhill and flat. Along the way, you will enjoy the greenery of Cecilia and Newlands forests and vast views of the slopes of Table Mountain, an aerial perspective of Kirstenbosch, and even views as far as the Cape Flats.
Starting point Constantia Nek
End point Kirstenbosch Gardens
Duration 2 hours
Child-friendly? Yes
Dog-friendly? Dogs are not allowed in Kirstenbosch Gardens
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org (Table Mountain National Park)
021 799 8899, Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za (Kirstenbosch)
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