Cape Town Hikes

Table Mountain is a flat-topped mountain forming a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town.  It is a significant tourist attraction, with many visitors using the cableway or hiking to the top. The mountain forms part of the Table Mountain National Park.

  Table Mountain Hikes - 1 day

Table Mountain National Park is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers, but it is not without dangers.  Over 300 routes up and down the mountain have been identified, perhaps indicating how easy it is to get lost. The mountain is over 1,000 meters high and the weather conditions can change very quickly.  We provide you with an experienced guide to make sure you enjoy your hike and remain safe.  None of the hikes to the top are easy and some fitness level is required for any of the selected routes.  You can select the hike that matches your fitness level.  These are the most popular routes:

Platteklip Gorge

Platteklip Gorge is a steep but quite straightforward hike starting close to the bottom station of the cable car.  This trail with Lion's Head on the right side and Devil's Peak on the left offers spectacular views on the Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City of Cape Town.  When you reach the top you will be rewarded by a 360 degree panorama on the Cape Peninsula and the majestic Twelve Apostles.   

Skeleton Gorge

This route begins at the back of the mountain in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.  This route is particularly popular in summer as it offers the shade of the indigenous forest on the way to the top.  There are a few ladders on the way up and some scrambling over the fallen rocks and up the river beds.  At the top you will pass by the Hely-Hutchinson Dam and then cut back down Nursery Valley until you reach Nursery Ravine.     

India Venster

India Venster is an excitig, yet tricky trail as it involves a fair amount of rock scrambling.  It is a more adventurous alternative to the more popular Platteklip Gorge. Metal handles and chains have been installed at a few places along the path to increase security of the hikers.  The India Venster hike route starts about 50m to the right of the lower cable car station on Table Mountain Road and winds up under the cable car most of its way up. Our advice is not to attempt this route without an experience guide.

  Lion's Head Hikes - 1/2 day

If the Table Mountain is too daunting for you, Lion's Head is an alternative for you.  Lion's Head is a half a day hike with easy scrambling and a few chains on the way.  After you reach the top you will be rewarded by a magnificent view of the town, Table Mountain, Twelve Apostles and the adjacent beaches.

Hiking advice:

- do not hike alone;

- do not hike in bad weather

- be prepared for quick change in weather - always take worm clothes and a rain jacket

- always carry enough water (at least 2 litres for an 8 hour hike), snacks and sunscreen

- charge your telephone before the hike and remember to take it with, let others know where you hike