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Table Mountain Hike (Private & all routes)

Cape Town

Activity Description

Hike with us on our classic all-inclusive options up the most iconic routes on Table Mountain – Platteklip Gorge, Kasteelpoort, India Venster or Skeleton Gorge trails. Enjoy 360 degree views on the cable car down, as you savior your accomplishment. An activity where our passionate guides will enhance your experience tenfold!

YOU choose your route with our expert input and recommendations

YOU choose the start time with our ultimate flexibility hikes.

Suggested Start times:
6am or 7am Summer Months
7am or 8am Winter Months

ROUTE DESCRIPTIONS

Kasteelpoort Route (4-5hrs) – MOST RECOMMENDED
Departing from Theresa Ave above the mansions of Camps Bay, this hiking trail on Table Mountain provides a serene escape from the bustling crowds, particularly during the busy summer months. The journey kicks off with a gentle warm-up along winding jeep track before ascending towards the summit on a well maintained trail. This Table Mountain hike boasts breathtaking landscapes, featuring fynbos-filled ravines, striking rock formations, and majestic cliffs set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

As you approach the halfway point, you’ll encounter the instagramable ‘surfboard,’ serving as both a convenient resting spot and an unparalleled lookout point. Pausing here allows for a rejuvenating break amidst the awe-inspiring scenery, offering panoramic views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and Lion’s Head. Continuing the ascent, the trail unveils cliffs overlooking Kasteelspoort and a vantage point with a captivating perspective across the Atlantic coast.

Upon reaching the summit, revel in the remarkable landscapes of the Back Table, traverse the Valley of Red Gods, and proceed into the enchanting Valley of Isolation. The journey concludes at the Upper cable car station, providing a sweeping 360-degree view of Cape Town. The descent back down via cable car offers a leisurely conclusion to this unforgettable Table Mountain adventure

Skeleton Gorge (+-6hrs)
A beloved choice among both locals and tourists is the renowned Skeleton Gorge, commencing from the iconic Kirstenbosch Gardens. Embark on this captivating journey by immersing yourself in the splendor of Kirstenbosch, exploring its acclaimed gardens, and marveling at its unique flora, highlighted by the impressive Canopy Walkway. Venturing further into the lush eastern side of Table Mountain, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a scenic jungle environment with enchanting inland views.

The trail gradually leads to an exhilarating ladder section, ensuring an extra thrill into your ascent. The shaded forest walk is adorned with splendid flora and fauna, creating a tranquil atmosphere that transforms the climb into a genuine pleasure. During the journey, a brief detour unveils the hidden gem of the historic Table Mountain reservoirs. Upon reaching the tabletop, be captivated by the vibrant fynbos, pristine streams, and panoramic vistas of Cape Town and its majestic mountain ranges. Stand atop the highest point, Maclear’s Beacon, at an impressive 1065m, and enjoy sweeping views of Table Bay and the iconic Robben Island.

India Venster (+-4.5hrs)
India Venster, with a duration of approximately +-4 hours, adds an element of thrill and excitement to the hiking experience. The route involves scrambling up rock faces, utilizing grooves in the rocks or installed staples for assistance. The scramble section is incredibly fun and memorable for most, but If you have a fear of heights or being on the edge, chat with our Experience Specialists or your guide on the day to assess the suitability of this Table Mountain hike route.
Upon crossing to the western slopes, the route becomes slightly easier, offering breathtaking views of the 12 Apostles and the Atlantic coast. Hiking below massive sandstone cliffs towards the summit, you’ll be treated to the best of both worlds. Concluding the adventure, a short walk to the Upper cable car station provides a convenient ride down, showcasing the diverse and captivating facets of Table Mountain.

Platteklip Gorge (+-2.5hrs)

Platteklip Gorge offers a steep and expansive staircase-like route, presenting a non-technical hike that is suitable for those who may have concerns about heights or being close to edges, especially if their preference is to explore the Front Table.

Our ascent commences from the lower cable car station, ascending Table Mountain’s northern slopes to reach the Contour Path. This picturesque, level path runs along the front of Table Mountain, providing stunning views of the city and Table Bay. This segment offers a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in the mountainous surroundings before the path intersects, leading to a steep ascent up Platteklip Gorge.
Platteklip Gorge, named for its flat rock formations, features impressive ‘Table Mountain sandstone’ cliffs and is adorned with fynbos, with a river flowing through it. This Table Mountain hiking route boasts a rich variety of fauna and flora, overlooking the City, Table Bay, and Devil’s Peak.
The journey concludes with a leisurely stroll towards the Upper Cable Car station, setting the stage for an unforgettable cable car descent

Note: Cableway is weather (wind) dependent and you will guided down Platteklip Gorge should the cableway be closed.

Arrangements

DurationOpen Ended
WhenAll year round
WhereStart: Route dependent End: Lower Cableway Station
WeatherWeather dependent service
What to WearActive gear and trainers/running shoes or hiking shoes
Things to BringSunscreen, camera, windbreaker / raincoat (weather conditions can be different from base of mountain)
Guests or SpectatorsOnly paying guests allowed on tour

Requirements

Minimum Age8 years
Minimum Height0.0 m
Maximum Height0.0 m
Fitness LevelAverage
QualificationsNot Applicable
Maximum Weight0.0 kg
CertificationNone Required
Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Excellent and varied tracks and exclusive mountain trails
Professional guide
Picnic Lunch during hike
Snacks and refreshments

Exclusions

Gratuities
Kirstenbosch Entrance (Skeleton Gorge Route)

Notes

Simply type your preferred ROUTE option under NOTES when booking. If you are unsure, please do not worry as we will discuss the best option for you before the hike.

Customer Reviews

Incredible experience with Matt! He was such an experienced and thoughtful guide. The path and scenery were spectacular. He knew so much about the surrounding nature and Cape Town culture. Was the highlight of our entire stay in Cape Town!! - Lizzy


10/10 The best experience we had when visiting Cape Town! Hiking up table mountain with Matt was incredible, it was so much fun, such an achievement and so interesting with all his knowledge at the same time. Thank you and can't wait to visit again! - Bex


Matt is an excellent guide! Unfortunately for my wife and I, the weather did not go our way: strong winds and significant runoff from recent rains. We got about halfway up elevationwise---to the top of the ladders---but had to turn back due to the winds and high water levels. Matt gave us a detour on a contour trail to a rockslide so we could get our steps in and a nice view. We then returned to the gardens, our starting point, where Matt gave us a nice tour and lunch at the restaurant there. If you like hot chocolate, theirs is excellent! He then drove us to the front of the mountain at the base cable car station. The winds were howling! The cable car was not running. Even on a nice day, this is a very strenuous hike. If we made it all the way, it would have been over six miles to the top---the first part that we did accomplish was a relentless climb. If the cable car is not running, it's a little under two miles down. Read more about Table Mountain Hike & Kirstenbosch - Private Tour - https://www.viator.com/tours/Cape-Town/Table-Mountain-Hike/d318-128043P7?mcid=56757 - Thomas




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