HIKING
The best way to explore Table Mountain
Fitness
Medium
Location
Table Mountain
Lions Head
Adrenaline
Medium
Age
10+
Duration
2-6 Hours
Not only is Table Mountain one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the world, but it also has some of the most amazing hiking trails you will find anywhere on earth.
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There are a variety of trails in all degrees of difficulty, from easy walking to scrambling and more technical rope climbing.The guides have years of experience and are qualified in all aspects of mountain climbing, assuring you of an experience you will never forget. You have an option to hike Table Mountain, Lions Head and Devils Peak. Get up early to see the sun rise over the Hottentots Holland Mountains or start later to see it set over the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the hiking trails are easy to walk and only needs a moderate level of fitness. The little bit of effort will definitely reward you with amazing views and a great sense of accomplishment.
Let us know if you prefer to hike Table Mountain, Lions Head or Devils Peak and what your fitness level is and we will suggest the best hiking trail to follow.
If you prefer to hike Table Mountain you can hike up and take the cable car down, take the cable car up and hike down or hike both ways. Just remember that the cable can not always be relied on due to unpredictable weather that may set in. Always be prepared to hike both ways in all occasions.
Lions Head
There are several starting points for the hike. Beginning from the main road, you'll encounter a rapid elevation gain via the Jeep track until it narrows into a single track behind Lion's Head. An alternative starting point further down offers a gentler single track initially, followed by a swift and steep ascent to join the main trail. Circling almost spirally around Lion's Head, hikers are presented with two options: a more adventurous ascent featuring staple ladders, which is the faster route, or a less daunting path if heights are a concern. Both options converge for the final climb to the summit, where breathtaking panoramic views and a unique angle of Table Mountain await.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lions Head Hike Duration: 3.5 up and down
Hike Distance: 5,5 kilometers (3,4 miles).
Elevation Gain: 669 meters (2,195 feet).
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Lions Head Hike Duration: 3.5 up and down
Hike Distance: 5,5 kilometers (3,4 miles).
Elevation Gain: 669 meters (2,195 feet).
Platteklip Gorge
Platteklip Gorge features a well-constructed path and is the easiest, most direct route to the summit of Table Mountain. The hike begins roughly a kilometer beyond the lower cable station on Tafelberg road. From this point, we'll ascend rapidly until we reach the contour path. A brief walk to the left leads us to the trailhead. Initially, the route ascends along the left side of the gorge before entering the gorge itself at higher elevations. In the final section, the path passes through a narrow section, marking a highlight of the hike. From there, we can either turn right to reach the summit of Table Mountain or left to head towards the cable station.
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Distance: About 2.5 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 meters / 2230 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Hike Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
Distance: About 2.5 km / 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 680 meters / 2230 feet
India Venster
India Venster is rated as a B-grade scramble, which is manageable for anyone with a good head for heights. The journey begins at the lower cable station, where we'll take a path that ascends beneath the cables to the contour path. After traversing a brief section of the contour path, we'll climb a sequence of low rock steps leading to a platform. The route then proceeds up the gully adjacent to Venster Buttress. This spot offers an ideal photo opportunity with the 'venster' or window framing the view over India Ravine. Beyond the window, we'll encounter the easier scramble sections, where our experienced guides are available to provide support and motivation if needed. The adventure concludes as we circle around from Fountain Ledge to the rear of Table Mountain, culminating at the summit.
Difficulty: Moderate
India Venster Hike Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
Hike Distance: About 3 km / 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 meters / 2300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
India Venster Hike Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
Hike Distance: About 3 km / 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 meters / 2300 feet
Kasteelspoort
Ascending Kasteelspoort offers stunning views and a variety of landscapes. The trail starts in Camps Bay and climbs steep, rocky terrain. It's considered the most accessible route to the Twelve Apostles range, although there are other paths, some of which are more technical or strenuous. Hikers climbing the trail are treated to sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Twelve Apostles mountains, and Camps Bay beneath them. The route is demanding yet doable, with sections that require careful movement over rocks and boulders. The summit features the famous "Diving Board" rock formation, an ideal spot for capturing memories. This hike is a blend of natural splendor, a physical test, and the peaceful calm of Table Mountain's higher reaches.
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
Hike Distance: About 6 km / 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 2950 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hike Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
Hike Distance: About 6 km / 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 2950 feet
Skeleton Gorge
One of the most picturesque hikes up Table Mountain is via the Skeleton Gorge route, beginning in the Kirstenbosch Gardens, known for its abundant fynbos. The trail ascends through a densely wooded ravine, featuring ladders adjacent to cascading waterfalls, leading to Table Mountain's white beaches. The journey commences in the stunning Kirstenbosch Gardens, from where we ascend to the contour path via Smuts Track to the route's official start. We follow the stepped path up the shaded gorge, staying left of the stream, until reaching a steep section outfitted with ladders for an easy ascent over the smooth rock. Beyond this, the path continues along the rocky stream bed briefly before veering right, zigzagging up the slope. Further up, the path crosses the gorge once more, taking the left side to the summit, where the mountain's expanse meets the sandy white beach.
Difficulty: EASY
Hike Length: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hike Distance: 6.5km / 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 3000 feet
Difficulty: EASY
Hike Length: 2.5 to 3 hours
Hike Distance: 6.5km / 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 meters / 3000 feet
The cost of a hike varies based on the location and the number of people in your group. To proceed, click 'Book Now' below and specify your group size alongside the chosen route.
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