Table Mountain Hike

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Guided Table
Mountain Hikes

Nothing beats a guided Table Mountain hike in Cape Town, South Africa. Our experienced hiking guides know Table Mountain’s trails, history, plants, and wildlife inside out. Hiking Table Mountain with a guide means you’re not just getting to the top, you’re learning about the mountain along the way.

We offer a range of Table Mountain hiking routes to suit different people. Some routes are longer and more demanding, better suited to fit and experienced hikers. Others are shorter and gentler, ideal for those who want to enjoy the surroundings at an easier pace.

We keep our groups small, with guides focused on your safety and pace throughout the hike, so every hiker gets the support they need. Our Table Mountain guided hikes are available as private hikes for your own group, or as part of a group hike with other hikers.

Our Table Mountain hikes offer some of the best views in Cape Town, and you don’t have to wait until the top to see them. Along the way you’ll take in the city, the coastline, and the surrounding mountains from every angle. Whatever route you choose, our guides will get you there safely, turning your Table Mountain hike into an experience of a lifetime.

Browse our guided hikes below and find the route that’s right for you.

What is the best hike on Table Mountain?

It depends on how much time you have and what kind of hike you’re after. Two of our most recommended routes are:

  • India Venster Hike: This hike is fun and adventurous, scenic, and one of the most exciting routes up the mountain, with some exposure to heights on the rock scrambles. The route rewards you with exceptional views over the city and the Atlantic coastline. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to hike up, depending on fitness levels.
  • Kasteelspoort Hike: This is a longer, more tranquil hiking route through the mountain’s quieter western slopes, with breathtaking views and scenery the entire way. It takes approximately 4.5 hours to hike up, depending on fitness levels.

Fitness Levels

You do need to be fit to hike Table Mountain. The mountain is steep, and there are no easy routes to the top, a moderate to good level of fitness is required for every route that goes to the summit.

For those who don’t have a good level of fitness, or are looking for an easier hike, we also offer routes around the mountain that don’t go all the way to the top, such as the Pipe Track, where you can still enjoy the scenery without the demanding hike to the summit.

For our group hikes, we try to match hikers with similar fitness levels, although this isn’t always achievable. For those wanting to maintain a specific fitness level or pace throughout the hike, a private hike is advisable, and we offer both group and private hike options.

Hiking Guides

At Hike Addicts, all our Table Mountain hiking guides are highly qualified, holding CATHSSETA accredited mountaineering and adventure guide qualifications. Their extensive knowledge and experience provide you with a safe and fulfilling experience on Table Mountain.

Highlights

  • Guided Table Mountain hikes led by accredited local guides.
  • Hike up, then ride the cable car back down.
  • Small group hikes for a safer, more personal experience.
  • Sweeping views of Cape Town, the Atlantic coastline, and beyond.
  • Learn the mountain’s flora, fauna, history, and geology as you go.
  • A trusted Table Mountain hiking company with years of experience and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor.
  • Private and group hikes both available.

Getting the Cable Car Down

On our Table Mountain hikes, we hike to the summit and then take the cable car back down.

  • Tickets can be bought with a credit card at the top after the hike.
  • The cable car ride down takes 4 to 5 minutes.
  • The cable car departs every 10 to 15 minutes.
  • The cable car may not run due to adverse weather conditions. In this case, we hike back down, and an extra charge applies for the extended hike.

Group vs Private Hikes

  • Group Hikes: Open for anyone to join, group sizes vary from day to day. We try to match hikers with similar fitness levels, though this isn’t always achievable, so fitness levels within a group can vary at times.
  • Private Hikes: A more personal experience with your own dedicated group and hiking guide. Set your own pace, with the hike tailored to your group’s preferences.

Weather

  • At times, Table Mountain hikes can be affected by Cape Town’s weather, so we keep a close eye on forecasts ahead of every hike.
  • If weather conditions require us to cancel a hike, we’ll either reschedule you for another available date or issue a full refund, depending on your preference.

Iconic Hikes to the top
of Table Mountain

Hike up with our experienced guides, then ride the cable car back down.

India Venster Hike

5
India venster

Top rated shorter hike, +/- 2.5 hours up, some rock scrambling and exposure to heights. Fun and adventurous, with views of the city and Atlantic Ocean.

Kasteelspoort Hike

5
kasteelspoort

Top-rated longer hike, +/- 4.5 hours up. Spectacular Atlantic Ocean views and scenery along the 12 Apostles range to the top of Table Mountain.

Platteklip Gorge

4
platteklip gorge

A 2.5-hour hike, the quickest route up with less adventure. Steep and direct, with impressive rock formations, but the gorge restricts views.

Skeleton Gorge Hike

4.8
Skeleton gorge

A +/- 5-hour hike through indigenous forest on the eastern slopes, with views over False Bay. You won’t see the famous Atlantic coast from this route.
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Not Sure Which Hike Is Right for You?

Choosing the right Table Mountain hike depends on your fitness level, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you’re after. Whether you’re hiking solo, as a couple, or with a group, we’ll help you find the route that’s right for you.

Other Hiking Routes
To Explore In Cape Town

These hikes don’t summit Table Mountain, but explore other trails across the mountain.

Tranquillity Cracks

5
table mountain secret hike tranquillity

This guided hike, takes you to the secret hidden gems as we explore the more peaceful and remote parts of the Table Mountain range. The guided hike does not summit on Table Mountain, and we do not take the Cable Car down.

Camps Bay to Kirstenbosch

5
kirstenbosch gardens hike

On this route we hike from Camps Bay over the back of Table Mountain into Kirstenbosch Gardens. This hike showcases the unique features of the western and eastern slopes of the range. The hike does not summit on Table Mountain

Pipe Track

5
pipe track walk

This route does not go all the way up. It is an easy guided hike along the foot of the western slopes of Table Mountain. This is a great hike for those wanting to see Table Mountain without a strenuous hike to the summit.

Top Circuit Hike

5
top circuit hike

This guided Table Mountain hike takes place on the top of Table Mountain, but first we take the cable car up. On this hike we stroll the around the summit and venture away from the regular tourist hub. We then take the cable car down.

Cape Point

5
cape point

This guided hike takes you to the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. This hike takes place along the rugged coastline of one of the country’s most scenic destinations. Expect endless views, scenery and wildlife.

Lions Head

5
lions head

This guided hike takes place on Table Mountains sister peak. This is a spiral hike with breath-taking views over the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Atlantic seaboard. Best hiked at sunrise.

Chapmans Peak, Cape Point

5
cape town hike

This hike showcases the beauty of the Cape Peninsula. We visit Cape Point and Chapmans peak and explore the mind-blowing surrounding on their hiking trails. Be prepared for exquisite views and mind-blowing scenery.

Lion's Head to Cape Point

5
cape town day hike

This hike combination takes you from the northern point to the Southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. On these two guided hikes we hike to the top of Lions head at sunrise and then drive to Cape Point to explore its hiking trails.

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