Time: 4.5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Jeep track, single rocky track, stone steps, ladders
The Kasteelspoort hike ascends the western slopes of the Twelve Apostles to the summit of Table Mountain. Renowned for its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding coastline, Kasteelspoort offers a quieter, more tranquil alternative to the mountain’s busier trails.
Route Description
Kasteelspoort is steep, but not as steep and direct as the northern and eastern routes, and doesn't feel like a constant slog. The Kasteelspoort hike has little exposure to heights or edges, with a rocky stair like terrain to the top. A good level of fitness is required to complete this hike, with three ladders assisting hikers along the way. Kasteelspoort is a quieter, more tranquil hiking experience, surrounded by mind blowing scenery and exceptional views along the Atlantic coastline.
The route starts at the Pipe Track entrance in Camps Bay. It begins on a jeep track that winds up to the start of the Kasteelspoort ascent, with views of the Atlantic coastline opening up along the way. From here, the trail winds through a fynbos filled ravine, passing impressive rock formations and exquisite cliffs.
Just past the halfway point of the ascent up the 12 Apostles, you'll come across the flat rock, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on Table Mountain, looking out over Camps Bay and Lion's Head.
Near the top, the terrain becomes more varied, with some level sections mixed in among smaller ups and downs. A diving board like rock extends out above a long cliff drop here, making for unique photo opportunities for those willing to get closer to the edge. It is one of the reasons Kasteelspoort is so well known. From the top of the mountain, sweeping views stretch across the coastline, all the way down the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point on a clear day.
The route then passes through the Back Table, the Valley of Red Gods, and the Valley of Isolation, a peaceful and beautiful stretch filled with varied flora and unique landscapes, before reaching the Upper Cable Car Station, where hikers are rewarded with a 360 degree view of Cape Town.
Tour Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Hike brief
- Hike route Kasteelspoort to the top of Table Mountain
- Explore the summit
Finish: 4.5 hours later
- Buy cable car tickets
- Time spent at the top is up to you
- Ride the cable car down
Highlights
- Sweeping views of Camps Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Twelve Apostles throughout the ascent
- A quieter, more tranquil alternative to Table Mountain’s busier routes
- Take in the views at the flat rock, one of the mountain’s most spectacular viewpoints.
- Visit the diving board, a well known photo spot perched above a dramatic cliff drop.
- Pass through the scenic Back Table, Valley of Red Gods, and Valley of Isolation.
- Finish with a 360 degree view of Cape Town from the Upper Cable Car Station.
Meeting and Parking
- We will meet at the Kasteelspoort trail start point, located at the Pipe Track entrance on Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay.
- There is parking alongside the road, but the hike finishes at the Lower Cable Car Station.
- If you leave your car at the start point, our guide can arrange to bring you back to collect it.
Getting the Cable Car 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.
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Group Hike
Open for anyone to join, group sizes stay small, but 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.
| Price | $ 109per person |
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Private Hike
On private hikes you will have a more personalized experience with you own hiking guide. On private hikes you can set your own pace.
| Price | $ 152per person |
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