This hike takes you up the 12 Apostles, over the Back Table, and back down the enchanted forests of the eastern slopes into Kirstenbosch Gardens, showcasing both the eastern and western slopes of the Table Mountain range. It is important to note that this hike does not take you to the flat plateau at the top of Table Mountain, or to the cable car station.
Time: 5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps, ladders, scrambling sections
Route Description
With sensational city and ocean views, the India Venster route up Table Mountain is an incredible way for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts to experience Cape Town’s beauty. The seasonally evolving flora and dramatic rock-formations offer an enchanting escape into nature.
The Camps Bay to Kirstenbosch Gardens hike has mixed terrain, from steep sections to very steep sections, with a more level stretch when crossing over the top. This hike is long and you need to be fit. It is by no means easy, but it's worth the challenge if you love hiking. Due to the different weather patterns and exposure to the sun on each side of the mountain, the eastern and western slopes of the Table Mountain range are surprisingly different, offering a unique experience on each side. One side is exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day and is covered in a small shrub like variety of Table Mountain's fynbos. The other side is more shaded and home to incredible indigenous forests.
We begin our hike on the ever famous Pipe Track, along the foot of the western side of the mountain in Camps Bay, before heading up one of the most beautiful routes of the 12 Apostles, Kasteelspoort. This side of the mountain displays a huge variety of flora, with views over the Atlantic coast that are nothing short of magnificent.
Once we reach the top, it's time to do a little exploring as we wander through the beautiful landscapes of the Back Table. Here, you will find the remains of what was once a small village, built in 1890 to construct the surrounding reservoirs, a beautiful sight. This is a peaceful and tranquil part of the mountain, where you will only hear the sounds of nature, and often not a person in sight.
Once we cross over to the other side, we begin our descent down either Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine. Here, you will meet another side of the mountain and be introduced to a completely new experience, hiking down the lush green forests of the eastern slopes of the Table Mountain range into Kirstenbosch Gardens. These slopes are steep, filled with flora, and mostly shaded by the big, beautiful trees that surround them.
Best Time to Hike
The 12 Apostles routes are shaded in the mornings and receive direct sunlight throughout the day, so hiking early in the morning is the time of choice during the hot summer months. The descent will be shaded, ideal for summer hiking.
Hike Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Hike brief
- Hike route from camps Bay to Kirsetnbosch Gardens
Finish: 5 hours later
- Head back with our guide to the start point to collect your car.
- Alternatively you can stay in at Kirstenbosch Gardens and make your own way back at your leisure.
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.
Highlights
- Traverse both the eastern and western slopes of the Table Mountain range in a single hike.
- Ascend Kasteelspoort, one of the most beautiful routes up the 12 Apostles.
- Magnificent views over the Atlantic coast on the western ascent.
- Explore the remains of a small village built in 1890 on the peaceful Back Table.
- Descend through lush, shaded indigenous forest via Skeleton Gorge or Nursery Ravine.
- Finish the hike in the world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Experience two completely different sides of Table Mountain in one adventurous hike.
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.
Gallery
Can't Find What You Looking For?
Visiting such a diverse country necessitates some expertise to determine which area, lodge and transport will suit you best. Whether you are a family, couple or traveling solo, we’ll guide you to the perfect place for an incredible safari experience
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 | $ 118per person |
|---|
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 | $ 118per person |
|---|
