Time: 2.5 hours
Distance: 2.5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps, steep sections
Platteklip Gorge is the quickest route to the top of Table Mountain, and also the busiest Table Mountain hiking route. It’s a steep, stair-like route that zigzags to the summit through an impressive gorge, making for one of the most direct and dramatic hikes up the mountain.
Route Description
Platteklip Gorge is a steep, large stair-like route. The hike is not very technical, so if you'd prefer to avoid heights or exposed edges but still want to hike the Front Table, this route may suit you best. Platteklip Gorge, meaning flat rock gorge, is known for its large flat rocks and impressive Table Mountain sandstone cliffs.
We start our ascent from the lower cable car station up Table Mountain's northern slopes to the Contour Path. This is a beautiful level path running across the front of Table Mountain, looking down over the city and Table Bay. It gives us some time to really take in the mountain and appreciate the surroundings before the path is intersected and we start a steep ascent up Platteklip Gorge. Although the Platteklip Gorge route is steep making it physically challenging, the trail crosses from side to side as it climbs, creating a more gradual ascent.
The route overlooks the city, Table Bay, and Devil's Peak. On a clear day, you can see for miles. Platteklip Gorge splits the cliffs of the main plateau, and the angle of the gorge restricts views a little. But don't let this put you off, as this route leads you to the top, and the views from the top of Table Mountain are described as one of the most epic in Africa.
Platteklip Gorge does not receive a lot of shade, so an early start is recommended if hiking in the hot summer months. During peak season it is also a very busy route, especially over weekends. The route finishes at the top, just minutes from the upper cable car station, and we take the cable car down.
Tour Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Hike brief
- Hike route Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain
- Explore the summit
Finish: 2.5 hours later
- Buy cable car tickets
- Time spent at the top is up to you
- Ride the cable car down
Highlights
- Quickest route to the summit of Table Mountain.
- Steep, stair-like trail that zigzags through an impressive gorge.
- Known for its large, flat sandstone rocks and dramatic cliffs.
- Non-technical route, ideal for those avoiding heights or exposed edges.
- Sweeping views over the city, Table Bay, and Devil’s Peak.
- Starts along the scenic Contour Path before the steep ascent begins.
- Finishes minutes from the upper cable car station for an easy descent.
Meeting and Parking
Meet at the Table Mountain Ariel Cable Way. It is situated on Tafelberg road, and there is parking alongside the road.
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.
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 | $ 118per 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 | $ 118per person |
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