The Top Circuit hike takes you around Table Mountain’s iconic plateau, offering an accessible way to explore the summit without hiking up the mountain itself. We take the cable car up and down on this hike, making it a great option for those short on time or looking for an easier introduction to Table Mountain.
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps, foot paths
Route Description
This tour offers a great way to experience Table Mountain's plateau without needing to summit on foot. It gives you a solid understanding of Table Mountain and its surrounding areas. This is an easy, level route, starting off on footpaths and combining with a single rock path. There are a few steps down a rock face, with a chain handrail for assistance.
We begin our hike from the upper cable car station on the summit. The Top Circuit hike takes you to the best viewing points that Table Mountain has to offer. The views are endless from the top of Table Mountain, and on a clear day, you will see for miles. Here you will see Cape Town from all angles, as a guide points out the attractions and landmarks of the surrounding areas and mountain ranges, really putting the Cape into perspective.
We then venture a little off the plateau, away from the common tourist route, to see what Table Mountain and its hiking routes are all about. Here, the route fills up with varieties of Table Mountain's unique fynbos as we make our way towards the 12 Apostles, across the summits of popular Table Mountain hiking routes.
The Top Circuit hike isn't complete until we have been to the highest point of the Cape Peninsula. We take a trip to Maclear's Beacon, a stone cairn sitting at 1086m above sea level. It was built in 1865, and today it is a popular Table Mountain landmark. We then head back to the upper cable car station and take the cable car back down. Lengthier options are available for the more adventurous and experienced hikers.
Hike Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain
- Explore the summit
Finish: 3 hours later
- Time spent at the top is up to you
- Ride the cable car down
Highlights
- Explore Table Mountain’s plateau via cable car, no summit hiking required.
- Panoramic views over Cape Town, the coastline, and surrounding mountain ranges.
- Venture off the main tourist route through Table Mountain’s unique fynbos.
- Walk across the summits of some of Table Mountain’s most popular hiking routes.
- Visit Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the Cape Peninsula.
- An easy, accessible way to experience Table Mountain for all fitness levels.
Meeting and Parking
Meet at the Table Mountain Ariel Cable Way. It is situated on Tafelberg road, and there is parking alongside the road.
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.
Getting the Cable Car
- Tickets can be bought online to avoid the queues.
- The cable car ride down takes 4 to 5 minutes.
- The cable car departs every 10 to 15 minutes.
Gallery
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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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