Hike to Table Mountain in Cape Town

Dodge Dassies on your way to the top with this scenic hike to Table Mountain!

Tracing the shadow of mighty Table Mountain, follow the Platteklip Ridge on this scenic trek to 1,085m. Home to unique species like the ‘Dassie’ aka Rock Hyrax and fields of fybnos, Table Mountain National Park brings together the natural legacy and culture heritage of Cape Town – offering stunning views towards the Cape of Good Home. Follow in the footsteps of a nation with this signature hike in Cape Town.

Location
Table Mountain is Cape Town’s highest mountain and stands at 1,085m. Served by a cable car, the most famous hiking route to the summit is the Platteklip Gorge/Ridge route – the oldest, easiest and most popular trail.

Activity
Meet your guide in Cape Town for this scenic hike to Table Mountain. Following the Platteklip Gorge route from the base of the mountain to its iconic flat-topped summit, it navigates a well-constructed trail up a deep ravine on the iconic front face of the mountain. The 3km (3 hour ) trail climbs steeply from the mountain valley base, through forest and up rock stepping stones, before rising above the city and ending at a jaw-dropping lookout over Cape Town—an enormous cloud cover and wind sometimes stretches for over the table shaped mountain. During the hike, your guide will tell you more about the area’s endemic species including over 2,000 unique plants and the endearing Dassie – a type of rock hyrax – that’s closest relative is the elephant! Reaching the top, there will be plenty of time to mark the moment with photos and explore the summit at your leisure, returning on foot where your transport will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

Conditions
The 3km (1.86 miles) trail climbs steeply from the mountain valley base and the route consists of big rock steps with a tiny bit of scrambling low down the route. Due the changing weather conditions, suitable footwear and waterproof layers are recommended.