TABLE MOUNTAIN
A flat-topped mountain 1085m above Cape Town, with approximately 2200 species of plants, forms a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town.
It is the country’s most photographed attraction and on a clear day can clearly be seen from 200km out at sea.
The magestic Hottentots mountain range to the East, Cape Point to the south as well as spectacular views of the city, Waterfront and the Harbour can be seen from the top.
The cablecar takes a 5 minute ascent to the top with a 360° view of Cape Town, the ocean & neighbouring peaks.
A more adventurous way to experience Table Mountain is to hike, but we highly recommend a hiking guide, which we will arrange. Any route up Table Mountain is steep so a general level of fitness is required. Half Day (3-4 Hours) and Full Day (5-7 Hours) can be arranged.
Table mountain offers incredible hikes. We only recommend hiking with one of our professional hiking guides. We can experience 4 Seasons in one day and not being familiar with the various routes, our changing weather conditions and safety and security of our clients is our top concern.
There are a huge amount of criss cross trails on Table Mountain with routes ranging from gentle ambles to steep adventurous scrambles. Amazing Vista’s and a huge variety of plant life are just some of the highlights of a hike on Table Mountain.
We can arrange for you to Join another group or book your own private hiking guide. Once we know your fitness level and the time you have available we will tailor make a hike to suit you and your family.
*FULL DAY HIKES ON TABLE MOUNTAIN – 5-7 HOURS
- Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon
- 12 Apostles
SKELETON GORGE TO MACLEARS BEACON
Time: 5-7 Hours
Level of difficulty: Both Skeleton and Platteklip Gorges are steep so a general level of fitness is required. Although there is little in the way of exposure there are some ladders on Skeleton Gorge and some rocks to scramble over.
Highlights: This is a hike of contrasts. Moving through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens and up the shady Skeleton Gorge before hiking through the fynbos found on top of the mountain to the highest point.
Skeleton Gorge found on the Eastern side of Table Mountain ascends above Kirstenbosch Gardens through wonderful indigenous forestry. Once on the top the route follows the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain to Maclears Beacon (The highest point of the mountain). From here the final hour of the hike follows the flat plateau of Table Mountain overlooking the city.
Descent via the Cable Car or Platteklip Gorge.
12 APOSTLES
Time: 5-7 Hours
Level of difficulty: A steep ascent and descent but little exposure. A general level of fitness required.
Highlights: This is the hike for contrasting and dramatic views as the 12 Apostles of Table Mountain are the steep cliffs that overlook Camps Bay.
There are numerous hiking trails to choose from of varying difficulty. Front the top we can explore the back table and reservoirs and choose the descent either via the cable car or via another trail.
*HALF DAY HIKES ON TABLE MOUNTAIN – 3-4 HOURS
- Platteklip Gorge
- Indian Venster
- Lion's Head
PLATTEKLIP GORGE
Time: 3-4 Hours
Level of difficulty: steep and strenuous but no exposure to sheer cliffs
Platteklip Gorge offers the fastest way to the Table Top of the mountain. Spectacular views over the city and Robben island are a highlight. Cable Car down.
The walk can be extended to add a walk to Maclears Beacon which is the highest point of the mountain.
INDIAN VENSTER
Level of difficulty: includes some easy climbing. No experience necessary but there is a slight element of exposure.
A fun route up the face of Table Mountain underneath the cable car. Classified as a scramble the India Venster route includes a little bit of easy climbing. No experience is necessary but you do need a sense of adventure. Wonderful views and an experience you will not forget. Cable Car down.
Can be extended to add a hike to Maclears Beacon which is the highest point on the mountain.
LION'S HEAD
Level of difficulty: some fun scrambling.
Lions head, the sugarloaf peak alongside the main Table Mountain offers some of the best views in the Cape. A short steep ascent with magnificent 360 degree views from the top.
There are 2 routes possible. One following an exciting scrambling route with the assistance of chains. The other avoides the chains and is a less exciting but still a steep route.
Lions head is a great sunrise hike.
*NOTE: ASK ABOUT OUR OTHER HALF DAY OPTIONS. PACKED LUNCH PROVIDED ON ALL FULL DAY TRIP. TRANSPORT ARRANGE. ADDITIONAL COST IF CABLE CAR IS APPLICABLE.
OVERNIGHT HIKE ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
SPEND THE NIGHT ON TABLE MOUNTAIN – 1 NIGHT, 2 DAYS
The overseers Hut on Table Mountain offers the most fantastic option to extend your hike and also spend the night on the Mountain. Imagine sleeping right on top of the Table Moutnain whilst the lights of the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town twinkle far below you.
We will carry your pack and overnight gear to the top of the mountain for you so no need to carry a heavy pack on the hike. Accommodation is in the tastefully redecorated Overseers cottage. Large living area with rooms fitted with comfortable beds. Hot showers and all modern amenities available. Our catering is 5 star. Imagine walking to the sunrise from the top of Table Mountain and the smells of hot coffee and croissants.
Either hike for 2 full days or opt for a lazy morning on top of the mountain and day 2 with a gentle amble down Constantia Nek in the early afternoon.
INCLUDED:
- 2 FULL DAYS HIKING ON TABLE MOUNTAIN
- QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED GUIDES
- 5 STAR CATERING
- TRANSPORT TO CARRY YOUR BACKPACKS TO THE HUT
- ACCOMMODATION IN THE OVERSEERS HUT
- BEDDING
