The 4 Best Table Mountain Hiking Experiences In Cape Town

Platteklip Gorge

Time to Summit Approx. 1.5-3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Platteklip Gorge is the most popular Table Mountain hiking trail, providing a direct route to the summit with easy paths to follow and lots of fynbos to admire along the way. The route includes a lot of upward walking with some fairly steep climbing, so your legs will definitely receive a good work out. The hike ends at the top where you can spend some time admiring some of the most incredible views in Africa, and you can then take a cable car back down.

Pipe Track

Time to Summit: Approx. 3 – 4 hours

Difficulty: Easy-moderate

This hiking route goes around Table Mountain rather than going up, so it’s a great way to experience this breath-taking natural wonder without having to endure a strenuous summit to the top. Pipe Track is particularly suitable for those who’d prefer a leisurely hiking experience, but it does travel quite a bit of distance, so you’ll need some comfortable walking shoes. The route takes hikers along the Atlantic coastline through the fynbos, with plenty of wonderful viewing points along the way.

Skeleton Gorge

Time to Summit: Approx. 3-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate-difficult

This ravine leads to the highest point on Table Mountain, and it includes leads through some of the less-visited areas up the back of the mountain. The first half of the route offers mostly shaded areas with lots of lush jungle and fynbos. You’ll have to overcome some ladder climbs and rockfall throughout Skeleton Gorge so it’s a tough climb, but once you reach the summit at Maclear’s Beacon, you’ll be treated to the most panoramic views of Cape Town.

Kasteelspoort

Time to Summit: Approx. 2-4 hours

Difficulty: Moderate-difficult

Kasteelspoort takes you along the western slopes of Table Mountain, and it’s often referred to as the most enjoyable ascent, as there isn’t must exposure to edges or heights and it’s less congested, offering some of the most impressive viewpoints of the ocean, Twelve Apostles and Lion’s Head. When you reach the top, there are many other scenic paths to take which lead you to the mountain reservoirs as well as an old cableway station.

Some of these terrains may be challenging, but whichever trail you go for, the spectacular views that await you, and the achievement you’ll feel afterwards are worth the climb. It’s a rewarding experience, standing at the top of the mountain and looking down on the city. Remember to pack appropriately for the climb! Book cape town flights from UK today and prepare for the hike of your life in this amazing city.