Up the Apostles: A Dawn Ascent of Table Mountain via Kasteelspoort
A sunrise push through fynbos and sandstone to the Back Table’s windswept edge—and the city glittering below.
First light skimmed the Atlantic as Camps Bay yawned awake, and the Pipe Track unfurled like a quiet promise beneath the buttresses of the Twelve Apostles. The ocean breathed, the mountain listened, and somewhere up the ravine, Kasteelspoort dared you to climb. This is Table Mountain’s western doorway—steep, honest, and rewarding—where the day begins with your shoes scuffing cool sandstone and the scent of fynbos leaning in with its resinous hello.
Trail Wisdom
Beat the heat with a sunrise start
Begin hiking by first light to avoid summer sun on the ravine and catch the best visibility before winds pick up.
Mind the southeaster
Strong winds funnel through Kasteelspoort and the Back Table—skip exposed photo spots like the Diving Board if gusts are present.
Carry enough water
There’s no reliable potable water on route; pack 2–3 liters per person, more in summer.
Navigation gets trickier on top
The ravine is obvious, but the Back Table can be confusing in cloud. Download an offline map and stick to marked paths.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Valley of the Red Gods—quiet sandstone corridors just beyond the top of the ravine
- •Hely-Hutchinson Dam wall—classic reflections on windless mornings
Wildlife
Rock hyrax (dassie), Cape sugarbird and sunbirds
Conservation Note
Fynbos is fragile and slow to recover—stay on established paths, avoid trampling vegetation, and pack out all waste including organics.
The ruins near Kasteelspoort are remnants of an early 20th-century construction cableway used to build the mountain’s reservoirs on the Back Table.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Blooming fynbos, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Changeable wind, Occasional cold fronts
September–November brings fresh greenery, flowering proteas, and comfortable hiking temps with variable breezes.
summer
Best for: Clear views, Long daylight
Challenges: Heat exposure, Strong southeaster winds
December–February is hot and often windy—start at dawn, carry extra water, and protect from the sun.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Calmer winds
Challenges: Shorter days late season, Cool mornings
March–May is the sweet spot: fewer gales, crisp air, and consistently clear mornings for Kasteelspoort.
winter
Best for: Dramatic cloudscapes, Cool hiking temps
Challenges: Rain and slick rock, Limited daylight
June–August brings cold fronts and wet trails—pack layers, watch footing, and time your hike between storms.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight windproof shellEssential
The mountain’s breezes can be sharp even on sunny days; a shell keeps you warm on the ravine and on top.
Trail shoes with aggressive treadEssential
Sandstone steps and gravelly sections demand reliable grip, especially on the descent.
2–3L hydration capacityEssential
There’s no dependable water; bring bottles or a bladder to stay ahead of heat and wind.
Offline topo map/app
Cloud can drop suddenly on the Back Table; navigation tools help keep you on the right line.
Common Questions
How long is the Kasteelspoort hike on Table Mountain?
Most hikers complete the up-and-back route in 3.5–5 hours, covering roughly 8–10 km with 650–800 m of elevation gain.
Is the Diving Board safe?
It’s an exposed rock ledge best visited only in calm conditions. Skip it if windy or if you’re uncomfortable with exposure, and never step past your comfort zone.
Do I need a permit to hike Kasteelspoort?
No permit is required for this section of Table Mountain National Park, but stick to marked paths and observe park regulations.
Can I hike up Kasteelspoort and take the cable car down?
Yes, if you traverse across the plateau to the Upper Cableway and the cable car is operating. Allow 1.5–2 additional hours and check the status in advance.
What is the best time of day to start?
At dawn. You’ll avoid heat and wind, enjoy clearer views, and have easier parking near the trailhead.
Is a guide recommended?
While experienced hikers can manage the route, a local guide adds safety, weather savvy, and insight into fynbos, history, and hidden viewpoints.
What to Pack
2–3 liters of water in bottles or a bladder—no reliable water on route; Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)—the ravine bakes after 9 a.m.; Windproof layer—Table Mountain winds change quickly; Grippy trail footwear—sandstone steps and gravel require traction.
Did You Know
Table Mountain was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2011 and anchors the Cape Floristic Region, the smallest yet richest floral kingdom on Earth with over 9,000 plant species—about 70% of which are endemic.
Quick Travel Tips
Uber or a metered taxi to Theresa Avenue avoids parking hassles; Check the Table Mountain Cableway wind closure status before planning a traverse; Download an offline map—cell signal is patchy on the Back Table; Start at dawn for shade in the ravine and room on the trail.
Local Flavor
Post-hike, refuel along Camps Bay’s beachfront—grab a flat white and a pastry or settle into a seaside lunch with your boots at your feet. For a local evening, head to Kloof or Bree Street for Cape Malay flavors, fresh seafood, and an easy craft beer crawl. If you have time, visit the Oranjezicht City Farm Market to sample produce from the region and chat with passionate producers.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Cape Town International (CPT). Trailhead: Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay via the Pipe Track. Driving time: ~15–25 minutes from the CBD depending on traffic. Cell service: Good on lower slopes, patchy to poor on the Back Table. Permits: None required for this route; observe SANParks rules. Parking: Limited street parking—arrive early and do not leave valuables in vehicles.
Sustainability Note
This hike crosses sensitive fynbos habitat within Table Mountain National Park—stay on established trails, do not pick flowers, and pack out all trash. Wind can scatter litter; secure wrappers and use reusable bottles.