Up the Apostles: A Morning Ascent of Table Mountain via Kasteels Poort
Steep stone, salt air, and fynbos—Cape Town’s classic west-side route.
First light skims the Atlantic as Camps Bay exhales the last of the night. The Pipe Track, a century-old contour path, stirs beneath your feet—sandstone slabs still cool, the scent of fynbos sharp and peppery in the air. Ahead, a shadowed crease in the Twelve Apostles unfurls: Kasteels Poort, a natural gateway that beckons to the plateau. The ravine seems to lean forward and dare you—come then, climb.
Trail Wisdom
Start before sunrise
Beat heat, wind, and crowds by hitting the Pipe Track at first light; the west face warms quickly after 9 a.m.
Mind the wind at the Diving Board
Skip exposed photo spots if the south-easter is pumping—gusts can be violent and unpredictable near cliff edges.
Water is non-negotiable
Carry at least 2 liters per person; natural sources here are seasonal and not reliable for drinking.
Footing first
Kasteels Poort is steep and rocky. Grippy trail shoes and deliberate steps will save your knees on the descent.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Tranquility Cracks—wind-sculpted fissures near the Back Table
- •Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir boardwalk for mirror-still reflections on calm days
Wildlife
Cape sugarbird, Rock hyrax (dassie)
Conservation Note
Fynbos is fragile and fire-adapted—stay on paths, do not pick plants, and avoid open flames. Pack out all litter to protect water catchments and habitats.
The old cableway ruins near Kasteels Poort supported reservoir construction on the Back Table around the turn of the 20th century, long before the public cableway opened in 1929.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Unstable weather, Slippery rock after rain
September–November brings blooming fynbos and pleasant temps. Watch forecast windows between Atlantic fronts.
summer
Best for: Clear views, Long daylight
Challenges: Strong south-easter winds, Intense sun and heat
December–February is peak season. Start early, carry extra water, and plan for wind on exposed ledges.
fall
Best for: Stable weather, Calmer winds
Challenges: Shorter daylight toward May, Cooler mornings
March–May is prime hiking: golden light, fewer gusts, and reliable conditions on the plateau.
winter
Best for: Crisp air, Moody cloudscapes
Challenges: Rain and cold fronts, Wet, slick sandstone
June–August delivers dramatic skies and fewer people; bring a shell and warm layers and watch for slippery steps.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Lightweight windproof shellEssential
The south-easter can whip across the plateau even on hot days; a shell keeps you warm and focused.
Grippy trail running shoes or hiking shoesEssential
Steep, stepped terrain rewards traction and stable soles more than heavy boots.
2L hydration capacityEssential
There are no reliable water sources on this route; carry enough for climbs and sun exposure.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+)Essential
UV is strong here; protect skin and eyes during long, exposed sections.
Common Questions
How long is the Kasteels Poort hike and how much elevation gain should I expect?
Plan for 8–12 km (5–7.5 miles) round-trip with approximately 700 m (2,300 ft) of elevation gain, depending on detours and whether you descend the same way.
Is the route technical or exposed?
It’s non-technical but steep with rocky steps. Exposure is minimal on the main path, but optional photo ledges like the Diving Board are exposed and should be avoided in strong winds.
Can I take the cable car down after hiking up Kasteels Poort?
Yes, you can traverse the Back Table to the Upper Cableway station if conditions allow. Always check the cableway operating status and carry a card for the ticket.
Do I need a permit to hike Kasteels Poort?
No permit is required for day hiking in Table Mountain National Park, but respect all park rules and gate hours where applicable.
Is a guide necessary for this route?
Not strictly, but a local guide adds safety, route-finding confidence, and insights into fynbos ecology and history—especially useful in changeable weather.
Are there toilets or facilities on the trail?
There are no facilities on Kasteels Poort. Restrooms are available at the Cableway stations if you traverse there; otherwise, practice Leave No Trace.
What to Pack
2 liters of water per person to handle steep, sun-exposed sections; a windproof shell for sudden gusts on the plateau; grippy trail shoes for rocky steps; high-SPF sunscreen and a brimmed hat to counter intense UV.
Did You Know
Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts more plant species than the entire United Kingdom.
Quick Travel Tips
Use a rideshare or taxi to the Theresa Avenue trailhead to avoid parking hassles; check the Table Mountain Cableway app for operating updates if you plan to descend by cable car; start early to avoid wind and heat; don’t leave valuables in vehicles at trailheads.
Local Flavor
Refuel along the Camps Bay beachfront with fresh seafood and a sea view, or head to the Bo-Kaap for Cape Malay flavors and brightly painted streets. Coffee on Kloof Street pairs well with a slow post-hike stroll through the Company’s Garden.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Cape Town International (CPT). Trailhead: Pipe Track/Kasteels Poort via Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay. Drive time: ~15–20 minutes from central Cape Town. Cell service: Intermittent in the ravine, generally better on the plateau. Permits: No day-hike permit required for Table Mountain National Park; check Cableway status if planning a one-way trip.
Sustainability Note
This hike traverses sensitive fynbos in Table Mountain National Park—stick to established paths, pack out all waste, and never use open flames. Dry summers mean extreme fire risk; report smoke immediately.