Best of Table Mountain: Full-Day Guided Hike to Maclear’s Beacon and the Diving Board
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Should be in good aerobic shape with experience on long day hikes; able to handle sustained climbs, short scrambling and uneven terrain.
Overview
A full-day, guided 14 km traverse across Table Mountain that reaches Maclear’s Beacon and the iconic Diving Board. Expect rocky scrambles, secret mountain streams, and panoramic views—bring layers, water, and a head for exposure.
Best of Table Mountain: Full-Day Guided Hike to Maclear’s Beacon and the Diving Board
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The day begins where the Atlantic presses against the Twelve Apostles and the city shrinks to a scatter of roofs. You gather on Theresa Avenue in Camps Bay, boots still fresh, breath visible in a cool morning that will warm into Cape Town’s sharp sun. From the Pipe Track you look up at the corrugated flank of Table Mountain—the route climbs through Corridor Ravine, angling across ledges, past fissures that feel older than the city, toward that flat-topped summit where Maclear’s Beacon waits like a worn compass.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
One-way logistics
This is a point-to-point hike starting from Kasteelspoort/Camps Bay and ending at the Upper Cableway Station—factor in transport or plan to buy a cable car ticket for descent.
Bring ample water
Carry 2–3 liters per person and a small filter if you prefer to top up from mountain streams; exposed sections magnify dehydration risk.
Footing and footwear
Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are required—expect sandstone and short scrambling; gaiters help with fynbos and scree.
Weather and timing
Start early to avoid afternoon southeaster winds and cloud-in; check the Table Mountain weather forecast and be prepared to cancel if visibility is poor.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rock hyrax (dassie) commonly sunning on ledges
- Native fynbos specialists like Protea species and numerous endemic pollinators
History
Table Mountain’s plateau has been a landmark for seafarers for centuries and an area of botanical study since the 18th century; Maclear’s Beacon is named after an early observatory trig point.
Conservation
Table Mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park and contains critically important Cape Floristic Region biodiversity—stay on trails to protect fragile fynbos and follow Leave No Trace principles.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking boots
Protects ankles on uneven sandstone and provides traction on wet rock.
3L hydration system or bottles
Ensures you can carry enough water for a long, exposed day—refill cautiously if using natural sources.
summer specific
Light waterproof shell and layers
Protects against sudden wind and rain on the plateau and lets you shed layers during steep climbs.
winter specific
Sun protection (hat, SPF, sunglasses)
The plateau is exposed and the sun is intense—prevent sunburn and glare on rocky surfaces.
summer specific