Hike Table Mountain: Guided Summit Ascent via Platteklip Gorge (3–5 hrs)
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate aerobic fitness and leg strength; comfortable with sustained uphill walking and short scrambles.
Overview
Take a guided ascent of Table Mountain via the direct Platteklip Gorge for a 3–5 hour climb with panoramic rewards. This practical guide covers route, geology, timing, and the gear you’ll need to make the summit comfortably and safely.
Hike Table Mountain: Guided Summit Ascent via Platteklip Gorge (3–5 hrs)
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The morning sun slices across Cape Town, turning the table of sandstone into a warm, honeyed slab. You meet your guide on the viewing deck above the shops at the Lower Cable Car station, breath clouding in cooler months, the city still quiet below. The route ahead is a vertical conversation with the mountain: steep ramps of broken rock, pockets of hard fynbos clinging to fissures, and the plateau—sudden and wide—unfurling to both Table Bay and False Bay.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Begin at first light to avoid afternoon winds and crowds; morning climbs usually have the clearest views and cooler temperatures.
Hydrate and fuel
Carry 1–2 liters of water and a high-energy snack—there are no services on the route and exertion is steady.
Wear grippy footwear
Stony slabs and loose scree reward shoes with good grip and ankle support more than fashionable trainers.
Respect the fynbos
Stick to the trail to protect sensitive vegetation and avoid creating erosion-prone shortcuts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dassie (rock hyrax)
- Peregrine falcon
History
Table Mountain served as a landmark for early sailors and holds cultural significance for indigenous Khoikhoi communities; Maclear’s Beacon marks 19th-century surveying work.
Conservation
The mountain’s fynbos ecosystem is fire-adapted but vulnerable to invasive plants and erosion—stay on trails and pack out waste to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on sandstone, scree, and wet rock sections.
Layered clothing (windproof jacket)
Table Mountain can be windy and changeable—layers let you adapt to sun, wind, and cloud.
all specific
1–2 liters water and snacks
Sustained uphill effort and sun exposure demand hydration and quick calories.
all specific
Daypack with basic first-aid and headlamp
Useful for longer descents, unexpected delays, or post-summit exploration before dusk.