Hike Table Mountain via Kloof Corner Ridge — exposed ridge scramble with chains
Difficulty
difficult
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
You should have strong aerobic fitness, confidence with hands-on scrambling and the ability to ascend/descend uneven terrain for several hours.
Overview
Skip the cable-car crowds and climb a raw, exposed line up Table Mountain. Kloof Corner Ridge delivers chain-assisted scrambles, a tight chimney, and sweeping views of Cape Town and the Atlantic.
Hike Table Mountain via Kloof Corner Ridge — exposed ridge scramble with chains
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You meet at the lower cable car café before dawn, the city lights thinning as the wind begins to rattle the pines. The ridge rises above you like a wall of ochre, and the first steps are soft with grit—Table Mountain's quartzitic sandstone crunches underfoot. The line up Kloof Corner Ridge is narrow and unapologetic: long zigzags give way to exposed ledges, three chain-assisted pitches, and an 11‑inch chimney that asks you to think with your shoulders as much as your feet.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early for calmer winds
Morning conditions are usually more stable and the slabs are less slippery before the sun warms them; aim to meet at the cable car café at sunrise.
Wear grippy, broken‑in boots
Sticky‑soled hiking boots or approach shoes give traction on quartzitic sandstone and make chimney steps safer.
Be honest about exposure and vertigo
If you have vertigo or an aversion to narrow ledges, choose a different route; the ridge has sustained exposure and chain-assisted pitches.
Plan for descent variations
If the cable car is closed, expect a steep hike down—carry extra water and layer for wind on the plateau.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rock hyrax (dassie)
- Cape sugarbird
History
Table Mountain’s plateau is formed of ancient Table Mountain Sandstone and long served as a navigational landmark for seafarers; local Khoi and San peoples used its slopes for seasonal grazing and shelter.
Conservation
This is a protected fynbos ecosystem—stick to cairned lines, avoid trampling vegetation, and carry out all waste to protect endemic plants and water catchments.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sticky‑soled hiking or approach shoes
Grip and precise footing are crucial on sandstone ledges and chimney steps.
Light gloves for scrambling
Protects palms on chains and when stemming through the chimney.
Windproof shell
Cape winds can be strong on the ridge—layers that block wind make exposed sections manageable.
all specific
2 liters of water and high‑energy snacks
Hydration and quick calories are necessary for a 4‑hour technical hike with sustained effort.