Platteklip Gorge Afternoon Hike Up Table Mountain — Cape Town Essentials

Cape Town•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 hours (as scheduled)

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness required: steady cardiovascular endurance and leg strength for sustained uphill steps.

Overview

A direct, sunlit grind up the stone steps of Platteklip Gorge puts you on Table Mountain’s summit in about three hours. This afternoon hike pairs raw geology and fynbos with practical logistics—hotel pickup, snacks, and a cable-car option for the descent.

Platteklip Gorge Afternoon Hike Up Table Mountain — Cape Town Essentials

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Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

The city falls away in a patchwork of roofs and harbor cranes as you start up Platteklip Gorge, the trail that goes straight for the summit of Table Mountain. Late-afternoon light irons out the granite edges of suburban Cape Town; the Atlantic shimmers to the west and, if the wind allows, Robben Island is a pale silhouette on the horizon. The route climbs in a series of stone steps and zigzags carved into the mountain’s steep face—no frills, just a direct conversation between hiker and cliff.

Adventure Photos

Platteklip Gorge Afternoon Hike Up Table Mountain — Cape Town Essentials photo 1

Adventure Tips

Carry extra water

Bottled water is provided, but bring an additional 1L for summer; the climb is steep and exposure is high.

Wear sturdy footwear

Expect uneven stone steps and loose scree—trail runners or light boots with good grip are best.

Watch the weather

The tablecloth cloud can roll in quickly and the cableway closes in high winds—check forecasts before you go.

Plan your descent

If you prefer not to descend on foot, confirm cableway operating hours or budget extra time for a walk down.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Cape sugarbird
Chacma baboon (keep distance)

History

The flat-topped Table Mountain is composed of ancient quartzitic sandstone; the gorge has long been a practical route to the summit used by local communities and later recreational climbers.

Conservation

The mountain sits in the Cape Floristic Region, a biodiversity hotspot; stick to trails to protect fynbos and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human–animal conflict.