Platteklip Gorge Half-Day Hike to Table Mountain Summit

Cape Town•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4 hours (including summit time)

Fitness Level

Should be comfortable with sustained uphill hiking and stairs; moderate cardiovascular fitness required.

Overview

Take the fastest, most direct route to Table Mountain’s summit along Platteklip Gorge — a steep, historic stair of sandstone with sweeping views of Cape Town and Robben Island. This half-day guided hike blends geology, fynbos, and panorama with practical pacing and local insight.

Platteklip Gorge Half-Day Hike to Table Mountain Summit

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Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

You start at a wooden hut on Tafelberg Road with the city at your back and a cleft in the cliff demanding your attention. Platteklip Gorge doesn’t flirt with you — it points, then goes vertical. The route climbs in a steady, zig-zag line carved through slabs and broken sandstone, punctuated by pockets of fynbos that perfume the air with a resinous, citrus note. As you gain height the skyline of Cape Town unspools: Table Bay, the pale dot of Robben Island, and the steepled downtown fading toward the harbor.

Adventure Photos

Platteklip Gorge Half-Day Hike to Table Mountain Summit photo 1

Adventure Tips

Start Early

Begin before 9am to avoid heat and the afternoon winds that can close the cable car; mornings also have softer light for photos.

Carry Plenty of Water

Bring 1.5–2 liters per person — there’s no reliable water on the ascent and the climb is steep and exposed.

Wear Grippy Footwear

Sturdy hiking shoes with good tread reduce slips on steep sandstone slabs, especially if weather turns.

Plan Your Descent

Cable car down is subject to weather and a separate fee; have a backup plan for walking down if needed.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Dassie (rock hyrax) often sunning on ledges
Sunbirds and other fynbos-adapted songbirds

History

Platteklip Gorge has long been the direct corridor up Table Mountain and was used for centuries as a route between the plateau and the city; Table Mountain is also a historic maritime landmark for Cape sailors.

Conservation

Table Mountain National Park protects unique fynbos habitat — stay on marked paths, carry out waste, and respect seasonal fire regulations to minimize impact.