Sunrise Hike: Platteklip Gorge to Table Mountain Summit
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; comfortable on sustained steep climbs and uneven rock.
Overview
Climb straight up to the top of Cape Town at first light. Platteklip Gorge’s steep, direct route puts you above the clouds for sunrise views of the peninsula—fast, honest, and unforgettable.
Sunrise Hike: Platteklip Gorge to Table Mountain Summit
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Headlamps cut arcs of light across the rock as a small group threads the base of Table Mountain before dawn. Below, Cape Town is a scatter of pinprick lights; above, the plateau is a low, dark roof. The route up Platteklip Gorge quickly reminds you that this is not a stroll—the gorge lunges straight at the sky, gaining roughly 650 meters in under 3 km. By the time the horizon paler and the city begins to breathe, you’ve earned a vantage that can put you above cloud and crowd in the same morning.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start with a headlamp
Early starts mean dark rock and loose scree; use a reliable headlamp (a spare battery helps) until dawn softens the trail.
Hydrate before and during
Carry at least 1–1.5 liters and sip regularly—steep climbs dehydrate you faster than you’ll expect.
Dress in layers
The ascent will warm you quickly but the summit is exposed and windy—pack a compact windbreaker for the top.
Plan for the descent
Check cable car status before hiking; scheduled maintenance may require you to hike down, adding time and effort.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Rock hyrax (dassie) on rocky ledges
- Cape sugarbird and sunbirds feeding on fynbos near the summit
History
Table Mountain has long been a navigational point for sailors and a gathering site for the indigenous Khoi and early settlers; Platteklip evolved as the most direct human route to the top.
Conservation
Stick to the trail to protect fragile fynbos and avoid trampling endemic plants; carry out all litter and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Headlamp (with spare batteries)
Hands-free light is critical for pre-dawn navigation on rocky sections.
Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots
Firm soles and ankle support help on steep, sometimes loose terrain.
Windbreaker or insulated shell
Summit conditions are exposed and can be much colder and windier than the base.
winter specific
1–1.5 L hydration bottle or bladder
Sustained uphill effort in Cape Town sun requires steady hydration.
summer specific