Table Mountain Summit Hike via Kasteelspoort — Camp's Bay to the Upper Cable Station

Cape Town•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

5–6 hours

Fitness Level

Good aerobic fitness and leg strength for sustained steep climbs; comfortable with short, exposed scrambles.

Overview

A dynamic summit route that climbs from Camp’s Bay to Table Mountain’s Upper Cable Station via Kasteelspoort. Expect steep sandstone steps, fynbos-rich slopes, and expansive city-to-sea views on a 5–6 hour guided hike.

Table Mountain Summit Hike via Kasteelspoort — Camp's Bay to the Upper Cable Station

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hiking

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

The path begins where Camps Bay loosens its hold on the sea. Thermals off the Atlantic scratch at your ears as hikers gather on Theresa Avenue, backpacks humming with water and layered jackets. From here Kasteelspoort climbs—a steep, stony throat cut into the 12 Apostles flank—pulling you out of suburbia into the scrubby heat of fynbos. Step by step the city below shrinks, and Cape Town’s grid and harbor mosaic open like a map being folded away.

Adventure Photos

Table Mountain Summit Hike via Kasteelspoort — Camp's Bay to the Upper Cable Station photo 1

Adventure Tips

Start early

Begin at first light to avoid afternoon wind and heat; summit visibility is best in the morning.

Carry enough water

Bring 2–3 liters per person—there are no reliable water sources on the route.

Wear sturdy boots

Expect loose sandstone and short scrambling sections; ankle-supporting hiking boots improve safety and comfort.

Respect the fynbos

Stay on the trail to protect endemic plants and reduce fire risk—don’t pick flowers or create new paths.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Rock hyrax (dassie)
Cape sugarbird and other fynbos specialists

History

The trail runs through terrain used historically by Khoi peoples and later colonial routes; Table Mountain was a practical landmark for sailors and has been protected as parkland for over a century.

Conservation

The Cape Floristic Region is fire-adapted and botanically unique; staying on trails and following guide instructions helps protect rare plant communities and prevents invasive species spread.