Table Mountain Sunrise Hike via Platteklip Gorge — Cape Town Morning Trek
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and leg strength; regular walkers and active travelers can complete it with steady pacing.
Overview
Head up Table Mountain in the dark and watch Cape Town wake beneath you. Platteklip Gorge is a steep, direct sunrise climb that rewards early starts with sweeping city and coastline views.
Table Mountain Sunrise Hike via Platteklip Gorge — Cape Town Morning Trek
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A hush falls over Cape Town before dawn; only the distant hum of traffic and the occasional clink from the harbor puncture the dark. You stand at the lower cable car station with a headlamp halo, breath fogging, watching the city shrink beneath you as the Platteklip Gorge swallows your light. The trail angles up immediately — steep, relentless, honest — and by the time the first pale line of sun fingers the Stadium and the City Bowl, you are halfway up, the world below slowly unspooling into color.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start with a headlamp
You’ll begin pre-dawn; a reliable headlamp keeps hands free and footing secure on rocky switchbacks.
Hydrate before and during
Carry at least 1–1.5 liters—there’s limited drinking water on the route outside of wetter months.
Wear sturdy closed shoes
Expect steep, uneven sandstone steps — trail runners or hiking boots with grip reduce slip risk.
Check cable car status
If the cable car is closed (maintenance or wind) you must hike down—plan for extra time and energy.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dassies (rock hyrax) often sunning on ledges
- Various raptors such as rock kestrels and jackal buzzards circling thermals
History
Platteklip Gorge provided freshwater and a natural route to the summit for early settlers and sailors; the name means “flat rock” in Afrikaans.
Conservation
Table Mountain is part of a protected national park and fragile fynbos habitat—stay on trail, avoid picking plants, and pack out all waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Headlamp
Necessary for the pre-dawn start and uneven early sections.
Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners
Grip and ankle support for steep sandstone steps and loose scree.
Windbreaker / insulated layer
Summit winds and the drop in temperature at altitude make an outer shell essential.
1–1.5L water bottle or hydration pack
Hydration for the ascent — refill points are not guaranteed off-season.