Table Mountain, Cape Town’s iconic landmark, invites explorers to discover its true beauty through its different hiking trails. Far from being a mere backdrop, these trails navigate through the mountain’s lush landscapes, ranging from serene forested walks to exhilarating rocky ascents.
Perfect for both casual strollers and avid hikers, these Table Mountain Hiking Trails promise a journey as rewarding as the destination itself. So, come and join us as we guide you through some of the best trails, a must-experience on any Cape Town Tours, revealing the mountain’s hidden splendours.
Platteklip Gorge Trail
The Platteklip Gorge Trail is a popular choice for many hikers on Cape Town Table Mountain Tour. It’s a straightforward route that leads you directly to the summit of Table Mountain, offering stunning views of the Mother City.
- Trail Length: 5.5 km round trip
- Hiking Time: Around 2 hours round trip
- Elevation Change: 650 m
- Starting Point: Tafelberg Road, 1.5 km past the Lower Cable Car Station towards Devil’s Peak
- Finish Point: 700 m from the cable car station at the top
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate (3/5)
- What to Expect: Footpaths, rocks, and large stones
- Parking: Locate your parking spot at the trail’s start or along Tafelberg Road
Skeleton Gorge Trail
This Hiking Trail on Table Mountain takes you across the mountain, starting from the tranquil Kirstenbosch Gardens to the steeper Skeleton Gorge. Sheltered by native trees, the path offers a bit of coolness during the climb.
- Trail Length: 7 km round trip
- Hiking Time: 2.5-3.5 hours total, depending on the pace of your walk
- Elevation Change: 600 m
- Start: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
- Finish Point: 100 m from Hely Hutchinson Reservoir at the top
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate (3/5)
- What to Expect: Paths, stairs, rocks, slippery stones, and wooden ladders
- Parking: Two parking spots inside Kirstenbosch Gardens
Upper Cable Car Station to Skeleton Gorge
If you’re looking for a less strenuous downhill hike, this trail from the Upper Cable Car Station to Skeleton Gorge is perfect option on Cape Town Tours for you.
- Trail Length: 4.8 km
- Hiking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 66 m gain, 395 m loss
- Starting Point: Upper Cable Car Station
- Finishing Point: Top of Skeleton Gorge, near Hely Hutchinson Reservoir
- Difficulty Rating: Easy to Moderate (1.5/5)
- Trail Surface: Primarily boulders and boardwalks
Maclear’s Beacon Trail
Maclear’s Beacon, standing at 21 meters above the Upper Cableway Station, is the highest point of Table Mountain. To start the hike, you have to follow the plaques at the Upper Cableway Station leading to the trail marked by yellow footprints.
- Trail Length: 5.4 km return
- Time Required: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Elevation Change: 150 m gain/loss
- Start and End Point: Near the Upper Cable Car Station towards Platteklip Gorge
- Difficulty Rating: Easy (1/5)
- Terrain Features: Footpaths, boardwalks, boulders
- Parking: Available along Tafelberg Road close to the Lower Cable Car Station
Important Insight: Combining this hike with the Platteklip trail lets you experience the full ascent from the mountain's base to its peak on Tour from Cape Town to Table Mountain.
Diagonal/Kasteelspoort Trail
The Kasteelspoort Hiking Trail is celebrated for its accessibility and suitability for various fitness levels. Along this route, hikers are treated to spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay. With multiple paths leading to different destinations like the old Cableway Station and two reservoirs, each hike promises a unique experience on Cape Town Day Tours.
- Trail Length: 11.5 km loop, includes a stretch to the diving board and back
- Hiking Time: About 3.5 hours
- Elevation Change: 680 m gain/loss
- Starting/Ending Point: Kloof Nek parking, near the Tafelberg Road turn-off, with additional parking along Tafelberg Road if needed
- Difficulty Rating: Moderate (3/5)
- Terrain: Rocky and gravel paths, boulders, and steps
India Venster Trail
The India Venster Hiking Trail on Table Mountain is an intriguing yet challenging path. It is named for its resemblance to the Indian subcontinent and offers a more adventurous climb than Platteklip Gorge. It starts off easily but gets tougher, involving climbing over rocks and crossing narrow ledges.
- Trail Length: 4.3 km to Upper Cable Car station, one way
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours to the cable car, one way
- Elevation Change: 722 m
- Starting Point: Lower Cable Car Station
- Finish Point: 700 m from Upper Cable Car station at the top
- Difficulty: Very hard. (5/5)
A Little Advice- This trail is fulfilling for those who are in good shape and have plenty of hiking experience. If you're new to hiking, are a casual hiker, or have children, the easier Platteklip Gorge trail might be a better choice on your Tours in Cape Town.
Explore the Heights, Enjoy the Sights in Cape Town!
In conclusion, these six Table Mountain Hiking Trails offer an incredible way to experience the surrounding natural beauty of Cape Town. You can be an avid hiker or a casual explorer, still you can choose your preferred route complementing your hiking experiences.
After your hiking adventure, why not extend your adventure with Wow Travel and Tours diverse Cape Town Tour Packages? Because, remember, whether on foot or on the road, every moment of your Cape Town Tours is a step into the extraordinary and let’s you engage with the splendid beauty of the city and move on with everlasting memories.
