The Oldest Known, Most Popular & Direct Route Up To The Top of Table Mountain
Image: Views on Platteklip Gorge route featuring dassies, or the rock hyrax, commonly seen on this trail
Hike duration: 2 – 3 hours
Skill level: Beginner
Price: From R1000pp
(min 2 pax, excludes cable car ticket)
Platteklip Gorge is the oldest known, most popular and most direct route up to the top of Table Mountain. It is a steep series of switchbacks up the front face overlooking the City. Platteklip Gorge ends in between impressive cliffs, just before topping out on the plateau to wide open vistas. It is not a technically difficult trail; however, it can get tiring on the legs. Weather permitting, we take the Cable Car down.
All hikes that require descent by Cable Car are dependent on the wind. If the wind is too strong, the Cable Car will be closed, and we will hike down Platteklip Gorge. This adds about 2 hours and is an extra R300pp.
There is an add-on option to the highest point on Table Mountain. See below for details.
Add-On Maclear's Beacon – Go To The Highest Point on Table Mountain
Hike duration: 4 – 5 hours
(including ascent up Platteklip Gorge)
Skill level: Beginner
Price: From R1300pp
(min 2 pax, excludes cable car ticket)
After climbing up Platteklip Gorge, instead of heading straight for the cable car, we enjoy some more peace on the mountain. We walk a circular route to Maclear’s Beacon to take in wide views over the city and False Bay. This walk has no gradient, but is still along uneven, rocky ground. It adds about 1.5-2 hours.
This add-on is also available as a stand-alone summit stroll, taking the cable car up and down. Only available when the cable car is running. From R1000pp.
Price for hike down R300pp, extra 2 hours.