Table Mountain Hike Via Platteklip Gorge

On this hike, we take the route up Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain. It’s the shortest, most popular route to the summit and a comfortable hike for those with less climbing experience.

On this hike, we take the route up Platteklip Gorge to the top of Table Mountain. It’s the shortest, most popular route to the summit and a comfortable hike for those with less climbing experience. There are no vertical exposures which makes it suitable for people with a fear of heights. We take the leisurely route down to Lower Cable Station in a state-of-the-art rotating cable car.

Table Mountain is a towering flat-topped mountain that is a prominent natural landmark overlooking the City of Cape Town in South Africa. It falls within the Table Mountain National Park which forms part of the UNESCO Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site.

The Platteklip Gorge route

The Platteklip Gorge route leads up a deep ravine along its lower sections and gets steeper towards its upper sections. It’s the oldest route up Table Mountain and the easiest to find and complete. It’s the route used by all hikers when the Cableway is not operational.

There are a few big rock steps with a tiny bit of scrambling in the earlier stages of the route, otherwise it’s fairly easy hiking to the summit. It may not be the most challenging or scenic route but you’re walking along an historic path that was created in 1503.

Minimum age

8 years, accompanied by an adult (over 18 years)

Fitness and experience level

• Good level of fitness; no health issues or pre-existing medical conditions that may be a problem with physical exertion
• No mountain climbing experience is required but must be physically able to walk for 2 hours and climb steep ladders

Degree of difficulty

Rocky trail with large steps and steep sections. No vertical exposure means it’s suitable for people with a fear of heights. ​