Platteklip Gorge

The most popular route up Table Mountain — a steep, rocky gorge climbing roughly 700 metres over just 3 kilometres. Platteklip Gorge is the most direct route to the summit and is well-marked and heavily used, but it's physically demanding from start to finish.

The trail consists almost entirely of large rock steps and there is very little shade during the day, making the climb hot in summer. An early morning start is strongly recommended.

Hiking poles can make a noticeable difference on both the climb and descent. Bring more water than you think you'll need, wear proper shoes with grip, and expect the climb to take most reasonably fit hikers between three and four hours to reach the top. Most people choose to take the cable car back down.

Maclears Beacon

Maclear's Beacon is the highest point on Table Mountain, sitting at 1,086 metres (3,563 feet) above sea level. For visitors who don't want to tackle a full mountain hike, the route to the beacon offers an accessible alternative from the upper cable car station, mostly along cemented paths and wooden boardwalks across the plateau.

The walk is approximately 2 kilometres each way from the cable car and is relatively flat compared to the mountain's main hiking routes. It's a good option for visitors wanting to experience the scale of the summit without a strenuous climb. On clear days, the views stretch across the city, the Atlantic coast, and deep into the Cape Peninsula.

India Venster

The more interesting alternative. India Venster scrambles up the front of Table Mountain, more or less directly below the cable car, with sweeping views of the city and Atlantic. The route is marked with painted arrows, but it isn't a clear footpath in the way Platteklip is — there are several sections of genuine scrambling, and metal staples bolted into the rock to assist on the steeper sections

The route has exposure and there are points where you'll be using your hands, with a long drop below you. It's not for visitors who are nervous with heights or unfamiliar with rocky terrain. Slightly longer than Platteklip but considerably more rewarding visually, and almost always quieter because of its difficulty.

The route tops out close to the upper cable car station, so most hikers take the cable car back down. If the cable car is closed for wind, plan to descend via Platteklip — going down India Venster is harder and more exposed than going up.

Skeleton Gorge

Climbs from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden up the back of the mountain through indigenous Afromontane forest. The trail follows a stream up the gorge, threading past waterfalls and ancient trees. Cooler, shadier, and quieter than the other routes — and significantly wetter underfoot.

The path is rocky and uneven throughout, with several sections requiring the use of fixed ladders to traverse steep sections. Proper hiking or trail running shoes with grip are essential — the rock gets slippery after rain, and the route stays damp even in summer. The ladders aren't difficult but they aren't suitable for visitors uncomfortable with exposure or anyone with a fear of heights.

It tops out on the back table of the mountain, far from the cable car. You can either hike to the upper cable station (allow another 2 to 3 hours via Maclear's Beacon), or descend via Constantia Nek's jeep tracks. Plan a long day and a Kirstenbosch entry ticket at the start.

The climb to Lion's Head is less physically demanding than the climb to Table Mountain and is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Cape Town.

During the climb, we will go around Lion's Head 360˚, which will give us a view in all directions. There are several sections along the way where we have to climb walls with iron handles and chains attached. These sections can be avoided by choosing a slightly longer route. Decent shoes with grip and a head torch for a sunset return are recommended.

After descending from Lion's Head, we will visit the viewpoint at the top of Signal Hill.

Lion's Head is one of the starting points for tandem paragliding flights. The night climb to Lion's Head during the full moon is popular.

No climbing equipment or climbing experience is required for the climb. The entire trip, including the stay at the top of Lion's Head, takes approximately 4 hours, so it is advisable to combine this trip with another half-day activity, such as a city tour or a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens.

What to bring: 1.5 liters of water per person, sunscreen, hat, good hiking shoes, something to snack on (energy bars, fruit, dried meat, etc.).