Ultimate Guide to

Table Mountain Hiking

verything you need to know
for the perfect Table Mountain experience

Introduction

Table Mountain is one of the world\’s most recognisable landmarks and Cape Town\’s most iconic attraction. Rising 1,086 metres above sea level, the mountain offers breathtaking views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding Cape Peninsula.

Whether you choose to hike up or take the famous rotating cable car, a visit to Table Mountain is an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know including the best hiking trails, cable car information, safety tips and the best time to visit.

Hiking Trails

Platteklip Gorge

The most popular and easiest route to the summit. Well-marked path through a spectacular gorge.
Approximately 2 hours to the top.
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
⏱ Duration: 2 hours
📏 Distance: 3.5km

India Venster

A more scenic and varied route offering beautiful views of the city and ocean. Less crowded than Platteklip Gorge trail.
⭐ Difficulty: Moderate
⏱ Duration: 3 hours
📏 Distance: 4.5km

Skeleton Gorge

A challenging but rewarding route through Kirstenbosch gardens and dense forest. Most scenic trail on the mountain.
⭐ Difficulty: Hard
⏱ Duration: 4 hours
📏 Distance: 6km

Table Mountain Cable Car

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Africa. The rotating cable car takes just 5 minutes to reach the summit and offers 360-degree views during the ascent.

The cable cars run daily weather permitting. It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance especially during peak season to avoid long queues. The last car up is approximately one hour before closing time.

Cable Car Info

🕐 Hours: 08:00 – 19:00
💰 Adult: R 380 return
💰 Child: R 190 return
📅 Book online recommended
☁️ Closed in bad weather
📞 Tel: +27 21 424 8181
🌐 www.tablemountain.net

Safety Tips

☁️ Check weather forecast before hiking — conditions change rapidly
👟 Wear proper hiking boots with good ankle support
💧 Carry at least 2 litres of water per person
🧴 Apply sunscreen — UV rays are strong at high altitude
🗺 Never leave marked trails — mountain rescues are common
📱 Download offline maps before your hike begins
🧥 Bring a windproof jacket — summit can be very cold and windy
👥 Never hike alone always go with at least one other person
⏰ Start early to avoid afternoon cloud and thunderstorms
🚑 Emergency number: 107 (Cape Town) or 112 (mobile)

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