Platteklip Gorge Hike

About Platteklip Gorge Hike

Table Mountain is Cape Town's very own natural wonder. Its flat top and gorgeous rocky faces stand watch over the Mother City in elegant silence, beckoning explorers to experience the beauty of the Western Cape from new heights. For an opportunity to be part of the magic of Table Mountain, challenge yourself to take on the Platteklip Gorge trail.

This trail takes between two and three hours to complete, and is demanding. But, the views are breath-taking and well worth the grind. Once you reach the top of Table Mountain, more than 1 000 metres above sea level, the City Bowl, beaches and ocean are nothing short of spectacular. Hikers can see and photograph Signal Hill, Lion's Head and Devil's Peak. On a clear day, this view extends far further; to include Hout Bay, the City Bowl, Robben Island, part of the Cape Winelands and the Cape of Good Hope.

For these reasons, the Platteklip Gorge trail remains one of the most popular amongst locals and visitors that want to experience the untainted loveliness of the Cape's outdoors.

Table Mountain has a number of restaurants and shops at the top, as well as easy walking trails. The little rock hyraxes scuttle around freely, and the endemic fynbos and other vegetation makes for a really pretty place to spend a day.

In addition, the modern revolving cable car takes passengers up and down the mountain faces for a less strenuous experience. A guided Table Mountain hike includes a ticket for the cableway, though. So, hikers that have reached their summit can look forward to a restful ride back down to the collection point.

Hikers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes, apply plenty of sunscreen, and bring along an ample supply of drinking water. The best time to tackle this trail is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when there is less chance of high winds and cloud cover.