Popular Hiking Routes
Table Mountain National Park
Table Mountain National Park boasts a diverse network of hiking trails,
offering experiences for all fitness levels and preferences.
Here is a list of some of the popular hiking routes, along with details
about their difficulty,duration, and key features
Trail Name | Starting Point | End Point | Difficulty | Approx Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Woodstock Cave | Tafelberg Road/Rhodes Memorial | Woodstock Cave | Moderate | 2-3 hours (return) | Leads to a large cave with views. |
Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch | Constantia Nek | Kirstenbosch Gardens | Moderate | 2 hours (one way) | Scenic route through indigenous fynbos. |
Devil's Peak | Tafelberg Road (City side) | Devil's Peak Summit | Moderate to Strenuous | 3-4 hours (return) | Panoramic views of the city bowl and Table Mountain. |
Upper Cable Car to Skeleton Gorge | Upper Cable Car Station | Top of Skeleton Gorge | Easy to Moderate | 1.5-2 hours (one way) | Boardwalks and boulder fields, leading to the start of the Skeleton Gorge trail. |
Maclear's Beacon Trail | Upper Cable Car Station | Maclear's Beacon (highest point) | Easy | 1-2 hours (return) | Relatively flat walk on top of the mountain to the highest point. |
Kasteelspoort | Pipe Track (Camps Bay side) | Table Mountain Summit | Moderate to Strenuous | 4-5 hours (one way) | Scenic views of the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. |
Skeleton Gorge | Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden | Upper Cable Car Station | Strenuous | 5-6 hours (one way) | Lush indigenous forest, ladders, streams, connects to Smuts Track to Maclear's Beacon. |
India Venster | Tafelberg Road (Lower Cable Car Station) | Upper Cable Car Station | Strenuous | 3-4 hours (one way) | Challenging route with scrambling, chains, and ladders. |
Platteklip Gorge | Tafelberg Road (Lower Cable Car Station) | Upper Cable Car Station | Moderate to Strenuous | 2-3 hours (one way) | Most direct route to the summit, well-constructed path, can be busy. |
Lion's Head | Signal Hill Road | Lion's Head Summit | Moderate | 2-3 hours (return) | Popular for sunrise/sunset views, some chains and ladders near the top. |
Pipe Track | Kloof Nek or Constantia Nek | Various points along the contour | Easy to Moderate | Varies (2-5 hours) | Relatively flat contour path with scenic views of the Atlantic and mountains. |
Important Considerations for Hiking in Table Mountain National Park:
Permits and Fees:
While many areas of the park are free to access, some sections like Boulders Penguin Colony, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden require conservation fees. Certain restricted areas like Orange Kloof require permits and often a guide.
Safety:
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Never hike alone. Always go with a group or inform someone of your route and expected return time.
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Check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions on the mountain can change rapidly. Avoid hiking in strong winds, heavy rain, or mist.
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Wear appropriate hiking shoes, comfortable clothing, and carry layers as temperatures can vary.
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Take enough water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. There are limited water sources on the mountain.
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Carry a map, compass/GPS, and a fully charged cell phone with the Table Mountain Rescue number: 021 937 0300.
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Be aware of the terrain, which can be uneven, rocky, and steep in places.
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Stick to marked trails and avoid shortcuts.
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Be aware of wildlife, such as snakes and baboons. Do not feed the baboons.
Difficulty Grading:
Hiking routes in Table Mountain National Park are often graded based on technicality (A, B, C) rather than just physical exertion.
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Grade A: Mostly walking, with possibly some use of hands for balance.
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Grade B: Some scrambling, may involve narrow ledges and exposure to heights.
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Grade C: More demanding scrambling, often requiring the use of a rope in some sections.
Guided Hikes:
For those unfamiliar with the mountain or wanting a more in-depth experience, numerous guided hiking tours are available. Guides can offer valuable insights into the flora, fauna, and history of the area, as well as ensure your safety.
Check out our page on Hiking and Trail Running Clubs and Groups.
This list provides a good starting point for exploring the hiking trails in Table Mountain National Park. Remember to do thorough research on any route you plan to take and be well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience.
You can find detailed maps and further information on the SANParks website and other hiking resources.
Enjoy!