Table Mountain is more than just a stunning backdrop to Cape Town—it’s one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and one of the world’s most famous mountains. Standing 1,086 metres (3,563 feet) above sea level, its flat-topped summit stretches around 3 kilometres (2 miles) wide, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you hike up or take the cable car, anyone going to Cape Town will want to get to the top!

Personally, we prefer the summits at Lion’s Head and Chapman’s Peak, as they offer stunning views with far fewer tourists. The hike up Skeleton Gorge was amazing, but once we got to the top, it was really busy and just a little less magical than the other peaks. If you can, then definitely hike up!

Hiking up Table Mountain

Taking the cable car up

(All of the hiking and walking timings in this guide are based on the fact that we have good fitness levels and exercise regularly with no injuries or disabilities)

Hiking Routes

There are several hiking routes up Table Mountain that have varying lengths and difficulties. Two of the most popular are Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge as they are the easiest to navigate.

The other trails up Table Mountian can vary from half-day to full-day hikes and are best tackled with a guide who can make sure you stay on the right path and assess the terrain and conditions properly.

Platteklip Gorge

This is the most popular and crowded route taken by tourists, mainly because it starts at the cable car station, which is easy to get to and back down to.

2.5 km
Elevation gain: 680 meters / 2230 feet
No scrambling or exposure to heights
It’s the most direct route to the summit, running under the cable car path.
The trail is essentially a steep staircase up a rocky cliff edge, with no shade and no change in scenery.
The ascent is tough because it is steep, but the terrain is very stable.
You have views of Cape Town the whole way up.
You can’t get lost

Hiking Platteklip Gorge is ideal for people who want the most straightforward way up to the top of the mountain and are not bothered about scenery or a bit of adventure.

(We have not done this route, so are relaying information from other guides and locals)

Skeleton Gorge (Our Route & highly recommended)

Skeleton Gorge is the next most popular route for hiking up the mountain, and we completely see why. It takes a bit longer than Platteklip, but the trail itself offers a much wider variety of scenery, and the journey is much more of an adventure.

7 km
Elevation Gain: 950 meters / 3100 feet (all the way to Maclears Beacon). The first 350m of ascent are very steep!
Some easy scrambling required
Very minor exposure to heights (5 wooden ladders)
Not possible/risky when it’s wet as you have to scramble up a riverbed
Starts inside the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (entry fee required), which opens at 8 am.
- If you want to avoid paying the entrance fee, or if you want to start before 8 am, you can join the trail from Newlands Forest instead, which will add an extra 5 km to your hike.
A much more diverse trail with lush vegetation, shaded sections, and interesting rock formations.
Leads to the Smuts Track and then on to Maclear’s Beacon (the highest point on Table Mountain).
Took us about 2 hours 30 minutes to reach the summit, plus another hour to walk across to the cable car station.
You can’t get lost, there are some forks but the path is well marked
If you park at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, you’ll need to take a taxi back from the cable car exit— this is about a 30-minute drive. We used Uber with only a 5-minute wait for a car when we got off the cable car down.

We loved hiking Skeleton Gorge. The beginning had us completely out of breath, and we had to take regular breaks to catch our breath and drink some water, but once it levelled out, it was easy.

You start in a dense forest, hike up a riverbed, and once you get to the top of the riverbed, you get to see lovely views from the mountain. It’s quite nice that you don’t really see the city of Cape Town until you reach the summit. It’s a lovely reward for your efforts.

We came across other hikers on the way, but everyone was spread out, so you didn’t feel too crowded. I also never really felt alone either, which is a big deal when hiking Table Mountain as a couple (there is a real risk of mugging, so being near people is a welcome comfort).

If you want, you can also detour over to Skelton Gorge Beach on the edge of The Hely-Hutchinson dam for a quick dip (we didn’t).

Essential Tips for Hiking Table Mountain

Start early in summer - These trails get HOT, so start as early as possible (5-6 am if you can) to avoid the burning sun and heat. Starting early also helps you avoid the “Tablecloth” (below).
Check the weather – The Tablecloth (a thick cloud covering the mountain) can form rapidly out of nowhere and lead to poor visibility and cold temperatures. Remember, the conditions can change rapidly during your hike.
Wear proper footwear – Hiking boots or trainers with good grip are essential for these hikes.
Never hike alone - More people die on Table Mountain than on Mount Everest … yes, you read that right. It’s a serious hike, and if you have problems, you need to make sure someone is there to help you.
Hike up, take the cable car down - You don’t need to buy your ticket in advance; you can buy them at the station next to the cable car, and they run every 5 minutes.
Join this mountain safety WhatsApp group a few days before your climb - It’s run by volunteers who keep track of hikers and will alert the authorities and guides if you fail to check-in. www.hikersnetwork.co.za/safetymountain

Although Table Mountain is a world-class hiking destination, it’s important to be aware that muggings and theft can occasionally occur, especially on less-travelled routes or at quieter times of the day. Criminal activity is usually opportunistic, so stay vigilant, travel in groups, and stick to popular, well-marked paths whenever possible. Keep valuables out of sight, and be cautious when using electronics, such as phones and cameras, which may draw unwanted attention.

If you feel unsafe or observe suspicious behaviour, consider turning back, joining another group, or contacting the relevant authorities.

On these two trails, you should be completely fine, but by remaining aware of your surroundings and following basic precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk of crime and enjoy a safer experience. If you are considering any of the other Table Mountain trails we suggest you go with a guide or a group who know what they are doing.

Packing For a Table Mountain Hike

Below are some essential items for your hike.

Plenty of water – There’s nowhere to refill on the way up so stock up becuase it gets steep and hot!
Sunscreen & sunglasses – The sun is strong, even in cooler weather.
Layers – The temperature drops at the top, especially if the Table Cloth rolls in so make sure you have a layer to put on at the summit.
Snacks - Pack yourself some energy snacks for the climb up; we recommend some Mebos and Biltong / Droëwurst.

Wildlife & Nature On Table Mountain

Table Mountain is home to unique wildlife, including:

Rock hyrax (Dassie) – A small, furry animal often seen sunbathing on the rocks.
Table Mountain Ghost Frog – A rare species found only on this mountain.
Various bird species, including black eagles soaring above the cliffs.

Taking The Table Mountain Cable Car

If you’re not up for the hike, the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is an easier way to get to the top.

Key Facts and Booking Tips

The journey takes about 5 minutes.
Pricing is on their website here. (490 Rand (£20) for an all-day adult return ticket).
The cable car rotates 360° as it ascends and descends, giving you uninterrupted views of Cape Town. make sure you get a spot by the window of the gondala.
Each gondola (there are only 2) holds 64 people, departing every 5 minutes.

Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues. There is usually a queue at the ticket office and then another queue to get on the cable car. In peak times, you may end up waiting 1-2 hours to get up! When you buy a ticket online you can use it.
Tickets are valid for 7 days from the chosen date.
If hiking up, you can buy a one-way ticket at the top, where queues are much shorter.
The cable car may stop running in adverse weather (which can happen often). Check their website for the day’s conditions.

Once you get to the top of the mountain, you can walk around various viewpoints and enjoy the views of Cape Town. If you want, you can also take a hike from here! The walk to Maclear’s Beacon (the highest point of the mountain) is about 1 hour from the cable car station, and it’s all flat.

Facilities at the Summit

Once you reach the cable car station at the summit, you’ll find:

Ice cream stand – Perfect for cooling down.
Wine bar & tasting – Enjoy a glass of South African wine with a view.
Restaurant and bar – Serving various meals like burgers and pizzas or a refreshing beer.
Gift shop – Take home a souvenir.
Toilets – toilets are clean and well-kept.

Final Thoughts

Whether you take the tough but rewarding hike or glide up in the cable car, Table Mountain is a must-visit for anyone visiting Cape Town.

With incredible views, diverse hiking trails, and unique wildlife, it’s no wonder this iconic peak is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and a proud symbol of Cape Town.

Would you hike up or take the cable car?

Let us know in the comments! 🚶‍♂️🚠

Table Mountain, Cape Town: Hiking Routes, Tips & What to Expect