This hike follows the route discovered by the original explorers to the top of Table Mountain. This is the shortest climb to the summit (app 2-3 hours) and is quite steep, but not technically challenging. The trail offers spectacular views all the way to the top with Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head flanking the mountain on either side.
Take time to marvel at the views over Table Bay, Robben Island, Signal Hill and the City of Cape Town while also admiring the fynbos and overwhelming rock formations.
At the top of the gorge a short 10 minute walk takes one to the cableway to take in the unrivalled panorama in all directions – look down on the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and south over the Cape Peninsula and the majestic Twelve Apostles. One can also walk to the highest point, Mc Clears Beacon. This takes plus minus 30 minutes and the route is quite flat.
On the right hand side of Table Mountain, behind Signal Hill, is the distinctive shaped mountain slope, Lions Head. It was originally given the name by the 17th century Dutch settlers, as it resembles a crouching lion. This proud lion overlooks the city and Table Bay on one side, and the scenic Atlantic Ocean coastline on the other. On a clear day the views of Table Mountain are spectacular. One has a bird’s eye view of the City Centre and the surrounding beaches.
It stands 669m above sea level and can take between 1-2 hours to climb. The somewhat steep walk winds its way around the Head until you reach a collection of staples and chains, there to aid your scramble up the remaining rocky faces to the top. If you’re not feeling like a scramble, one can choose to take the slightly longer path which continues it’s way up to the summit without chains.
This is an ideal hike if you seek a proper workout within an hour – outside. The views over Llandudno and Hout Bay are breathtaking. This peak, which separates Hout Bay from Llandudno, got it’s name as a result of it’s very similar shape to that of Lions Head.
This is a fairly short hike. There is a small amount of scrambling at the top; each of the scrambles elevating you one to two meters at a time. This walk is definitely worth doing.
Devils Peak lies to the northeast of Table Mountain, separated from it by a saddle. The physically challenging path zigzags to the upper contour from where the saddle path ascends to Saddle Rock. The route then continues along a firebreak to the 1,001m-high summit of devils peak, where you will be rewarded with spectacular all-round views of Cape Town. This hike has other variations for the more adventurous at heart. Approximately 4-5 hours.
This route starts at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The beginning of the hike is in the shade of a densely wooded indigenous forest. It is relatively steep but is well frequented. The route ascends steeply up the ravine and ladders assist hikers in a few steep rocky sections.
The forest gradually gives way to local fynbos towards the top and opens up for you to enjoy magnificent views over False Bay, The Constantia valley and The Hottentots Holland Mountain range. The descent is via Nursery Ravine and connects with the contour above Kirstenbosch Gardens and takes us back through the gardens. App 2-3 hours.
This route is a variation of the latter and is much longer. The initial hike is up Skeleton Gorge(see above), but rather than descending via Nursery Ravine, we make our way to the highest point of Table Mountain. From the top of the gorge, we hike along the eastern flank of Table Mountain to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point.
Enjoy spectacular views over the whole of Table Mountain - all the way to Cape Point. This is a must do route as it offers views in all directions, including the reservoirs on the back table, interesting rock formations and a diversity of vegetation.
This scenic route starts from Camps Bay and ascends on the western - or Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain. It starts from the Pipe Track above Camps Bay . Admire the majestic 'Apostles' before starting the more serious hike up the gorge. Stop to take in the panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, palm lined beach of Camps Bay, Lion's Head and Robben Island. This path climbs a fairly steep ravine and pops out on the 'back' of Table Mountain, at the site of the original cable car.
Upon reaching the top of the gulley you can turn right to take a closer look at the ruins of the old cable car. It was used in the 1890s to bring building materials up for the construction of the nearby dams.
We now make our way to the Front Table – about 45 minutes away, passing through the Valley of The Red Gods and The Valley of Isolation. Take time to admire the intricate rock formations, pristine fynbos and breathtaking views. We arrive opposite Fountain Peak, between the Central and Western Tables. We are now at the top and have earned well deserved break before catching the cableway down or descending via Platteklip Gorge.
Towering nearly 600m above the Atlantic Ocean, with dramatic cliffs dropping down to the sea, Chapmans Peak is one of Cape Town’s most spectacular hikes. Starting at a view point on the infamouse Chapmans Peak Drive, the first 30 minutes involve a fairly steep climb along a ravine, to Chapmans Peak Nek.
From here the path rises gently through stands of Proteas, before reaching the summit. The 360 degree views from the top over Hout Bay, Noordhoek & Kommetjie are simply breathtaking. Approximatly 2-3 hours.
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