Table Mountain Hike

Rising to just over one thousand meters directly from sea level, Table Mountain ranks in status alongside famous African giants such as Kilimanjaro and the Atlas Mountains. For the more energetic, our experienced nature guides will interpret the wonders of the Cape Floral Kingdom on a private guided hike.

Your AWOL Tour guide can meet at accommodation in Cape Town and as transfers to the start of the hiking trail are included. Various options are available as we can hike at your pace and time constraints. On the morning of departure,the hiking guide will discuss a few of the favourite routes that are listed below. An optimum route is chosen from this selection, based on the guests’ fitness and according to the Cape’s unpredictable weather at the time. Half day or full day options as follows:

Hike up Lions Head: 2-3 hour – easy to moderate hike The hike up Lion’s Head  spirals round the 670 meter high mountain peak, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park. Spectacular views of both the Atlantic Ocean and the City Bowl can be seen as you climb up to the peak. Once at the top we can admire the full expanse of Table Mountain from Devil’s Peak, all along to the Twelve Apostles which forms part of a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town. There is no better way to end the day watching the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean and the panoramic views of the greater Cape Town. A hike up Lions Head is also popular on Full Moon.

Table Mountain Plateau walk: Western Table to Maclears Beacon return: 2 hour -Easy walk from Cableway station on Western Table to Maclears Beacon. Guests are met at their accommodation and then transferred to the Cable-way station. The AWOL guide will organise tickets and then proceed with you up Table Mountain in the aerial cable-way. This can take up to 60 people at a time and does a full rotation enabling guests to enjoy 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lions Head and the Mountain itself. Once on top we get away from the groups and meander along to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. This pleasant walk across the flat-topped Table plateau overlooking the city passes through some marshy frog breeding areas with interesting vegetation. Watch video 

Platteklip Gorge: 2-3 hour – easy to moderate hike up the most popular route. Guests are met at accommodation and then transferred to just past the lower Cableway station for a short and steep hike. The well-worn switchback of steps to the top makes it one of the most popular hiking options up Table Mountain. No bouldering or scrambling is required. Weather permitting, the AWOL guide will organise tickets and then proceed down Table Mountain in the aerial cableway. This can take up to 60 people at a time and does a full rotation enabling guests to enjoy 360 degree views of Cape Town, Lions Head and the Mountain itself. (Often used as the descent route if cableway is not operating) Watch video 

India Venster: 2-3 hour – Moderate to Strenuous up a technical route.  Guests are met at accommodation and then transferred to the lower Cableway station for a short and sweet hike up the face of  Table Mountain. India Venster offers the adventurous hikers an exciting challenge for those fit enough to scramble up a few steep rocky inclines. The hike starts at the Lower Cable Car station and for two thirds of the route the path follows that of the cable car. Then it will turn and offer great views of Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay below.  Weather permitting, the  AWOL guide will organise tickets and then proceed down Table Mountain in the aerial cableway.  
Warning: Not suitable for those with a fear of heights!

Silvermine Amphitheatre trail : easy 2-3  hour hike. This off the beaten track away from the crowds is an easy two hour walk with spectacular 360 degree views of the Table Mountain range, False Bay and Chapmans Peak. The trail is 8km long with only 280-meter climb and suitable for all ages and fitness levels Watch video

Twelve Apostles to the Table Mountain Plateau: 4-6 hour -Moderate up the easiest route with variety of views. The climb up Kasteelspoort zigzags its way up a partly shaded gorge beneath the overhanging walls of Spring Buttress. Climbers are rewarded with views of the Twelve Apostles that stand like sentinels overlooking the Atlantic coast. Enjoy a picnic lunch down into the Valley of the Red Gods and the Valley of Isolation. Eventually you arrive on the Table Mountain plateau for a pleasant walk towards the Upper Cable-way station. The AWOL guide will organise tickets and then proceed down Table Mountain in the aerial cable-way.

Skeleton Gorge along the top of Table Mountain Plateau: 4-6 hour -Moderate to Strenuous up a challenging route. Start hiking in the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens renowned for its spectacular array of indigenous plants. The climb up Skeleton gorge is well equipped with ladders to aid hikers over the slippery rocks. Keep an eye out for the elusive endangered ghost frog as we ascend through the dense indigenous forests. The forest gradually gives way to the shrub-like Fynbos. This pleasant walk across the flat-topped Table plateau overlooking the city passes through some marshy frog breeding areas with interesting vegetation. Descend down Platteklip gorge or take a ride down the cable-way if your legs are weary. Watch video or  read more 

Half day and Full day private guided hiking price varies on a sliding scale from R2580 to R7380 per person**valid from 1st Nov 2024 to 31st Oct 2025** per person  and includes: Transfers to and from accommodation anywhere in Cape Town, experienced hiking guide, picnic lunch, snacks and water; #Additional entrance fee rates may apply on routes; single Table Mountain cableway rates included where specified.

Please bring hat, sun block, warm top, rain/wind proof jacket, small backpack and of course the camera! Be prepared to be out for approx. 4 – 6 hrs.

The cableway operation status may also change due to strong winds and thus not be operational so a small chance you might have to walk up and down the mountain. Please bring hat, sun block, warm top, rain/wind proof jacket, small backpack and of course the camera! Be prepared to be out for approx. 4 – 6 hrs. If the weather is unsafe (not just unpleasant) for hiking we advise the evening before and then either postpone or cancel with a full refund.

Customised trips with flexible itineraries can be arranged. Please complete booking enquiry or contact us to request more information about your private guided Table Mountain Hike.