Table Mountain hiking trails – 6 amazing routes

Desk Mountain is Cape City’s most well-known attraction and a must-visit place in Cape City. Climbing on Desk Mountain is a good way to see the town and its environment. The views from the highest are actually spectacular. The best and quickest means of attending to the highest is to take a cable automotive. Strolling up following one of many Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails is a much more difficult however rather more rewarding expertise. There are a number of routes going up in addition to a few stunning hikes on the highest of the mountain. Climbing Desk Mountain is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Cape City.

Desk Mountain mountain climbing excursions

How lengthy is the Desk Mountain hike in Cape City?

There are 5 official routes (Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, Kasteelspoort, and Diagonal) for mountain climbing up Desk Mountain. The space and time rely upon the chosen path. The Skeleton Gorge is the shortest and the preferred route – 2,5 km. It takes between 1 hour and 1h30 min. to get to the highest.

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Is Desk Mountain in Cape City a tough hike?

Climbing Desk Mountain is difficult whatever the chosen route. The typical ascent (relying on the route) is between 600 m and 700 m. The descent is simply as tough because the ascent contemplating the rocky terrain and steepness of the paths.

Is it secure to hike alone?

In case you observe one of many well-liked routes or hike on the highest of Desk Mountain try to be fairly secure.

Don’t hike at night time time or late within the night in winter.

In case you select a lesser-used route, reasonably go on the weekend when there are extra individuals.

It’s higher to be a few individuals on the route particularly in case you hike on weekdays or low season.

In case you don’t wish to hike alone you may be part of a guided tour up Desk Mountain. There are a number of excursions that observe totally different trails. 

Deliver sufficient water, not less than 1l per individual there aren’t any water sources on the mountain till you attain the highest. The Skeleton Gorge is the one route the place you may get water alongside the way in which.

Is it free to hike Desk Mountain, Cape City?

Sure, mountain climbing Desk Mountain in Cape City is free. There is no such thing as a entrance payment to Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Skeleton Gorge is the one path the place you pay the doorway payment as a result of the route begins contained in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard. If you wish to use the aerial cable automotive to go up or down you’ll have to purchase tickets.

When is the perfect time for mountain climbing Desk Mountain?

Within the sizzling summer time months (December – February), early morning is the perfect time particularly in case you’re planning to stroll on one of many trails which are uncovered to the solar resembling Platteklip or India Venster. There are numerous nice espresso outlets in Cape City situated near Desk Mountain the place you may have espresso and breakfast earlier than climbing.

Evenings are time as properly simply ensure that to not stroll any of the routes at midnight in your personal security. In case you’re planning to make use of the cable automotive verify for the wind it generally will get very windy in summer time and it doesn’t function on very windy days.

Our favourite months for mountain climbing on Desk Mountain are November and March, general these are the perfect months to go to Cape City.

In cooler months (April – October) you may stroll just about any time simply ensure you gained’t get a number of rain. It’s not good to be up Desk Mountain within the pouring rain. Clouds are one other factor to look at for. In case you see huge clouds on the highest of the mountain postpone your go to you may not be capable to see something from the highest. 

Easy methods to get to Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails?

Renting a automotive is the best means of shifting round Cape City. In case you’re a few individuals sharing a smallish automotive it gained’t be costly to hire a automotive for a few days. 

Utilizing a hop-on-hop-off bus is an alternative choice for attending to Desk Mountain. There are 4 totally different sightseeing routes together with one which goes to the Decrease Cable Automobile Station (the purple route) and one which goes to Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard (the blue route). A 2-day ticket contains 2 strolling excursions, a seal & harbor boat cruise, and a sundown bus. In case you’re planning to go up or down with the cable automotive you should purchase a mixed ticket that features the bus, the cable automotive, and a free metropolis strolling tour.

Cable automotive on Desk Mountain

You may stroll up and down or in case you don’t really feel prefer it or don’t have sufficient time you need to use the cable automotive a method or return. Don’t fear about skipping the mountain climbing half in case you take the cable automotive there are a few very good trails on the highest of the mountain. No matter which means you select, you must positively embrace Desk Mountain in your Cape City itinerary.

The views from the cable automotive are wonderful, the ground rotates clockwise throughout the journey you get 360° panoramic views of Cape City. The cable automotive operates day by day. Working hours change relying on the month. You may verify the up-to-date timetable and purchase your tickets right here.

To go a method (up or down) prices ZAR 240/US$12 for adults and ZAR 130/US$7 for youngsters.

For a return ticket, you pay ZAR 420/US$22 (morning time); ZAR 360/US$19 (after 1 pm) for adults, and ZAR 210/US$11 (morning time), ZAR 180/US$10 (after 1 pm) for youngsters.

In case you’re planning to make use of the hop-on-hop-off bus you should purchase a mixed ticket that features a return cable automotive journey. It’s the best choice in case you’re not going to hire a automotive. 

Prime 6 Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails

Platteklip Gorge path

Distance – 5,5 km return

Time – 2 hours return

Complete elevation achieve/loss – 650 m

Place to begin – Tafelberg Street, about 1,5 km previous the Decrease Cable Automobile Station in direction of Satan’s Peak.

Ending level (on the highest) – 700 m away from the cable automotive station.

Issue – 3 out of 5*

Terrain – footpath, rocks, and boulders

Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street (on the left) previous the Decrease Cable Automobile station there’s a parking spot proper at first of the path but it surely’s typically full.

*problem evaluating totally different Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails with the 5 being probably the most tough route up Desk Mountain.

For extra data learn our detailed information on the Platteklip Gorge hike.

Climbing Desk Mountain Platteklip Gorge with a tour

Highlights

Good views of Cape City metropolis middle and its environment.

The surroundings on the finish of the path.

Challenges

The steep ascent from the very begin of the path.

The primary a part of the route is uncovered to the solar with no shade to cover.

The second a part of the path entails a little bit of climbing over the rocks.

From the top of the path on the highest, it’s one other 700 m to the cable automotive station.

Route description

The Platteklip Gorge hike is fairly easy, there’s a signal at first of the path.

A rocky path climbs up the mountain from the beginning.

A zigzagging footpath part within the center.

A steeper and a bit harder climb within the second a part of the hike.

India Venster path

Distance – 4,3 km to Higher Cable Automobile station, a method

Time – 2-3 hours from the begin to the cable automotive, a method

Complete elevation achieve – 722 m

Place to begin – Decrease Cable Automobile Station

Ending level (on the highest) – 700 m away from the Higher Cable Automobile station.

Issue – 5 out of 5, it’s probably the most difficult and harmful route up Desk Mountain, not appropriate for youngsters or aged individuals.

Terrain – rocks, boulders, occasional chains and ladders, footpath on the very finish of the path.

Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street earlier than or after Lowe Cable Automobile station.

For extra data learn our India Venster mountain climbing information.

India Venster GPX file

Climbing Desk Mountain India Venster with a tour

Highlights

The India Venster hike has the perfect views of Cape City, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and plenty of different metropolis sights. 

A few wonderful look-out factors

Weird rock formations and cliffs

A stupendous path alongside the cliff on the finish of the hike

Challenges

A steep and lengthy ascent.

The path is uncovered to the solar for probably the most a part of the day there isn’t any shade to cover.

Many very steep climbs over rocks utilizing ladders and chains.

Some elements of the route are fairly near the sting; generally it’s a bit scary if it’s important to climb up.

*all path information together with elevation profiles and maps for the publish we acquired from our Garmin Fenix GPS watch. We love utilizing our watches for mountain climbing and coaching.

Route description

The route begins with a gradual footpath that takes you from the Decrease Cable Automobile station to the Contour Path, the best half.

There you’ll see an indication indicating the India Venster path and the primary yellow footprints (behind the signal). 

From there the path begins climbing up over the rocks and boulders however nothing hectic but only a steep ascent. 

Someplace within the center if you attain the rocky partitions of Desk Mountain you begin scrambling over rocks and ladders. 

The final half across the mountain is fairly enjoyable on a footpath with one final climb.

From the top of the path, it’s one other 700 m on the highest of Desk Mountain to the higher cable automotive station.

In case you’re in search of extra locations to hike in Cape City take a look at Cape Level mountain climbing trails – breathtaking surroundings and unimaginable mountain climbing expertise.

Skeleton Gorge path

Distance – 7 km return 

Time – 2,5-3,5 hours up and down, relying on how briskly you stroll

Complete elevation achieve/loss – 600 m

Place to begin – Kirstenbosch Botanical Backyard

Ending level (on the highest) – 100 m away from Hely Hutchinson Reservoir.

Issue – 3 out of 5

Terrain – footpath, stairs, rocks, and boulders (some fairly slippery), picket ladders.

Parking – there are two fairly massive parking areas inside Kirstenbosch Backyard.

For extra data on the route learn our Skeleton Gorge mountain climbing information.

Skeleton Gorge GPX file

Climbing Desk Mountain by way of the Skeleton Gorge with a information

Highlights

Lovely Kirstenbosch Backyard; the sky bridge is to not miss right here.

Beautiful lush inexperienced forest.

Breathtaking views over Cape City and False Bay.

White-sand seaside and a dam with chilly water.

Challenges

A protracted and fairly steep ascent from the beginning.

A few picket ladders to overcome.

A slippery rocky path that may be a bit tough to stroll down.

Route description

The Skeleton Gorge hike begins contained in the backyard and there are a number of indicators at totally different elements of Kirstenbosch indicating the way in which to Skeleton Gorge. 

The ascent begins from the start first you go up picket stairs, then on a footpath with occasional rocky steps. 

The second half of the path is extra tough and entails climbing over rocks and picket ladders. 

The final bit is on a footpath with stairs. 

Diagonal/Kasteelspoort path

Distance – 11,5 km loop together with distance to the diving board and again to the path.

Time – 3h30min. loop

Complete elevation achieve/loss – 680 m

Place to begin – Kloof Nek parking on the turn-off to Tafelberg Street

Ending level (on the highest) – 200 m away from the Diving board

Issue – 3 out of 5

Terrain – rocky/gravel footpath, rocks, and boulders, rocky stairs

Parking – Kloof Nek parking if there isn’t any house search for a spot alongside Tafelberg Street.

For extra data on the route verify our mountain climbing guides on the Kasteelspoort path and Diagonal path on Desk Mountain.

Kasteelspoort/Diagonal path GPX

Climbing Desk Mountain Kasteelspoort with a tour

Highlights

Beautiful views of Camps Bay and Lion’s Head from a lookout level on the Diagonal route.

Lovely panorama and bizarre-shaped rocks on the highest of Desk Mountain.

The diving board is a small rocky cliff hanging above the abbey that in form reminds a diving board. It’s a tremendous picture spot not for the faint-hearted.

Challenges

A steep climb over rocks and boulders on the Diagonal path.

A steep descent right down to the Pipe Monitor from the highest.

Route description

It’s a loop path. The route begins throughout the street from Kloof Nek parking. 

The primary half is on the Pipe monitor, an easy and flat stroll across the mountain with good views over Camps Bay and Lion’s Head. 

At 2,7 km there’s the primary break up, the left path (Diagonal) climbs up the mountain, and the left continues on the Pipe monitor. 

The following break up is at 4,5 km, the left route is the Diagonal path, and the precise route is the Kasteelspoort path. 

In case you proceed on the Diagonal path you’ll attain the highest at about 5 km. 

From there proceed straight for about 400 m till you see the signal pointing to the Kasteelspoort mountain climbing path. Quickly after that, you’ll see one other break up the route on the precise goes down the Kasteelspoort path. 

You can begin happening however earlier than trying out the Diving board, it’s about 400 m forward on the Previous Cable Automobile station. 

The best way down is kind of straightforward; you simply observe the Kasteelspoort path all the way in which to the Pipe monitor and from there proceed strolling again to Kloof Nek parking.

Maclear’s Beacon path

Distance – 5,4 km return

Time – 1h30min. – 2 hours, return

Complete elevation achieve/loss – 150 m

Beginning/ending level – Higher Cable Automobile Station in direction of Platteklip Gorge

Issue – 1 out of 5

Terrain – footpath, boardwalks, boulders

Parking – alongside Tafelberg Street close to Decrease Cable Automobile Station

Maclear’s Beacon path GPX

Highlights

Beautiful views of Cape Level, Hout Bay, Muizenberg, Strand, Gordons Bay, and many others.

Weird rock formations alongside the route.

The attractive panorama on the highest of Desk Mountain

Challenges

The one problem is the warmth, it will get extraordinarily sizzling in summer time and there’s no shade

It’s a simple stroll appropriate for vacationers with kids and aged individuals. The route begins at Skeleton Gorge, about 700 m from Higher Desk Automobile Station. There’s a steel plank indicating the way in which to Maclear’s Beacon. The path is marked with yellow footprints and arrows, it’s straightforward to observe.

The route is flat with hardly any ascent or descent. It’s a fantastic hike for many who don’t wish to endure one of many difficult routes up Desk Mountain however nonetheless wish to discover its prime and do a simple hike. The views of the way in which and from the beacon are fairly spectacular. You get to see the surroundings on the opposite facet of Desk Mountain that’s not seen from the cable automotive. 

Higher Cable Automobile Station to Skeleton Gorge

Distance – 4,8 km

Time – 1h20min. – 2 hours

Complete elevation achieve – 66 m

Complete elevation loss – 395 m

Place to begin – Higher Cable Automobile station

Ending level – the highest of Skeleton Gorge close to Hely Hutchinson Reservoir

Issue – 1,5 out of 5

Terrain – boulders, boardwalks

This route is an extension of Maclear’s Beacon path. The beacon is about midway. It’s a pleasant route that gives very totally different from the cable automotive facet views. The panorama alongside the path is kind of wonderful with wired rock formations, slim passages between two rocks, and many others. Proper after Maclear’s Beacon, it’s a gentle downhill all the way in which to Skeleton Gorge.

Nothing very steep or scary I’d say the route is appropriate for anyone. You don’t need to go all the way in which to the gorge you may simply stroll a bit of bit and switch round. The stroll to Skeleton Gorge and again to the cable automotive is about 10 km. The stroll again is harder for extra particulars learn the outline beneath.

There are free guided walks on the highest of Desk Mountain that anyone can be part of. The assembly level is close to the exit from the espresso store. Excursions depart day by day each hour from 9am to 3pm. These should not lengthy hikes totally on boardwalks close to the cable automotive station. In the course of the stroll, you be taught attention-grabbing info about Desk Mountain and uncover the perfect picture spots on the highest.

The floor of Desk Mountain is an enormous space with a few water reservoirs, in a single day huts, a number of mountain climbing trails, and monuments. One can spend hours if not days strolling and exploring it. In a means mountain climbing on the highest of Desk Mountain jogs my memory of the Mount Roraima hike in Venezuela.

What to pack for mountain climbing Desk Mountain?

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