Van De Kaap Tours & Hiking
MACLEAR'S BEACON

Guided hike

MACLEAR'S BEACON

Table Mountain's high point. Ideal for beginners.

Why Hike Maclear's Beacon

Summer Special
R1,200 – R1,900 per person

Reaching Maclear’s Beacon has become something of a badge of honour for hikers wanting to experience the true highest point of Table Mountain even though it is one of the easiest walks on the mountain.

The distant Atlantic Seaboard, southern peninsula, and False Bay stretch out beautifully toward the horizon.
Maclear's Beacon

  • The Actual Summit: To officially summit one of the New7Wonders of Nature, you must walk to Maclear’s Beacon which sits at 1086m above sea level. While the trail from the cableway station to Maclear’s Beacon is straightforward in clear weather, hiking it with a local Guide completely transforms the journey.

  • Escape the Crowds: Unlike the busy viewing decks near the cableway station, this route becomes noticeably quieter, reflecting the solitude of the mountain, and allowing visitors a more peaceful experience — perfect for photographers.

  • Unique Biology: The plateau provides a front-row seat to ancient rock formations and diverse indigenous fynbos. Because the route leaves the main tourist area behind, wildlife sightings such as dassies and endemic birdlife are common.

  • Views Worth The Climb: Standing proud as the highest point on Table Mountain, Maclear’s Beacon unlocks a breathtaking 360° panorama of Cape Town. From this spectacular vantage point you can gaze down at the city, the harbour, and Robben Island resting in the deep blue of Table Bay.

  • Scientific History: Maclear's Beacon is a 3-metre-high stone cairn built in 1865 by astronomer Sir Thomas Maclear to measure the Earth's arc. It served a vital role to calculate the precise size and shape of the Earth.

Trail Overview

Stats

  • Distance — ±5 km
  • Duration — ±3 hours
  • Difficulty — 1/5 easy
  • Elevation Gain — ±50 metres
  • Best Suited For — almost everyone
  • Not Suited For — those who have difficulty walking a 3 km round-trip over uneven, rocky ground that lacks paved accessibility.
Platteklip Gorge from Maclear's

Level of fitness required

  • The Maclear’s Beacon trail is perfect for most ages and fitness levels.
Maclear's Beacon Trail

Do you need a hiking guide for Maclear’s Beacon?

  • While a guide is not legally required, booking a Table Mountain hiking guide can significantly elevate your experience. As you walk the ancient plateau, your guide will bring Cape Town’s rich history, diverse culture, and unique backstory to life, turning a scenic stroll into a deeper connection.
  • Our guides hold CATHSSETA certifications in both hiking and cultural guiding, ensuring a safe and deeply enriching experience for our guests.
Table Mountain

Terrain & Route Type

  • After leaving the Upper Cableway Station, well-marked paths lead across the broad plateau before descending a short section equipped with chains and steps.
  • From there, hikers head towards Maclear's Beacon across gently undulating fynbos-covered terrain. There is a short optional scramble to reach the beacon.
  • The primary challenge is the out-and-back distance — the guided walk starts and ends at the Table Mountain Upper Cableway Station.

Important safety note

When clouds cover the Table Mountain plateau, navigation becomes significantly more difficult, even on marked paths.

Highlights

  • Maclear's Beacon, Table Mountain

Suggested to bring

  • Footwear suitable for trails
  • Warm jacket / windbreaker
  • Water (we provide 1.5L pp)
  • Sun protection
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