Guided hike
PLATTEKLIP GORGE
A classic Cape Town hike! Ideal for fit adventurers.
Why Hike Platteklip Gorge
Summer Special
R1,200 – R1,900 per person
Platteklip Gorge, used for centuries as a natural passage to the top of Table Mountain, is its original and most popular hiking route.
For those seeking the quintessential Table Mountain hike, it remains a timeless classic and a memorable summit of one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Classic Route: The original, most famous and direct Table Mountain ascent.
Safety First: Your CATHSSETA-certified hiking guide will actively support, pace, and encourage you throughout the entire climb. Our guides are trained to ensure everyone reaches the summit comfortably and safely.
Structured Challenge: Although technically simple with no bouldering or exposure to heights, the Platteklip Gorge hike is physically demanding and steep. The trail consists of a relentless succession of giant, rugged stone steps leading straight to the plateau of Table Mountain.
Views Worth The Climb: You'll be greeted by the unique landscapes of the Table Mountain plateau, where winding footpaths, indigenous Cape Floristic Region fynbos, and panoramic viewpoints invite you to extend the exploration. It's a hike that never goes out of style.
Trail Overview
Stats
- Distance — ±3 km
- Duration — ±3 hours
- Difficulty — 3/5 moderate
- Elevation Gain — ±691 metres
- Best Suited For — beginners to experienced hikers
- Not Suited For — those with knee or hip injuries
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
Should the cableway be closed, your guide will lead you down one of the mountain's established alternative descent routes. This will incur an additional charge which mirrors the cost of the cableway ticket (approx. R300pp).
Level of fitness required
- Although Platteklip Gorge is the safest and easiest route up Table Mountain, a reasonable level of fitness is required.
Do you need a hiking guide for Platteklip Gorge?
- While a guide is not legally required, booking a Table Mountain hiking guide significantly elevates your experience in more ways than just ensuring your personal physical safety. As you climb the ancient gorge, your guide will engage you in Cape Town’s diverse culture and unique backstory, turning the activity into a deeper connection with the local community.
- Always verify your guide’s credentials! Legally certified South African guides carry an official government-issued ID card detailing their specific qualifications and registration number.
Terrain & Route Type
- Beginning on Tafelberg Road, the route is clearly marked, climbing steadily up uneven rocky steps before emerging onto Table Mountain's expansive plateau and ending at the cable-car upper station.
- The experience follows the popular "hike up, ride down" format requiring both stamina and leg strength for the climb before descending via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.
Important safety note
Heat management and hydration are critical on this route. Start times are adjusted seasonally to avoid exposed heat conditions. It's the safest and easiest route up Table Mountain for beginners, families, and solo hikers, however, its relentless steep steps make it unsuitable for those with knee or hip issues and the sustained climb can be taxing.
Highlights
- Platteklip Gorge Hiking Trail, Table Mountain
Suggested to bring
- Footwear suitable for hiking
- Warm jacket / windbreaker
- Water (we provide 1.5L pp]
- Sun protection