SANTIE GOUWS MOUNTAIN GUIDE

Table Mountain at the foot of Africa has captured the imagination of travellers for hundreds of years with its striking topography. With its highest point at 1084.6 m above sea level, it offers magnificent views not only across Table Bay and Robben Island, but also of Lion’s Head, the dramatic Twelve Apostles coastline, it’s closest neighbour, Devil’s Peak, and the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains in the distance.

Apart from splendid views, it also offers a true escape into a mountainous paradise with hidden valleys, magnificent rock formations, mountain streams and small waterfalls, and exquisite indigenous flowers and plants. As such Table Mountain forms part of the Fynbos Floral Biome, which has UNESCO World Heritage Status, and is known as the world’s ‘hottest biodiversity hotspot’ for the rich biodiversity in plant species it contains. A variety of orchids such as the Grass Disa (disa graminifolia), Cluster Disa (disa ferruginea), Golden Disa (disa cornuta), as well as many Proteaceae species, such as the magnificent King Protea (protea cynaroides), Waboom (protea nitida) and Tree Pincushion, (leucospermum concocarpodendron) to name but a few, naturally occur on top and along its slopes.

During the ‘Paradise Lost & Found’ hike, we take the gently sloping Corridor Ravine footpath above Camp’s Bay to the top of the Back Table and work our way back to the Front Table via Echo Valley. Along the route we explore interesting rock formations, pass some grand old Tree Mimetes (mimetes fimbriifolius), Brownbeard Sugarbushes (protea speciosa) and King Proteas (protea magnifica), whilst enjoying magnificent views across the Back Table towards Hout Bay and beyond. From Echo Valley we follow a mountain stream to our lunch-spot next to an exquisite little waterfall, all the way escorted by the sound of the beautiful chorus of frogs that call the stream and valley their home. We continue along the historic aqueduct all the way to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain, with a true sense of ‘Paradise lost’ having been found. From Maclear’s Beacon, as we traverse across the outermost edge of the Front Table towards the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station, we are rewarded with dramatic cliff-side views across Lion’s Head, Table Bay and Cape Town from up high. There is an opportunity to enjoy refreshments and snacks at the cafeteria at the upper Cableway station before descending down via the Aerial Cableway. 

• DISTANCE - 14.3 km (add another 2.0 km if hiking down)

• ELEVATION GAIN - 1004 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 3A - Strenuous full-day on-trail hike, no exposure and no use of hands required

• STANDARD-PACED HIKE - Up to 9 hours is the standard duration for this hike. Add another 1.5 to 2 hours if hiking down. 

• SLOW-PACED HIKE - Guests preferring a slower pace, can book 10 hours for this hike. Add another 1.5 to 2 hours if hiking down. 

• LOCATION - Cape Town, South Africa

• START/END - One-way hike, starts at the Kasteelspoort Hike starting point on Theresa Avenue, Camps Bay and ends at the upper Aerial Cableway station on Table Mountain, or if hiking down, on Tafelberg Rd. 

CLICK HERE FOR PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE TARIFFS  

Coffee/tea included. Other drinks/snacks and transport are excluded and can be arranged at an additional fee. Aerial Cableway tickets are not included and can be purchased at the upper Aerial Cableway station on the day. 

WHATSAPP Santie to book for this special hike.