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 as well as Devil’s Peak and the Hottentot’s Holland Mountains in the distance.

Apart from splendid views, it also 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 summer flowering 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), Wagon Tree (protea nitida) and Tree Pincushion, (leucospermum concocarpodendron) to name but a few, naturally occur on top and along its slopes.

The Platteklip gorge hike starts at the start of the Platteklip Gorge Trail, on Tafelberg Road. We hike up a steep rocky footpath for about 20 to 30 minutes to a pretty little natural mountain stream on the contour path. From here we start the ascent to the ‘Table Top’ via the steep, rocky, stepped footpath which zig-zags up the mountain, all along the dramatic Platteklip Gorge. As reward this route offers guests brilliant views across the City, Table Bay, Devil’s Peak and Robben Island all the way as we head up, with the final climax when we reach the summit through the narrow gateway right at the top of the gorge, tall cliff faces on either side. Once on top, there are fantastic photo opportunities as we walk along the edge of the cliff forming the ‘Table Top’, towards the upper Table Mountain Aerial Cableway station, the hike ending there. 

• DISTANCE - 2.9 km (add another 2.0 km if hiking down)

• ELEVATION GAIN - 710 m

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - 2A - Intermediate to strenuous on-trail hike, no exposure and no use of hands required

• STANDARD-PACED HIKE - Up to 3.5 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 a 4.5 hour hike. Add another 1.5 to 2 hours if hiking down. 

• LOCATION - Cape Town, South Africa

• START/END - One-way hike, starts on Tafelberg Rd and ends at the upper Aerial Cableway station on top of Table Mountain, or if hiking down, then back 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.