Table Mountain National Park
Lion’s Head
One of Cape Town’s most famous hikes to the peak of Lion’s Head. A 4-hour adventure that takes you on a spiral path to the summit. Experience 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, city and ocean. Enjoy an extended break on the summit to soak in the breathtaking views. Lion’s Head is a mountain steeped in history and fynbos. The hike is around 3km (2 miles) to the top, taking ± 4 hours with an elevation gain of 400m (1300 feet).
Platteklip Gorge
Cape Town’s most popular hiking route to the top of Table Mountain. It is the most accesible way to the summit and upper cable station. Platteklip loosely translates to ‘flat stone’ and is descriptive as the trail is mostly made up of flat stone steps. The hike is long and steep in sections and the switchbacks can be deceptive with continuous climbing to the peak. The hike to the top is around 2.5km (1.6 miles), taking ± 3 hours with an elevation gain of 700m (2300 feet).
India Venster
Cape Town’s entry level scramble with a few sections of easy climbing. Some scrambles are fitted with chains and staples to aid climbing. This route has grown in popularity recently as it offers more of a challenge to the top of Table Mountain with breathtaking views ever-changing as you move up the mountain. About 3km (1.9 miles), taking ± 4 hours with an elevation gain of 700m (2300 feet).
Table Mountain Top
This is a scenic tour with unspoiled views of the Cape Peninsula and surrounds on clear days. The trek is relatively easy walking from the cable station to Maclear’s Beacon (the highest peak on Table Mountain) and back again. The hike is around 5 km (3 miles) taking ± 3 hours with an elevation gain of 50m (150 feet).
Skeleton Gorge to Cable Car
This is a longer hike which covers a larger area of Table Mountain. Starting at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, ascend the forested gorge coming out on the back of the Table around the dams. Topping out at Maclear’s Beacon (Table Mountain’s summit), traverse the Front Face of Table Mountain to reach the upper cable station. On a clear day you can expect views of Robben Island. About 7km (4.5 miles) taking ± 5 hours with an elevation gain of 950m (3100 feet).
Cape Point
Away from the buzzing city, this hiking gem has a variety of trails and views to offer. Starting at the entrance of Cape Point Reserve and traversing the eastern side of the Peninsula to reach the Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse. This hike can be a challenge but the reward is the spectacular views along the way. It is longer than other day hikes and it often has a feeling of remoteness. About 16km (10 miles) taking ± 6 hours with an elevation gain/loss of 750m (2460 feet).