Summit Stroll
Summit Stroll Table Mountain: Panoramic Views Without the Climb
Experience the breathtaking majesty of Table Mountain’s summit without the strenuous ascent! The Summit Stroll allows you to take the cable car up, then enjoy a leisurely guided walk across the famous tabletop, discovering unparalleled 360-degree views, hidden gems, and the mountain’s highest point. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels, this is the ultimate way to truly explore Table Mountain’s summit.
Discover the Unforgettable Summit Stroll on Table Mountain
The Summit Stroll Table Mountain experience is designed for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the iconic mountain’s summit without the challenge of an uphill hike. This unique tour involves taking the Table Mountain Cableway to the top, followed by a guided walk that effectively near-circumambulates the famous ‘Table,’ offering panoramic views in every direction.
Your guided stroll leads to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. You’ll then continue to the unfrequented eastern edge of the summit plateau, a serene contrast to the busier western side. This tour is specifically geared towards those averse to strenuous hiking, particularly uphill climbs, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors. Book Now.
Summit Stroll Difficulty: Accessible & Enjoyable
The Summit Stroll features largely level terrain along a well-groomed path for the majority of the route. The primary challenge lies in the distance covered rather than difficult terrain, scrambling, or steep inclines. The trickiest section is a short, manageable descent to the top of Platteklip Gorge. While a short section along the front rim involves mild exposure to heights, this can be easily avoided by your guide if preferred.
Terrain on the Summit Stroll
The Summit Stroll involves negligible elevation gain and loss, making it a comfortable walk. The route follows an excellent, well-maintained trail and traverses sensitive marsh areas along secure boardwalks. A single, short scramble down (and back up on the return) constitutes the only ‘technical’ aspect, easily navigated by most.
Scenery on the Summit Stroll: Unrivalled 360-Degree Views
The Summit Stroll is truly all about the views! Setting out from the Upper Cable Station, you are immediately greeted with expansive vistas towards the west and southwest, encompassing the stunning Atlantic coast and the majestic Twelve Apostles range.
You’ll then follow the rear rim of the plateau, offering captivating views towards the south, across the back of Table Mountain and down the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Arriving on the eastern edge of the mountain provides breathtaking eastward views towards the Winelands and distant country mountains. Finally, on the exhilarating loop back to the Upper Cable Station, you’ll enjoy superb northerly views of the city centre, V&A Waterfront, and the West Coast, including historic Robben Island. The summit scenery itself comprises fascinating rock ridges, pristine marshes, and ‘vlaktes’ (local mountaineering term for a small, high-lying plain). This tour provides significantly more views and nature than simply wandering around the Upper Cable Station precinct, as most visitors do.
Information & Prices
- Grade: A
- Duration: 3 hours
- Distance: 4.8 km / 3 miles
- Elevation gain: 50 meters / 160 feet
- Cost: R1500 per person / R1300 pp if others join
Summit Stroll Information
- Grade: A (Easy walk, minimal elevation)
- Duration: 3 hours (approximate total)
- Distance: 4.8 km / 3 miles (approximate total)
- Elevation Gain: 50 meters / 160 feet (negligible)
Ready to explore the summit? Enquire Now to book your Summit Stroll!
Pros of the Summit Stroll
- Gain the full range of Table Mountain views (360 degrees) without excessive physical effort.
- Enjoy views in a peaceful environment, away from the bustling crowds around the Upper Station.
- Opportunity to learn all there is to know about Table Mountain’s singular summit and its rich natural history.
- Reach Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on the mountain.
- Experience the unique nature and solitude of the eastern edge, a stark contrast to the busy western edge.
- Required fitness level is not prohibitive, making it accessible to many.
Cons of the Summit Stroll
- No sense of achievement from having ‘conquered’ the mountain by hiking up.
- Potential for queueing at the lower cable station (though this can be avoided with Fast Track tickets, which are more expensive).
- Susceptible to bad weather: heavy cloud cover and/or strong wind can unfortunately cancel the hike.
Main Attractions on the Summit Stroll
- Discover a ‘secret’ viewpoint on the eastern edge, offering unique perspectives.
- Reach Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain.
- Admire The Lakelet, a charming small body of water.
- Stroll across pristine marshes via boardwalks.
- Experience the sensation of walking along what feels like the edge of the world, with the magnificent city of Cape Town spread out beneath your feet.
Who should consider Summit Stroll?
- Older or elderly visitors seeking a gentle exploration.
- Visitors nursing an injury (provided it’s nothing serious).
- Visitors with impaired balance or mild mobility issues (though not excessive).
- Visitors with below-average fitness.
- Travel-weary visitors with no time for a proper uphill hike on other days.
- Visitors who simply want to explore the iconic summit and get all-round views without breaking too much of a sweat.
Who Should Avoid the Summit Stroll?
This tour is not recommended for:
- Visitors with an average or above-average fitness level who desire a physical challenge.
- Visitors wanting the sense of achievement gained through hiking up the mountain.
- Visitors with a strong sense of adventure who prefer more rugged trails.
- Outdoor enthusiasts who seek immersive, strenuous hiking experiences.
How Fit Should You Be to Enjoy the Summit Stroll?
A below-average fitness level is sufficient for the Summit Stroll. As with all routes, the less physical fitness you bring, the more determination, motivation, and grit you may need, but this particular tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable for most.
though nothing serious)
- Visitors with impaired balance or mobility (though not excessive)
- Visitors with below average fitness
- Travel-weary visitors with no time for a proper hike any other day
- Visitors who simply want to explore the iconic summit and get all-round views without breaking too much of a sweat
Who should avoid Summit Stroll?
- Visitors with an average or above average fitness
- Visitors wanting the sense of achievement gained through hiking up
- Visitors with a sense of adventure
- Outdoor enthusiasts
How fit should I be to enjoy the route?
A below-average fitness level is sufficient for the Summit Stroll. As with all routes, the less physical fitness you bring, the more determination, motivation, and grit you may need, but this particular tour is designed to be accessible and comfortable for most.
We also offer other hikes on Table Mountain such as India Venster, Platteklip Gorge and Skeleton Gorge, to name a few. Take a look at the other routes we offer here.