Routes & Prices
Hiking Routes on table mountain
Hike Table Mountain is the only mountain-guiding outfit that offers hikes up all Table Mountain hiking and scrambling routes, giving you the widest range of options for the ultimate experience.
There is no shortage of guided routes: about 50 ranging from popular to obscure, beginner to expert. These can be mixed and matched to produce even more options. Routes vary greatly in views, difficulty and terrain. The easiest follow well-defined paths involving minimal scrambling and narrow ledges. The hardest traverse rugged terrain (bush and loose rock) with lots of scrambling and narrow ledges.
Table Mountain Routes Information
- Routes are graded A, B or C. Grades do not reflect physicality or exposure to heights (narrow ledges), only technicality. An A-route involves mostly walking, a B-route some scrambling and a C route more demanding scrambling, often necessitating the use of a rope.
- Times are approximate.
- Costs are for groups of two people. Groups of three or more pay less per person.
- Costs are for group hikes: open to others joining. Maximum group size per guide is seven people. Please specify if you prefer a private hike (more expensive).
Table Mountain Hiking Routes
Below are the most popular and classic Table Mountain routes with a few handpicked options. Many more options exist. For the discerning hiker, we are able to customize a hike around your fitness, experience, sense of adventure, preferences and interests.
The easiest and most direct route to the summit and hence also the most popular, so expect company along the way. Follows a well-constructed trail up a prominent ravine on the iconic front face of the mountain. City views on the ascent. Optional extension: from the ravine head, traverse the length of the famous tabletop summit to the highest point on the mountain for more great views, an extra 1.5 hours and R400 pp. READ MORE
R1900 per person
Duration: 3.5 hours to the summit (add one hour to the upper cable station)
A Table Mountain classic. Follows a lush ravine through indigenous jungle before emerging onto shrub-covered slopes to eventually gain the highest point on the mountain. A short detour leads to a ‘beach’ at the historic Table Mountain dams. Takes in all floral zones and covers the length of the famous tabletop summit. Jungle setting with Peninsula and inland views on the ascent. READ MORE
Kasteelspoort to Table Mountain Summit
Leads up the dramatic chain of seaboard peaks extending behind Table Mountain’s tabletop summit. Sea views on the first half with Peninsula views further up. Takes in a lot of the mountain, offering peace and quiet as well as superb viewpoints. Optional short detours to the photogenic Diving Board and the historic Table Mountain dams. Finishes on the famous tabletop summit. READ MORE
India Venster
Arguably the best half-day route to the summit. A sensational ascent on an impressive part of the mountain, offering superb city and sea views. Involves scrambling and exposure to heights (narrow ledges – nothing extreme) about 15% of the way, therefore ideal for, but not restricted to the more adventurous. Dramatic topography and varied hiking. READ MORE
Llandudno Ravine
A delightful route up the southernmost extremity of the Table Mountain range, topping out at some of the best viewpoints on the mountain. Lots of solitude, so ample opportunity to connect with nature. Does not gain the famous tabletop summit, but offers distant views of it as well as superb angles onto the whole mountain. Ideal for those wanting a second Table Mountain hike. READ MORE
Ferny Dell
One of the wildest and most challenging routes up Table Mountain. Suited to adventurous hikers with a good fitness level and a solid head for heights. Tackles a formidable part of the mountain, taking you off the beaten track and up exposed scrambles. Only a faint trail across rugged terrain (bush / loose rock) for much of the way, this route provides an unrivalled wilderness experience. READ MORE
Lion’s Head
Located next to Table Mountain and about two-thirds its height, this free-standing peak offers exciting hiking with panoramic views. Available as a sunrise or sunset hike: a truly memorable experience. Also serves as a great alternative for when Table Mountain is windy or covered in cloud. A secret, more challenging route option is available to avoid weekend and summer busyness. READ MORE
Summit Stroll
If you simply want to explore the iconic tabletop summit and get all-round views with minimal exertion, this option is for you. We take the cable car to the summit and traverse the length of the famous tabletop to the highest point on the mountain. From there, we loop back to the upper station along the exhilarating front rim of the ‘Table’. Level terrain for much of the way. READ MORE
Please note the following
- Costs are for bookings of 2 people. Bookings of 3 or more pay less.
- Cost to single persons not joining a group (private guiding): Platteklip Gorge, R2600; India Venster and Lion’s Head, R2800; Skeleton Gorge and Kasteelspoort, R3200. Singles joining a group: R1500, R1600 and R1900 respectively.
- Free pick-up and drop-off in the city area (first 4 people to book for any given day) if you don’t have a rental car. Additional bookings: free taxi ride to the start of the hike; return for your account.
- We hike up and take the cable car down. If the cable car is closed due to strong wind, we have to hike back down (via Platteklip Gorge), an extra 2 hours and R500 pp.
- Please remember to tell us if you prefer a private hike (no one else joins your group). Refer to ‘Group Size’ on the FAQ page.
- Can’t decide on a route? No problem. Based on the information you send us about yourself, we will match you with the best route.
- Organizations, clubs and academic institutions: discounted rates available on request.
Excluded
- Cable car descent (R280 per person)
- Taxi fare on routes that require transport back to the start: R100 for Kasteelspoort and R250 for Skeleton Gorge
- Snacks and water. We’re happy to pack you a basic lunch – sandwich, dried fruit & nuts, energy bar and water – at a cost of R400 pp
- For Skeleton Gorge: entrance to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (R220 pp)