Even though we join groups, the combined group size rarely exceeds 8 people outside peak season (November to January). And we do our best to ensure compatibility with regards fitness and experience levels. Two guides are allocated for groups larger than 8 people. Private hikes (no one else joins your group) are available on request and involve an additional cost. Please enquire for details.

Perfect hiking days on Table Mountain are not as common as you might think. It’s often windy, very hot, bitterly cold, wet or cloudy (cloud on the mountain means limited or no views). This doesn’t mean one can’t hike up. Some of the most spectacular hiking occurs in the howling Southeaster wind, when the famous Tablecloth cloud-formation engulfs the mountain. Cloud or mist lends an air of mystery to the mountain and creates surreal surroundings. We operate in most weather conditions, so it is up to you to inform us if you have contingency days available in the event of less-than-perfect weather. Naturally, we won’t hike you up in the driving rain (although we’ve had masochists) or if adverse conditions make a route unsafe. If conditions are dubious, we level with you at the outset of the hike as to the chances of getting views from the summit.

You don’t need Gore-tex boots, trekking poles or fancy hydration gadgets to hike up Table Mountain. The kit list below includes the bare essentials:

• Water (at least 1,5 liters)
• Something warm like a fleece or sweater
  
• Comfortable sport shoes (running shoes / sneakers are fine)
  
• A daypack
  
• Sunscreen and hat
  
• Snacks
  

Please avoid wearing the following:

• Sandals
  
• Jeans or dresses / skirts
  
• Excessive or expensive jewellery

Please Note:
Depending on the route and weather, we might advise you to bring additional items like additional water, lunch, rain-jacket, etc. On scramble and climbing routes, we supply ropes and safety gear. We have spare hats, daypacks and waterproofs, so let us know if you need anything.

We are flexible in this regard, but do recommend a starting time based on the weather and time of year. A late start on a hot day pretty much ruins the experience. In summer, an early start is imperative for getting the most out of the hike: there’s more shade at that time, the air is cooler, and the light is better for taking pictures. It’s hard to enjoy your surroundings and appreciate the view when you’re sweltering under the blazing African sun, struggling to breathe and streaming with sweat. But we realize that you’re on holiday and that you might not be an early bird; as long as you understand and accept the potential implications of hitting the trail late on a hot day.

If you’re thinking of doing a Private hike, it’s best to book long in advance. For standard hikes there’s no need to book weeks in advance, but feel free to do so. We get a lot of bookings a day or two ahead of time. We are very flexible in this regard and will do everything possible to accommodate you.

Payment in cash on the day of the hike, before or after the hike. We take no deposits, and no cancellation fees are charged in the event of bad weather. If you cancel within 24 hours of the meeting / pick-up time, for whatever reason other than bad weather, then a 50% cancellation fee applies.

If you don’t have a rental car, we offer free pick-up and drop-off in the city area. Our cars take up to 4 people, and since it’s a courtesy service, spaces are allotted on a first-come-first-served basis (first 4 people to book for any given day). Free taxi pick-up for others, but not drop-off; however, we will obtain a reliable taxi for you on completion of the hike (about R120 to any address within the city area).