Ferny Dell HIKE
Ferny Dell Hike Table Mountain: The Ultimate Wilderness Adventure
Ready to push your limits and explore Table Mountain’s wildest side? The Ferny Dell Hike ranks as one of the most challenging and adventurous routes, offering an unrivalled wilderness experience. Perfect for experienced and adventurous hikers, this off-the-beaten-track journey through primordial indigenous forest culminates near Maclear’s Beacon, Table Mountain’s highest point.
Unearth the Untamed Ferny Dell Hike
The Ferny Dell hike is truly for the intrepid. It ascends a wild and dramatic section of Table Mountain, delivering an authentic wilderness experience that few ever witness. Imagine yourself as an explorer in a lost world – that’s the essence of Ferny Dell. This vintage Table Mountain route takes you far off the beaten track, topping out near Maclear’s Beacon, the mountain’s highest point. From there, you’ll traverse the length of the famous tabletop summit to reach the Upper Cable Station. Book Now.
Ferny Dell Hike Difficulty: A True Test of Grit
The Ferny Dell hike is rated as one of Table Mountain’s most demanding. Difficulty stems from a combination of physicality, technicality, rugged terrain, and exposure to heights. This route serves up all four! Expect at least two scrambles that necessitate the use of a rope. The going is consistently characterised by rugged terrain, including dense bush, loose rock, and continuous scrambling.
Note: For those seeking a less intense version, bypassing the Dell proper via a composite route called Hiddingh-Ascension can significantly reduce the overall difficulty.
Terrain on the Ferny Dell Hike
The Ferny Dell route often follows a vague trail for much of the way, making navigation part of the adventure. The terrain is notably rugged, comprising sections of dense bush, loose rock, and demanding scrambling. This is not a groomed path, but a raw, natural ascent.
Ferny Dell Hike Information
- Grade: B+ (Highly Challenging & Adventurous)
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (add one hour to the Upper Cable Station)
- Distance: Approximately 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1000 meters / 3300 feet
Dare to embark on this adventure? Book Now to experience the Ferny Dell Hike!
Information & Prices
- Grade: B+
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours to the summit (add one hour to the upper cable station)
- Distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
- Elevation gain: 1000 meters / 3300 feet
- Cost: R2400 per person
Ferny Dell Scenery: Primordial Grandeur
The Ferny Dell hike tackles the lush and often forbidding eastern flank of Table Mountain. Much of the ascent leads you through a remarkable indigenous forest, reminiscent of a tropical jungle, exuding a sense of primordial grandeur. Views are predominantly inland, stretching across False Bay, providing a unique perspective of the Cape Peninsula.
Pros of the Ferny Dell Hike
- Vintage Table Mountain experience for the expert hiker.
- Far off the beaten track, ensuring solitude.
- Adventure at every turn, with challenging scrambles and varied terrain.
- Immersive in pristine nature and untamed wilderness.
- Offers profound beauty and grandeur in its unique setting.
Cons of the Ferny Dell Hike
- Limited views in sections due to the dense forest canopy.
- Inland views may not be preferred by those seeking direct sea views.
- Difficult terrain and no groomed trail.
- No direct sea views on the ascent.
Main Attractions on the Ferny Dell Hike
- Explore a primordial indigenous forest unlike anywhere else on the mountain.
- Experience true adventure with challenging scrambles and rope sections.
- The rare opportunity to visit a part of the mountain few ever set foot on.
- Navigate Carrel’s Ledge: a sensational and ingenious traverse along a narrow ledge – definitely not for the faint-hearted!
- The reward of topping out at Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain.
Who Should Consider the Ferny Dell Hike?
The Ferny Dell hike is exclusively for:
- Experienced and adventurous hikers who possess a strong appreciation for wilderness.
- Individuals who genuinely enjoy exploring off the beaten track and seeking a profound challenge.
Who Should Avoid the Ferny Dell Hike?
This route is not suitable for:
- Unfit hikers or those with limited hiking experience.
- Hikers who are afraid of heights.
- “Bucket-list” hikers whose sole focus is the quickest summit ascent.
- Hikers with a low sense of adventure or who prefer well-defined paths.
- Hikers who prefer continuous sea views on their ascent.
How Fit Should You Be to Enjoy the Ferny Dell Route?
An above-average fitness level is crucial for the Ferny Dell hike. As with all Table Mountain routes, the less physical fitness you bring to the hike, the more determination, motivation, and grit you will need to complete this demanding and rewarding adventure.
Ferny Dell Compared to Other Table Mountain Hikes:
Compared to Kasteelspoort, India Venster, and Skeleton Gorge, Ferny Dell:
- Is much more challenging and adventurous.
- While the views and setting are beautiful, the primary focus is adventuring in a true wilderness environment, demanding more technical skill and resilience.
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.