Hiking Table Mountain During the Southeaster (Cape Doctor)
The Southeaster, also known as the Cape Doctor, is Cape Town’s prevailing summer wind, howling across the Peninsula from late October to early February. If you’re planning to hike Table Mountain during this period, it’s essential to be aware of how this powerful wind can impact your experience.
How the Southeaster Impacts Your Hike
While hiking Table Mountain in Southeasterly conditions is not unsafe, the strong wind can be unpleasant. Don’t bemoan your luck if it’s blowing a gale on the day of your hike; it’s an integral part of Cape Town’s summer climate, so it’s best to just roll with it.
The wind has several key effects on your Table Mountain hike:
- Cableway Closure: Strong wind closes the cableway, necessitating a hike-down—a tough and often gruelling experience for unprepared hikers.
- The Tablecloth: Thick cloud, known as the Tablecloth, usually forms on the mountain when the Southeaster blows. This results in little to no views from the summit, which can be disappointing, although a [guided hike in Cape Town] offers much more than just views.
- Cold and Damp: The cloud makes conditions cold and damp, a far cry from what you might envision for a summer hike in Africa.
Tips for Hiking in Windy Conditions
To ensure you have the best possible experience, it’s wise to plan ahead and choose a route that mitigates the effects of the wind. Guided hikes can be structured to include sheltered parts of the mountain, ensuring you spend less time in the wind.
This is also one of the reasons why most hikes start at sunrise—to beat the wind, which often freshens in the afternoon. For this reason, we recommend that you plan your Table Mountain hike for early in your stay to allow for spare days in the event of bad weather or strong wind.
The Unexpected Beauty of a Windy Day
Hiking in a raging Southeaster isn’t all bad. Being up there in the swirling cloud, with the wind moaning around the rocks, is a truly special experience in itself. Very few people venture out in those conditions, so you have the whole mountain to yourself. The tearing wind charges the air with energy and the swirling cloud creates a mystical, atmospheric environment.
If you’re fit enough to hike back down and don’t mind the absence of views or getting your hair ruffled, you’re bound to have a uniquely unforgettable experience. The exhilaration of being on Table Mountain in wild conditions and the sense of achievement gained from braving the elements makes for a truly memorable adventure.
Understanding Table Mountain Hiking Routes
To help you choose your ideal guided Table Mountain route, we categorize them by technicality:
- Grade A Routes: Primarily walking, ideal for those seeking a gentle Table Mountain walk.
- Grade B Routes: Involve some scrambling, offering a more adventurous Table Mountain climb.
- Grade C Routes: Feature demanding scrambling, often requiring rope assistance, perfect for experienced hikers seeking the most challenging Table Mountain hikes.
Please note that route times are approximate. Our pricing is structured for groups of two, with reduced per-person rates for groups of three or more. All listed costs are for open group hikes (maximum 7 people per guide).
For a private and more personalized Table Mountain hiking tour, please inquire about our private table mountain hike options.