Platteklip Gorge: The Quickest Way Up Table Mountain
Platteklip Gorge (Dutch/Afrikaans for “Flat Rock Gorge”) is the quickest, easiest, and oldest route up Table Mountain. While it is the most popular Table Mountain hike, it also offers the least in terms of scenery and excitement. However, for those looking to reach the summit quickly and without complication, it is the ideal choice.
Route Overview & What to Expect
The trail itself is well-defined, consisting of natural rock steps that zigzag up an imposing ravine that slashes up the mountain’s front side. While the hike is a tad tedious for adventurous spirits, the route gets you to the summit efficiently. Due to its direct nature, views are limited by the sheer sidewalls of the gorge. On weekends, particularly during summer, this route gets very busy as it’s the default choice for visitors.
Pros & Cons of Platteklip Gorge
Pros:
- Speed: It’s the quickest route to the summit.
- Simplicity: The trail is well-defined and easy to follow.
- Accessibility: It’s ideal for those with limited time or average fitness.
- Convenient Descent: It serves as a reliable descent route for climbers or hikers when the cable car is closed due to strong wind.
Cons:
- Least Scenic: The views are limited, and the route doesn’t showcase the mountain’s diverse beauty.
- Tedious: The repetitive rock steps can make the hiking feel unexciting.
- Crowded: As the most popular route, it can be very busy, especially during peak season.
Is Platteklip Gorge the Right Route for You?
While it doesn’t do justice to the full Table Mountain hiking experience, Platteklip Gorge is the perfect route for a specific type of hiker:
- Those who are short on time or have no interest in exploring the more pristine parts of the mountain.
- Those who are extremely unfit and simply want to get to the summit as quickly as possible.
- Visitors who have no choice but to hike up due to a cable car closure.
For the rest, who seek a more stimulating and scenic adventure, we invite you to follow us on one of our longer or more challenging routes that truly showcase the mountain’s grandeur.
Beyond the Stereotype: A Look at the Gorge’s Hidden Beauty
Despite its reputation as the “Coca-Cola route,” Platteklip Gorge does offer some impressive scenery. Along its upper reaches, it cuts deep into the mountain, creating beetling cliffs that form a narrow, 3-meter-wide corridor. In winter, a fast-flowing stream with lovely cascades can be found in the lower part of the gorge.
First ascended in 1503 by Portuguese explorer António de Saldanha, Platteklip Gorge has become synonymous with Table Mountain hiking and remains the default choice for many. While it may be scorned by experienced mountaineers, its historical significance and reliable nature make it an indispensable part of the mountain’s character.
Guided Hiking Routes on Table Mountain
Our diverse range of Table Mountain routes offers unparalleled variety in views, difficulty, and terrain. Whether you prefer well-defined paths with minimal scrambling or desire rugged terrain with demanding ascents and exhilarating narrow ledges, we have the perfect Table Mountain hike for you. Explore iconic Table Mountain trails or discover hidden gems.
Most Popular Table Mountain Guided Hikes
Hike Table Mountain has grown from a personal passion into a way of life, driven by a deep love for the mountain itself. Our approach is simple: we’re not bound by rigid business models or market trends. Instead, we let our passion for Table Mountain guide us, creating a unique and personal experience for everyone who joins our guided hikes on Table Mountain.